How ling can I stay on visit visa

[gns3555]

Hi,

My question is someone have a UK visit visa valid till 20th February 2021 and they arrive in UK on the 5th February. Can they stay in UK for 6 month although their visa is expiring on 20th Feb?

Since the UK visit visa allow to stay maximum for 6 month.

[CR001]

Can they stay in UK for 6 month although their visa is expiring on 20th Feb?

No they cannot. They must leave the UK by the date their visa expires. The 6 months is the validity the visa is granted for. It is not 6 months fro date of entry after the visa was issued almost 6 months ago.

Since the UK visit visa allow to stay maximum for 6 month.

Yea, but only within the visa validity. Coming to the UK so late doesn't mean you can stay for almost 6 months after the visa expires. It doesn't work like that.

[secret.simon]

And keep in mind that if they overstay past 20th Feb 2021, they will have major difficulties when it comes to any future visit visa applications.

Why did they not arrive in the UK earlier?

[gns3555]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

[vinny]

Should not have travelled during a pandemic! Overstaying is not recommended. There may be three options.

If possible, then depart the U.K. before visa expires.
Request additional time.
Extend.