About Immigration
  • Home
  • Ask Our Experts
  • Asylum
  • Citizenship
  • Facts & Figures
  • Life in the UK
  • Residency
  • Site Information
  • UK Visitors
  • Workers
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Ask Our Experts
  • Asylum
  • Citizenship
  • Facts & Figures
  • Life in the UK
  • Residency
  • Site Information
  • UK Visitors
  • Workers
No Result
View All Result
About Immigration
No Result
View All Result
Home UK Visitors

Do I Need a Visa to Visit the UK?

AboutImmigration by AboutImmigration
August 18, 2021
in UK Visitors
0
Do I Need a Visa to Visit the UK?
0
SHARES
21
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

There are many different categories of UK visa. Whether or not a foreign national will require a visa before they can visit the UK will depend on a number of factors. In particular:

  • The purpose of their visit to the UK;
  • The length of their visit to the UK;
  • The nationality of the visitor;
  • The country of residence of the visitor.

Where to Find Information About UK Visa Requirements

The UK Border Agency has a dedicated website to provide information about visa requirements for travel to the UK. Visitors to the site can complete a very short online questionnaire. From the answers provided the website will tell them whether or not they need a visa. The website also contains a list of all countries whose citizens require a visa to enter – or in some cases transit through – the UK. Alternatively any British Embassy or Consulate which provides visa services will be able to provide the necessary information.

The UK Border Agency visa website provides a complete list of the countries whose nationals require a visa to come to the UK. Citizens of countries which are included in this list are known as visa nationals. The citizens of countries not listed are known as non-visa nationals.

Coming to the UK as an EU Citizen

European Union and European Economic Area citizens do not, generally, require visas to live or work in the UK. However, citizens of some of the newer EU member countries may require permission if they wish to work in the UK.

Coming to the UK for a Holiday

A foreign national who intends to spend less than six months in the UK before returning home, and who can support themselves financially whilst they are here, is likely to be classed as a visitor for visa purposes.

If the visitor is a visa national they will require a visitor’s visa to come to the UK. A visitor’s visa may be valid for between six months and 10 years. The holder of the visa may leave and re-enter the UK repeatedly whilst the visa is valid as long as they never stay in the UK for longer than six months. Non-visa nationals will not need a visa to visit the UK for a holiday provided they leave within six months.

Coming to the UK to Study

Foreign citizens, other than nationals of EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries who wish to study in the UK must obtain entry clearance before they travel to the UK. Anyone wishing to study in the UK who is not an EU/EEA national will require a visa. If the course they intend to study lasts less than six months they may be entitled to travel on a student visitor visa. Students who are due to study a full-time university or school course will require a full student visa.

Coming to the UK to Work

Citizens of the EEA are allowed to work in the UK without obtaining a visa. However, citizens of some countries who joined the EU recently may need to register with the UK Border Agency or obtain permission before they start work.

Nationals of other countries will require a visa before they can work in the UK. The visa, and method of application, will depend on the applicant’s skills and the type of work they do. From late 2008 the system for those applying for a work visa is due to change with different categories of worker and a new points-based system being introduced.

Travelling Through the UK

The nationals of some countries will need a visa even if they will only be travelling through the UK in transit to another country. Non-visa nationals will not require a visa to transit through the UK. Some visa nationals will not require a visa provided that they spend less than 24 hours in the UK and are guaranteed entry to their final destination. However, some visa nationals will always require a visa to enter the UK, therefore, it is vital that visa nationals check the requirements before they travel.

Previous Post

Customs Rules for Entry into the UK

Next Post

Do I Need to Pay for Help With My Visa?

Next Post
Do I Need to Pay for Help With My Visa?

Do I Need to Pay for Help With My Visa?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

UK Policies on Illegal Immigrants

UK Policies on Illegal Immigrants

11 months ago
Where to go for Help or Advice as an Immigrant

Where to go for Help or Advice as an Immigrant

11 months ago

Trending

Human Rights and Racial Equality

Multicultural Britain: What Does it Mean?

11 months ago
'Spouse' Visa

Marrying a UK Citizen

11 months ago

Popular

Human Rights and Racial Equality

Multicultural Britain: What Does it Mean?

11 months ago
'Spouse' Visa

Marrying a UK Citizen

11 months ago
Coming to the UK as an Au Pair

Coming to the UK as an Au Pair

11 months ago
UK Detention Centres

UK Detention Centres

11 months ago
pexels-david-mcbee-730547

UK Immigrants and State Benefits

11 months ago

UK immigration laws and requirements are changing all the time and it is vital that applicants know exactly what is required before they begin their application. AboutImmigration contains all the relevant information in one place to ensure that visa applicants know how to make a successful application, as well as what they can expect - and what is expected of them - when they come to the UK.

Category

  • Ask Our Experts
  • Asylum
  • Citizenship
  • Facts & Figures
  • Life in the UK
  • Residency
  • UK Visitors
  • Workers
  • About

© 2021 AboutImmigration.co.uk

No Result
View All Result
  • About Our Site
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer Notice
  • Discussions Guidelines
  • Extensive Information on Immigration in the UK
  • Guidelines for Submitting Comments
  • IP & Copyright Notice
  • Link To Us
  • RSS News Feed
  • Terms of Use and Privacy Notice
  • Use Our Content

© 2021 AboutImmigration.co.uk