- Business Visas
- Tourist & other Short-term Visas
- Do you need a Visa?
- Tourist & other Short-term Visa Requirements
- Applying for a Tourist & other Short-term Visa
- Visa Facts
- Dealing with Immigration Officials
- Visa Refusals
- Professional Advice & Assistance
- Entering the UK
- Refusal of Entry into the UK
- Visas for Medical Treatment
- Passengers in Transit
BUSINESS
VISASPersons intending to visit the UK on a business trip are advised to see the comprehensive information provided on our Business Visas & Residence page.
TOURIST VISAS & OTHER SHORT-TERM VISAS
Most persons who come to the UK for short periods come as tourists, business
visitors or to see family members.
These visas are collectively referred to as ‘visit visas’. This page provides information about visitors visas and how to obtain them.
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
All foreign nationals require a visa except:
EEA NATIONALS
Austria; Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
NON-VISA NATIONALS
Note that non-visa nationals must still meet the relevant entry requirements although they do not have to obtain an entry clearance before travel.
They must be prepared to show documentary proof when necessary that they meet the requirements. Failure to do so may result in refusal of entry when arriving to the UK.
See our UK Entry Formalities page for more details.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
The principal requirements for admission to the UK as a tourist or visitor
are that the applicant:
- is genuinely seeking entry for not more than six months as a visitor;
- intends to leave at the end of his visit
- does not intend to take employment paid or unpaid, or to produce goods or provide services, including selling goods or services direct to the public, during the visit;
- does not intend to study at a publicly funded school;
- can be maintained and accommodated without recourse to public funds;
- is able to meet the costs of their onward journey.
Applicants may be questioned and required to provide documentary evidence that they are able to meet these requirements.
APPLYING FOR A VISA
To apply for a visa the applicant must
- be outside the United Kingdom and Islands at the time of the application
- apply to the British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in the country or territory where they live. This is defined as the place where they are present in any capacity other than as a short-term visitor and have permission from the relevant authorities to be so. (Note that some discretion is allowed officials in this regard)
- pay any fee required
- answer all questions asked on the visa application form and by officials honestly
- provide documentary evidence where requested to back up any statements they make.
VISA FACTS
The length of time taken to process the application will depend on the
British Post. However many Embassies will issue entry clearance on a same-day
basis.
Visas are normally granted to tourists for six months and may be valid for a single or multiple entry. Single entry visas allow only one entry into the UK while multiple entry visas allow the holder to travel into and out of the UK on multiple occasions during that period.
You must state when applying whether you want a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Note that single-entry visas may be issued more quickly, particularly to persons who have not visited the UK before.
Note that the visa is valid for entry into the UK before the date indicated. When you enter a separate stamp is placed in your passport showing the date of arrival. The period of 'leave to enter' will run from that date.
DEALING WITH IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS
Most immigration officers and Embassy staff are friendly and helpful. Keep your interaction with them friendly, respectful and to the point.
Ask for specific information and check when your application should be submitted to allow ample time for processing.
See Applying for a UK Visa or Entry Permit for more detailed information.
We recommend you keep copies of all application forms and other documents you submit, and make notes of any specific questions you are asked and the answers you provide. Good records will provide an accurate basis for further representations to be made in the event that your application is refused.
If you have any doubts or require further advice or assistance contact an immigration specialist British solicitor.
VISA REFUSALS
In some cases visa officers may contact you to say that they do not feel
they can approve your application as submitted. This gives you the opportunity
to submit additional facts and documents in support of the application,
or to withdraw the application before it is refused.
If this occurs we recommend you immediately contact a specialist UK immigration solicitor for advice.
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE
If you have any doubts it is best to take professional advice from an
immigration solicitor before making applications.
It is much cheaper to take advice from a solicitor and obtain your entry clearance, than to engage a solicitor’s help in overturning a visa refusal.
DJ Webb and Co. have many years of experience in dealing with all types of visa applications. We can quickly help prepare your applications and supporting documentation.
ENTERING THE UK
The formalities that occur when you arrive in the UK are important and
must not be taken lightly. Failure to prepare for these may result in
refusal of entry.
See our section on UK Entry Formalities for more information.
REFUSAL OF ENTRY INTO THE UK
If you are refused entry into the UK it is best to contact an immigration
solicitor immediately.
VISAS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
Visit visas are issued in certain cases to patients requiring medical
treatment in the UK.
It is necessary to satisfy the UK authorities of the following before such a visa is granted:
- that the course of medical treatment is of finite duration and they intend to leave the UK at the end of treatment;
- evidence of the medical condition requiring consultation or treatment in the UK
- that arrangements for private medical treatment in the UK have been made and the estimated cost and duration of treatment
- that funds are available to pay for the treatment, accommodation and costs during the stay.
Note that where the patient has family in the UK the authorities will wish to be satisfied that the applicant does intend to leave the UK after treatment is complete.
Unlike other visitors, persons receiving private medical treatment may apply for an extension of stay beyond the initial period of six months normally granted on entry.
If there are any doubts it may be prudent to contact an specialist UK immigration solicitor for advice before an application is made.
PASSENGERS IN TRANSIT
Most passengers who have a confirmed booking on an onward flight within
24 hours of arrival by air will normally be admitted as transit passengers
without visas.
However, citizens of certain specified countries require a visa even for this purpose.