The UK government has amended its Immigration Rules to broaden the range of activities permitted under the Visitor route. The changes, published on 3 September 2026, introduce specific new provisions for participants in the Erasmus+ programme. These updates allow visitors to engage in various activities, including workshops, debates, and Skills Competitions, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Under the revised rules, every visitor arriving in the UK can now participate in workshops and debates, as well as attend Skills Competitions. These activities were not previously available to visitors travelling under the standard Visitor route. The expansion represents a notable broadening of what individuals can legally engage in during a visit to the UK without requiring a separate work or study visa.
A new dedicated sub-section titled "Erasmus+ Activities" has been added to the Permitted Activities appendix, creating a distinct category for those enrolled in the Erasmus+ programme. This applies exclusively to qualifying Erasmus+ participants and outlines a separate list of permitted engagements while in the UK on a visitor visa.
Eligible Erasmus+ participants may provide or receive training at a UK-based organisation or educational institution, take part in courses, and undertake a traineeship of up to 30 days at a UK-based organisation or educational institution. They may also carry out job shadowing at a UK-based organisation, including sports organisations, and participate in coaching or training assignments at a UK-based sports organisation.
All of these activities remain subject to the eligibility criteria in Appendix V: Visitor. Individuals who do not meet those requirements will not be able to benefit from the Erasmus+ provisions, even if they are enrolled in the programme. The changes mark a significant shift in how the UK's Visitor route accommodates international education and training partnerships.
In a related development, the UK has listed three long-term Standard Visitor visa categories designed for travellers who make regular trips to the country. These categories permit holders to remain in the UK for up to six months on each individual visit, with the key difference between them being their period of validity.
The updates to the Immigration Rules reflect the UK government's efforts to enhance its Visitor route and accommodate international education and training partnerships. The changes are expected to benefit individuals from countries that participate in Erasmus+, including Ghana, and facilitate greater collaboration and exchange between UK-based organisations and international partners.
Key points
- The UK government has updated its Immigration Rules to allow visitors to participate in workshops, debates, and Skills Competitions.
- A new dedicated sub-section for Erasmus+ Activities has been added to the Permitted Activities appendix.
- Eligible Erasmus+ participants can undertake traineeships, job shadowing, and coaching assignments at UK-based organisations.
