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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Explore different

VisitBritain/Kieran Duncan

Glen Coe, Scotland

Spilling the tea on GB

We’re spilling the tea on the hottest experiences – and it’s not just a good old brew that we’re mad about.

Cardiff, Wales

Key sporting moments in 2024

Grab your tickets, or a spot by a screen, and join the atmosphere of brilliant British sport.

VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion//Nutkhut and Dr Blighty

Day trips from London

Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London.

VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

Parc national de Sowdonia (Eryri), Pays de Galles

How to see Britain differently

From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores.

VisitBritain - The official tourism website of Great Britain

Providing you with inspirational activities and experiences, from those in the know.

Your guidance and information about travelling to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Helping the travel industry showcase the best of Britain.

Cultural hotspots

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

West Midlands Growth Company

Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

Tourism Northern Ireland

Discover annual events

James Bridle

Celebrate in Britain

Find out what’s happening across the nations with our round-up of annual events.

Planning a trip? We're here to help

Your trip to england is just around the corner.

Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.

Discover Great Britain’s northern reaches

Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is as warm as the welcome.

Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures

Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.

Your trip to Northern Ireland has never looked more magical

Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Complete UK Visitor Visa Guide: Application Requirements & How to Apply – Essential for UK Tourism

Visiting the United Kingdom (UK) is a dream for many. Whether it’s the allure of London’s cosmopolitan charm, the historical allure of Edinburgh, or the scenic beauty of the Lake District, the UK has something for every traveler. However, before you can embark on your journey, there’s one crucial step you need to take: securing a UK visitor visa. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the application process, from understanding the requirements to submitting your application.

Understanding the UK Visitor Visa

Uk visitor visa requirements, how to apply for a uk visitor visa, uk visitor visa from india, uk tourist visa requirements, uk holiday visa, final thoughts.

The UK visitor visa, also known as the standard visitor visa, allows individuals to enter the UK for tourism, business meetings, academic conferences, medical treatment, and to visit family. It’s important to note that this visa does not permit you to work or study in the UK. The standard visitor visa is typically valid for six months, but longer-term visas are available, including the 10 year visit visa UK offers.

Before you apply for a UK visitor visa, it’s essential to understand the requirements. The UK government requires that you:

• Have a valid passport or other valid travel identification
• Provide proof of your ability to support yourself during your trip (e.g., bank statements or payslips for the last six months)
• Provide details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans – you shouldn’t pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
• Pay the visa fee
• Have a tuberculosis (TB) test result if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances. For example, if you’re applying for a family visit UK visa, you may need to provide proof of your relationship to the family member you’re visiting.

Applying for a UK visitor visa involves several steps:

• Complete the online application form on the UK government’s official website.
• Pay the visa fee. The cost varies depending on the length of the visa. For example, a standard six-month visa costs £95, while a 10-year visit visa UK costs £822.
• Schedule an appointment at a visa application center. You will need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
• Attend your appointment and submit your biometric information and supporting documents.
• Wait for your visa decision. The processing time can vary, but you should typically receive a decision within three weeks.

If you’re applying for a visiting visa UK from India, the process is the same as outlined above. However, you will need to apply through the UK government’s official visa partner in India, VFS Global. You can complete the application online, pay the visa fee, and schedule your appointment at one of the VFS Global visa application centers in India.

If you’re visiting the UK for tourism, the requirements are the same as for a standard visitor visa. However, you may also need to provide additional information about your travel plans, such as your itinerary, hotel reservations, and proof of any pre-booked tours or activities.

The UK holiday visa is another term for the standard visitor visa. It allows you to visit the UK for a holiday or to see family and friends. The application process and requirements are the same as for the standard visitor visa.

Applying for a UK visitor visa can seem daunting, but with careful preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, the process can be straightforward. Remember to check the latest information on the UK government’s official website or consult with a reputable travel visa company to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Happy travels!

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UK Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa Advice!)

Anne morris.

• 2 October 2022

IN THIS SECTION

There are many reasons why you might require a UK visitor visa to come to the UK, from seeing the sights to seeing friends or family.

If you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK, usually for a period of up to 6 months.

The UK Visitor visa requires an application to be made from outside the UK, which will be assessed to assess whether you meet the requirements under the visitor rules and qualify as a genuine visitor. You will need to provide supporting documents that prove you qualify for a visitor visa. Failure to show that you meet the visa requirements will result in a refusal and loss of your application fee.

What is a UK visitor visa?

The UK Standard Visitor visa replaced a number of previous categories of visitor visas. It allows visitors to come to Britain for a short stay for a number of permissible reasons, including leisure (for tourism, visiting family and friends), for  business-related activities or sporting or creative events, and other reasons such as receiving private medical treatment.

It is not possible to switch into a different visa category from the visitor visa once you are in the UK; you would need to return to your home country and apply from there for a different visa.

How long does a UK visitor visa last?

The visitor visa generally lasts for 6 months.

You can apply to stay longer if you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment (up to 11 months) or you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research (up to 12 months) but you will also need to apply for a biometric residence permit.

Under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement, Chinese nationals are allowed to enter the UK with an approved tour group for up to 30 days.

Long term visitor visa 

The long-term visitor visa may be available if you are looking to make frequent visits over a longer period, such as 2, 5 or even 10 years, however you can only stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time.

What are the permitted activities for visitors?

The visitor rules specify activities that are allowed under the route. The following are permissible activities:

• Tourism, for example on a holiday
• Visit family or friends
• Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• Transiting through the UK to travel to another country
• Certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview
• Taking part in a school exchange programme
• Undertake a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
• Study, do a placement or take an exam – this cannot be the main purpose of the visit and is limited to a maximum of 30 days
• Visiting as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• For medical reasons

You are not allowed to do the following under a visitor visa:

• Undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• Claim benefits or access public funds
• Reside in the UK for long periods using frequent and/or successive visits
• Get married or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (instead, apply for the  Marriage Visitor Visa )

It may be that the visitor visa is not appropriate and alternative immigration options will need to be considered. For example, the permitted paid engagement visa may apply if a UK company is paying you to come to the UK as an expert in your profession.

Visitors should also prepare to travel with supporting documents as they may be asked to present proof of eligibility by UK border officials.

UK visitor visa requirements

The visitor visa is limited in its eligibility. Your stay must generally be for no longer than 6 months and you have to leave the UK by the expiry date.

Your reason for travel will also be critical to your eligibility and it will be important that you understand what is allowed under the UK visitor visa to ensure you do not breach these conditions for the duration of your stay in the UK.

Applying for the UK visitor visa

Applicants must ensure they comply with the regulations and evidence their eligibility through the visa application process.

To apply for the UK visitor visa, you will need to be outside the UK. You complete the online application form and provide supporting documents to evidence your status as a genuine visitor. You will be required to attend an appointment at a visa appointment centre in your country of residence, where you will be interviewed about your application and your biometric information will be taken.

As part of your visa application you will need to prove to the caseworker that you will not be staying for more than 6 months and that you have enough money to maintain yourself (and any dependants travelling with you) during your time in the UK and to fund your return travel.

Supporting documents

Your circumstances will dictate the exact documents to provide with your application to support your case. As a minimum, you will need to verify your identity with your current passport or other valid travel identification, valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and with a blank page for the visa.

Additional supporting documents should also be provided to prove:

• Planned travel dates and itinerary including accommodation details
• Personal information such as home address and parents’ names
• Travel history (past 10 years)
• Work information such as your employer’s name and address
• Contact information of the people you will visit
• You have a genuine relationship with the person you are visiting
• Details of any convictions
• Intention to leave the UK on visa expiry. Evidence could include proof of a job or studies in your home country, or family living in your home country.
• Sufficient funds to support you and your dependants in the UK for the duration of your visit. This could be funded by you of the person you are visiting in the UK. You will not be allowed to access public funds. Proof should include recent bank statements and payslips. An estimate of the total cost of the trip should be provided, as well as details of your income.

Any documents not in English or Welsh must be provided as certified translations.

After completing the form, you will need to attend a visa application centre overseas to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Visitor visa processing times

Under normal Home Office processing standards , visitor visa applications from overseas usually takes around 3 weeks. However, ongoing delays in processing services mean visit visa applications are currently taking 6 weeks, and in some cases longer.

You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel. Fast tracked processing within 5 working days is available in some visa application centres for a premium fee.

How much does a visitor visa cost?

Currently, the UK visitor visa costs £100 for the standard 6 month stay. If you are travelling for medical reasons, the cost is £200 for six months, or £200 for academic visitors .

Longer-term visit visas cost £376 for the 2-year visit visa, £670 for the 5-year visit visa or £837 for the 10-year visit visa.

Can you stay in the UK for longer than six months? 

Generally speaking, all Standard UK visitor visas are short-term visas with a six-month maximum stay cap. Immigration regulations also prevent you from getting around this restriction by utilising a guest visa or making many, frequent, or consecutive trips, although you are free to enter and exit the UK whenever you like while your visa is still in effect.

However, citizens of China, Pakistan, India, and other non-EEA nations can apply for a long-term visit visa in order to go to the UK. These are chargeable extras that can be reserved for terms of two, five, or 10 years.

Be aware that you are still limited to a single visit lasting no longer than six months with these visas. You may, however, enter and exit the UK more than once throughout the permitted time. If you know you’ll need to visit the UK repeatedly over the course of a set amount of time, applying for a long-term visitor visa in the UK is a terrific option.

Academic visits from outside the EEA and people seeking private medical care in the UK do have another option for a longer stay. The Biometric Residence Permit is what it is called (BRP). You will need to provide biometric data about yourself, including your fingerprints, a photo, your immigration status, and more, but doing so will extend your stay in the UK over six months. This procedure, called biometric enrolment, still necessitates the presentation of proof of adequate financial support for your stay.

Visitor visa application refused?

If your UK visitor visa application. has been refused, your options could include reapplying and making a new application; submitting an appeal, where the grounds are on human rights; applying for a Judicial Review of the decision.

Your options will depend on your specific circumstances. Take professional advice to decide what you should do next.

Need assistance?

Travellers to the UK should note that even with a valid visitor visa in place, you may still be questioned at the UK border by immigration officials, to verify that you are a genuine visitor and will comply with the visitor visa rules. Where officials are concerned that you may stay longer than your visa date, or if your activities are prohibited under the visitor rules, you may be denied entry.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for advising on the most appropriate immigration route for your needs, and supporting you with effective and efficient processing of your visa application. We also understand the stresses involved with making a visa application, and take great pride in playing a supportive role to ease the pressure.  Contact us  for advice.

Visitor visa FAQs

How much funds are required for uk visitor visa.

You will need to show you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of tickets, travelling, living and accommodation expenses while you are in the UK.

What documents do I need for UK visitor visa?

Your visitor visa application will need to include your current passport or other valid travel identification, as well as other documents that prove you meet the visa requirements, such as your intention to leave the UK and that your planned activities come within the visitor visa permissible activities.

Last updated: 2 October 2022

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Family Visa UK: Explore Ways to Apply
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Ukraine Refugee Aid in UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Understanding British Values
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Family Reunion and Immigration

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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The Ultimate UK Visitor Visa Guidance for 2020

This article will talk about what you need to know about UK visitor visas in 2020 .

We will discuss the following:

Part 1: General UK visitor visa information

• What is a UK visitor visa in 2020?

Do you need to apply for a UK visitor visa?

• How much does a UK visitor visa cost?
• What can I do on a UK visitor visa?

Part 2: The requirements that you must meet

• Requirement 1 – ‘Genuine’ and ‘credible’ visitor
• Requirement 2 – ‘Maintenance’ and ‘accommodation’
• Requirement 3 – Third party sponsor rules
• Requirement 4 – ‘Frequent’ and ‘successive’ visits
• Requirement 5 – The ‘suitability’ rules

Part 3: Preparing for the UK visitor visa application

• Suggested documentation guidance
• Supporting letter guidance

Part 4: Other UK visitor visa information

• Visitor visa extensions
• Visitor visa Curtailment and cancellations
• UK visitor visa tips
• Frequently asked questions

General UK Visitor Visa Information

What is a uk visitor visa.

A UK visitor visa will allow a non-EEA country national to visit the UK.

UK visitor visas are otherwise known as a ‘ UK tourist visa ‘.

If granted, this visa is usually valid for 6 months , although in some cases it can be longer.

There are currently four types of visitor visas :

• Standard UK Visitor Visa
• Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor Visa
• Transit Visitor Visa
• Permitted paid engagements visitor visa

This article will focus on standard UK visitor visas. 

If you are a visa-national…

…you will have to  apply for a UK visitor visa.

If you are a national of one of the following countries, you will be deemed a visa national:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti, Dominican, Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (North), Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome e Principe Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan Uganda, Ukraine, United, Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

The above was taken from the official  Visa National list in the Immigration Rules .

If you are a non-visa-national…

…in most circumstances you will not be required to apply for a UK visitor visa, although in some cases it will be wise to apply.

You are a non-visa national if your home country is  NOT  in the above list.

Lucas is a Brazilian national.

Since Brazil is not in the above visa-national list, Lucas will  not  strictly need to apply for a UK visa.

However, non-visa nationals may decide to apply for a UK visitor visa for the following reasons:

• They have previously been refused UK visas
• The applicant (the person applying) wants better peace of mind and does not want to risk being refused when they arrive at a UK airport!

How long is a UK visitor visa usually valid for?

A standard UK visitor visa is usually issued for up to 6 months .

However, you might be able to secure a long-term multiple entry visit visa that is valid for 2 , 5 or even 10 years – especially if you’ve got a good UK immigration history and have previously been granted UK visitor visas.

For more information on longer term visit visas, check out our long term visitor visa guidance .

How much does the UK visitor visa cost?

As we discuss in our UK visitor fee and costs in 2020 article, the cost will entirely depend on:

• the validity duration of UK visit visa that you apply for; and
• the type of UK visitor visa

A standard 6 month UK visitor visa costs £95 .

On the other hand, a long-term standard visitor visa depends on its length and is priced accordingly:

• A 2 year visa is £361;
• A 5 year visa is £655; and
• A 10 year visas is £822.

What can I do on a UK Visit visa?

The Immigration Rules at Appendix 3, 4 and 5 here contain a list of both permitted and non-permitted activities.

Since the UK standard visitor visa recently compiled several old types of visas (including Family Visitor visa, General Visitor visa, Child Visitor visa, Business Visitor visa, Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa & Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa), this is a topic that can be confusing for some.

The following is a brief overview of what you are allowed to do on a UK visit visa:

#1 Be a tourist!

You will not be surprised to hear this as this is the UK visitor visa’s most common purpose.

It is absolutely fine to apply for a UK visitor visa visit friends and family and to visit all of the delights that the UK has to offer.

#2 Volunteer.

Volunteering is permitted, so long as it is for a registered charity. 

It’s also important to know that you can only volunteer for up to 30 days in total – as long as volunteering is not the main purpose of your visit.

#3 Engage in business activities.

You are allowed to do some general business activities, such as attending meets, interviews, seminars and conferences.

In addition to this, you will be permitted to negotiate contracts, discuss deals or go to trade fairs for promotional activities.

#4 Engage in some corporate activities.

Corporate activities such as provide consultations and training are permitted.

#5 Have business-based discussions.

You are allowed to visit the UK as a prospective business person to discuss business with the UK government, UK based firms or other firms that are connected to your proposed business in some way.

The requirements that you must meet

We will now discuss four main UK visitor visa requirements in 2020 that will need to be met.

REQUIREMENT 1

You must be a ‘genuine’ and ‘credible’ visitor

This is the certainly the  main requirement that deserves the most attention.

Because the Home Office caseworkers that decide visit visa applications are trained to be very suspicious people!

When determining whether they think that you are genuine and credible , the Home office caseworker will look at your application as a whole and make a judgment call.

Because of this, there are a wide variety of things that they will consider.

You should be aware of these things because this will allow you to address any potential concerns that they have – thereby increasing your chances of a successful UK visitor visa application.

#1 Your previous immigration history.

The Home Office caseworker will consider your immigration history in order to determine whether to grant you a UK visitor visa.

If you have previously been granted a UK visa …

If you have previously been issued UK visas and complied with the terms of the visas (for example, you returned to your home country before the expiration of the visa and did not do any activities that the visa does not allow), then this will positively affect your application.

This is because you have already shown that you acted in accordance with the terms of the visa and that you are therefore more likely to return to your home country before the expiration of subsequent visas.

On the other hand, if you were previously issued a UK visa but overstayed or breached the terms of your visa , then this is something that can certainly harm the chances of any subsequent applications.

In this case, you will want to discuss this when you write the UK visitor visa supporting letter.

If you have previously been granted visas to countries other than the UK …

If you are able to show that you have travelled to any other countries and have complied with the terms of that country’s visa, then this would also positively affect your application.

This is especially the case if you visited Schengen countries , Canada, the USA, New Zealand, Australia or Ireland.

If you have no-immigration history…

If you have a non-existent immigration history (for instance, if you have never left your home country), then the extent that this will affect your application depends on your personal circumstances – including your nationality and country of residence.

#2 Your nationality and country of residence.

It is unfortunate that Home Office caseworkers will judge you based on your nationality and country of residence.

The Home Office caseworker will be influenced largely by the information relating to non-compliance by individuals who have applied for a visit visa from the same geographical region as you.

This is seen in the news reports that the Home Office are using an algorithm to categorise applicants into high or low-risk applicants .

The Home Office also have a ‘high-risk’ immigration blacklist of countries where applicants are deemed to post a greater risk than others .

Therefore, if you are applying in a country where you will likely be disadvantaged from the very start (such as Nigeria or Syria), you should really put a lot of effort in the supporting letter and the supporting documents that you submit.

#3 Your ties (links) to your home country will determine how strong your application is.

The reasoning behind this is that if you have strong ties to your home country, it will appear more likely that you will return and not overstay on your UK visa.

After all, you not returning to your home country is the Home Office caseworker’s biggest worry!

There are different kinds of ties that the Home Office will consider:

i) Personal ties

If you have little-to-no personal ties to your home country, your application is more likely to be unsuccessful .

This is because this suggests that you are more likely to overstay on your visa (if they issue it).

If you are young , it’s likely that you will not have as many personal ties to your home country (compared to if you were older).

Because of this, you will be perceived as more mobile and will therefore a greater threat of overstaying .

On the other hand, if you are able to show that you do have personal ties, such as on-going education, this is certainly something that will help your application and should therefore be focused on.

ii) Economic and financial ties

If you have little-to-no economic or financial ties to your home country, your application is more likely to be unsuccessful .

In the eyes of the UK government, the Home Office will think that you more likely to exceed the 6-month period and illegally reside (& work) in the UK.

I told you – the Home Office caseworkers are suspicious people!

However , if you are able to show that you have a level of income that is above average in your home country, this will certainly benefit your application.

Similarly, if you have your own successful business in your home country, this will be helpful  and should be made clear.

The reasoning behind this is that it will be less tempting for you to overstay , as not only will you have a reason to return to your home country , but also it would be less appealing for you to illegally work in the UK since you can adequately financially provide for yourself in your home country.

If you own property or land , this should be emphasised in the application as this is an obvious display of wealth .

iii) Family ties

Familial ties in both the UK and in your home country is certainly something that will be considered.

If you have family ties in the UK …

On the one hand, having family members in the UK can positively affect your application, as it is of course an incredibly common (& genuine ) reason why people apply for UK visitor visas in the first place.

On the other hand, you should explain why, unlike your family members , you do not want to settle in the UK .

It should also be noted that, if your family members in the UK have a bad UK immigration history , your application will be negatively affected it is very possible that the Home Office caseworker will judge your intentions based on how your family members have reacted.

With this being said, I feel that it is important to mention that you should not be tempted to lie .

The Home Office has a surprising amount of information .

If you don’t believe me, you can find out yourself by submitting a subject access request in order to obtain the records that the Home Office has on you.

If you do not mention that you have family members in the UK, this may be seen as suspicious , resulting in the Home Office caseworker questioning your credibility .

If you have family ties in your home country …

It is generally beneficial for your UK visitor visa to have family members in your home country.

This is especially the case if you have a spouse or family members who are dependent on you, either financially or emotionally.

Because if you have loved ones back home that depend on you, that is another indication that you will be more likely to return to your home country .

#4 Your stated intentions are relevant in determining whether you are a ‘genuine’ and ‘credible’ visitor.

The Home Office caseworker will also look at your stated purpose of visit (as specified in your application and supporting letter).

In your UK visitor visa application, you must be able to clearly explain the main reason for coming to the UK.

You must also be prepared to explain this when you arrive in the airport.

If you are unclear , or contradict yourself, then doubts may be raised about your credibility as a visitor visa applicant.

Your stated intentions must be to do only activities that are permitted.

Common activities that are permitted :

• Visiting family and/or friends
• Sightseeing/general tourism

Common activities that are not permitted :

• Running a business
• Providing goods and services
• Marrying or giving notice to marry

We discuss this in more detail below.

The information that you provide must not be contradictory.

If you say one thing in one part of the application but then say another (either in the application, or when being interviewed), then this may raise doubts as to your credibility as an UK visitor visa applicant.

Similarly, if you say one thing but your sponsor says another, this may be seen as questionable.

Your documents must support your stated intentions.

If the supporting documents that you submit as part of your application do not support what you say your intentions are, then this may cause suspicion .

This is especially the case if the documents that you submit contradict your stated intentions.

Munnawar, a Pakistani national, would like to visit the UK.

In the UK visitor visa application, he has stated that his main intention is to go shopping in the UK.

Munnawar would therefore be advised to evidence his wealth in the form of savings and/or income.

If neither are evidenced, or if documentation is shown that show no savings or no substantial income, then the Home Office caseworker may doubt Munnawar’s intentions as being genuine.

Your documents should be verifiable.

In other words, the Home Office caseworker should be able to look at the document and know how he/she can contact the issuer of the document in order to identify that the document is genuine.

Munnawar was advised to include a letter from his father in support of his UK visitor visa application. This is because it is his father that gave him the monies required in order for his shopping trip in the UK.

This letter should therefore include the contact details of Munnawar’s father.

Why? Because if it does not, then the document is not verifiable and therefore doubts may be raised about the legitimacy of the document.

REQUIREMENT #2

The Adequate Maintenance & Accommodation Requirement

You will have to show that you have sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK.

If you are applying for a UK visitor visa with any dependants , you will also need to show that you can support them, too.

Whilst it would certainly make things easier, the Home Office do not provide fixed rules for this .

Instead, a decision is made in light of all of your circumstances .

The minimum that you must show

At the very minimum, you must show that you can cover the cost of:

• The return or onward journey
• If you are visiting the UK with dependent children , their costs
• Planned activities in the UK (such as private medical treatment)

The Home Office will consider:

The Home Office caseworker that is deciding your application will consider the following main considerations:

#1 The overall likely cost of your stay.

Obviously, shorter trips are going to cost less than longer trips.

Your stated intentions are also relevant here – if you intend to visit the UK in order to do some  shopping , then the overall likely cost of stay is likely going to be higher than if your sole stated intention is to visit a family member in their home.

The location of where you will be staying will be a main consideration.

Obviously, the living costs in London are significantly higher than in many places.

Similarly, if you are not staying at a family or friend’s accommodation throughout the whole trip, then you will incur extra costs of hotels etc .

#2 Your income and/or cash savings.

Your income and/or savings must be sufficient to meet the expected costs associated with travelling to the UK.

This will be decided in light of your on-going financial commitments , which we discuss below.

It is preferable that you are able to evidence that you have had these savings or income for a long period of time .

If the documents submitted show that either the income or savings are relatively new , this may raise doubts regarding them.

In fact, where there has been a recent injection of income or savings , the Home Office guidance suggests that the Home Office caseworker “may want to make further checks to establish the origin of this money”.

You must also be able to show that these income or savings are legitimately yours.

If you are unable to do this, it will not be counted in the assessment of whether you can adequately maintain yourself during your UK trip.

#3 Sources of income that you will continue to receive whilst you are visiting the UK.

It is obviously preferable if your sources of income will continue to be received whilst you are visiting the UK.

With this being said, this is less relevant if you are able to evidence significant cash savings.

#4 You and your sponsor’s on-going financial commitments.

If you are unable to evidence significant savings or sources of income but have costly on-going financial commitments , then this may raise doubts  as to whether you can adequately accommodate yourself during your trip to the UK.

Examples of on-going financial commitments here include:

• Rent or mortgage payments in your home country
• Costs associated with any dependants , such as children or elderly relatives (even if they are not travelling with you)

REQUIREMENT 3

Third party Sponsor Requirements

If you think that you may not be able to sufficiently show that you can adequately provide for yourself during your stay, you may wish to have a sponsor.

Zee is a Chinese national and is wanting to visit the UK.

Since he just graduated from university, he has not yet built up a lot of savings, nor has he held a stable job.

Because of this, Zee should consider having a sponsor who can provide evidence of enough funds and/or income to fund his visit to the UK.

As you can see from the above example, the sponsor does not strictly have to be in the UK when the application is made or when you arrive in the UK.

There are several requirements that you should be aware of regarding having a sponsor in order to support your application.

#1 The sponsor has to be declared by the applicant.

You should absolutely declare in the online visa application that you have a sponsor and provide all of the relevant information regarding the sponsor.

Whilst there is space to provide personal details in the UK visitor visa application form in 2020 , the best place to elaborate on this information in detail is in supporting letters that you should include in the application.

If you do not declare that you have a sponsor in the application, then the sponsor’s assistance cannot be counted in the assessment of whether you can adequately maintain yourself in the UK.

#2 If the sponsor is in the UK, they must not be in breach of immigration laws.

Your sponsor will be in breach of immigration laws if they do not have a current valid UK visa (whilst being in the UK), which most often arises from overstaying in the UK.

#3 The relationship between the applicant and sponsor must be genuine.

When the Home Office caseworker assesses whether the relationship between you and your sponsor is genuine, they will consider a variety of factors , including:

• Whether your sponsor has a previous history of sponsoring others for UK visas. If they do, were they any issues with those applications?
• The evidence and information put forward in your application regarding you and your sponsor’s relationship.

In some instances, especially where a lack of evidence regarding the relationship has been submitted, the Home Office caseworker may ask either the applicant or sponsor for more information , such as where and how you first met, how often you meet and how do you normally communicate with each other.

The relationship between you and your sponsor can be either professional or personal .

#4 The sponsor must be able to have enough funds to support you in your visit to the UK.

Your sponsor simply stating that he or she has enough funds to cover your trip in the UK is not enough.

Rather, documentation should be included to show this , such as bank statements and evidence of assets and/or income .

#5 Your sponsor must intend to support you in your visit to the UK.

This requirement is best met by asking your sponsor to provide a letter of support .

Having a letter of support is the best way to provide evidence of a clear intention to sponsor you.

Where there are doubts about the intentions of your sponsor to provide their support, it is likely that your application will be refused , so this is an important requirement to consider!

Again, the sponsor’s previous history of ‘sponsoring’ visitors can be relevant here .

If they themselves have a bad history sponsoring applicants, then this can raise some doubts that may be difficult to overcome .

In some cases, your sponsor may be asked to provide a written  undertaking in writing to be responsible for your maintenance and accommodation. If they do not provide this when asked to do so, your application will normally be refused .

REQUIREMENT 4

Frequent & Successive Visits Requirement

As stated by paragraph v4.2(b) of the Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules , you cannot ‘live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK their main home’.

In other words, since the UK visitor visa is for those who area just ‘ visiting ’ the UK, you cannot rely on this type of visa in order to live in the UK permanently.

Rather, you would be expected to apply for another type of visa, such as a spouse visa UK or a Tier 2 (General) visa .

Therefore, if in the past you have been making frequent and lengthy trips to the UK, this may raise doubts about your true intentions about your upcoming trip to the UK.

Because of this, you should prepare yourself for an interview each and every time you arrive in the UK at an airport (or seaport if you arrive by sea).

In such a case, you should be ready to provide evidence that shows that you are in fact settled outside of the UK and that the UK is not your main home .

So the question then becomes, when do trips become too frequent and lengthy?

As stated in the official guidance, “ There is no specified maximum period which an individual can spend in the UK in any period such as ‘6 months in 12 months’.

Therefore, just like many other areas, the Home Office are not too clear on this !

They do, however, provide us with some factors that will be considered , which are:

• The purpose of your visit and how long you intend to stay in the UK;
• The amount of times you have visited the UK over the past 12 months;
• How long your previous visits to the UK were in the past 12 months and the time that elapsed between each visit
• Whether the time you spent in your home country is less than the time you have spent in the UK in the past 12 months;
• The reason why you returned to your home country and whether you only did so only so that you can re-enter the UK
• Your ties to your home country and where you are registered for tax purposes
• Evidence that suggests that you have made the UK your main place of residence (such as being registered with a general practitioner (GP) or send your children to UK schools

The ‘Suitability Requirements’

The ‘suitability requirements’ list situations in which your UK visitor visa will (or may) be refused and are found in PART V3 of Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

In summary, the suitability requirements for UK visitor visa applications that are being made from outside the UK are the following:

#1 The applicant will be refused if the UK government has excluded them from the UK or has provided them with a deportation order.

#2 The applicant will be refused if the Home Office thinks that allowing them to enter the UK will not be in the interests of the public.

#3 The applicant will be refused if you have been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment.

In order for your application to be refused, your sentencing of imprisonment must have been:

• at least 4 years; or
• between 12 months and 4 years (unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence); or
• less than 12 months (unless at least 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence).

#4 The applicant application may be refused if they have had trouble with the law.

#5 The applicant will be refused if they have provided false information or documents in your application.

This is the case whether you intentionally provided false information or documents.

It also does not matter in the eyes of the Home Office if the information or documents were important to the application – the only thing that matters is that the false information or documentation was submitted.

#6 The applicant will be refused if they did not disclose important information relating to their application.

#7 The applicant may be refused if they have previously breached UK immigration laws.

You will have breached UK immigration laws if:

• You have previously overstayed a UK visa
• You have previous breached a condition attached to a UK visa that you were previously granted (unless you have been issued a visa after that breach despite the Home Office knowing about it)
• You have illegally entered the UK
• You have previously deceived the Home Office

If you have previously breached UK immigration laws, it is likely that you will have been banned from the UK for a certain period, depending on the particular circumstances.

The duration of re-entry bans are covered in V 3.10 of the Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

#8 The applicant will be refused if they fail to produce a valid passport or travel document.

#9 The applicant will be refused if they do not attend an interview, provide information, provide biometrics or undergo a medical examination or provide a medical report when asked to do so.

#10 The applicant will normally be refused if a medical inspector has said that it would be undesirable to grant them a UK visitor visa due to medical reasons.

#11 The applicant will normally be refused if they owe the NHS at least £500. 

#12 The applicant will normally be refused if they have failed to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office.

Preparing for the UK Visitor Visa Application

REQUIREMENT 5

What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa?

This part of this article will discuss the required documents for a UK visitor visa .

General rules about documents

Before we provide a general UK visitor visa document checklist, it is important to note two very important rules regarding all documentation.

Rule 1 – The documents that you submit must be originals and not photocopies.

Rule 2 – The documents that you submit have to be in English or Welsh.

If the documents are not in English or Welsh they should be translated by a translator whose credentials can be independently verified by the Home Office.

The translated documents must contain:

• The date of the translation
• The translator’s contact details
• The translator’s full name and signature
• Confirmation from the translator that the translation is an accurate translation of the original document.

Rule 3 – The documents that you submit should be verifiable

If an included document cannot be verified by another independent individual or organization, then doubts will be raised about the credibility and authenticity of the documents.

The best approach to take when deciding what documents to include is to assume that the Home Office caseworker will think that you are lying with regards to any documents that are submitted but not verifiable.

Rule 4 – It is your responsibility to make sure the best documents are submitted, not the Home Office’s responsibility

It is your responsibility to ensure you provide evidence satisfactory evidence that you meet the Immigration Rules.

Because of this, including the right type of evidence is critically important .

If you do not include enough relevant evidence, the Home Office caseworker is much more likely to refuse the application than contact you and ask you for more information.

Mandatory documents that you MUST submit

#1 You must submit a valid passport.

The passport that you include must be both current and valid .

It should also have at least one blank page that is free from stamps (on both sides of the page).

If you do not have a valid passport, you then must include a document that allows you to travel internationally.

We would also strongly recommend including copies of all pages of the passport.

OPTIONAL documents (that you probably should submit)

Whilst the below documents are categorized as ‘optional’, for many applicants, it is strongly recommended  to submit much of the below documentation to show that they are a genuine and credible visitor.

Remember, the Home Office caseworkers that decide whether you are granted a UK visitor visa or not are suspicious individuals and that you should do anything that you can to allay their possible suspicions.

The following documents are optional but generally recommended.

#1 Previous travel documents.

These should be included to evidence your previous travel history .

Obviously, if you complied with the terms of your previous visas, then you will have a good UK immigration history which will in turn help your application.

Copies of these previous travel documents should also be included.

#2 Documents to confirm legal residence.

If you are in a country where you are not a national and are applying in that country, you should show that you are legally allowed to stay in that country.

Obviously, if you are not abiding by the rules when you are applying for a UK visa, then you will face a difficult task of convincing the Home Office caseworker that you will abide by the rules if issued a UK visa!

If you are a national of the country from which you are applying, then your legal residence is obviously confirmed by your passport.

#3 If you are a student…

…then evidence of your status as a student is absolutely recommended.

Most commonly, typical evidence is a signed letter from your college or university that confirms your enrollment and leave of absence.

This letter should have the contact details of the educational institution, be original and be printed on the educational institution’s official stationary/paper.

Like other documents, if this letter is not in English or Welsh, it should be translated.

#4 If you are under the age of 18…

…then you should include documentation that shows that you are travelling to the UK with the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) .

Firstly, it is recommended to include a legal document that firstly established who your legal guardians are.

Secondly, it is recommended to include an original and signed letter from your legal guardian stating that they consent to your trip . This letter should also contain details of how you will be adequately maintained, both with regards to finances and to accommodation.

It is also generally recommended to include copies of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) main passport page .

#5 If you are coming to the UK for business related activities.

Firstly, I would like to remind you of the permitted and prohibited activities of a UK visitor visa.

Assuming that you are aware of this and are coming to the UK for business activities, the type of documentation will depend on your circumstances .

Typically, a letter from employer will be included if the reason for the trip is connected with them. If included, this letter should detail why you are visiting the UK as well as include other relevant information related to the trip.

If you have been invited to the UK by an organization, it would be a good idea to include a letter from them as evidence in your UK visitor visa application.

#6 Financial documents should be included to show that you can adequately maintain yourself and any dependents for the whole UK visit.

As we discussed, financial documents are exceptionally important when trying to convince the Home Office caseworker that you can support yourself financially.

There are no specific documents that you have to submit, but the following are the ones that are most typical:

i) A letter from your employer if you are employed.

This letter should state important employment details such as your salary, the date you started employment, your job role and company details.

This letter should be printed on company headed paper, be the original and be signed.

Like other documents, if it is not in English or Welsh, it should be translated.

ii) Personal bank statements

This is an incredibly important financial document as it provides the Home Office caseworker with a picture of your finances over a long period of time.

These bank statements should evidence how you can support yourself during your trip to the UK, whether it is by savings, by a steady income or a combination of both

6 months to 1 year’s worth of bank statements is recommended.

If you are being sponsored, then your sponsor’s bank statements should be included.

Remember, documents that you submit should be verifiable .

Because of this, bank statements should be either issued by the bank (printed on official bank paper) or alternatively it can be online printouts that have been stamped or certified by the bank on every single page.

iii) Other financial documents

Financial documents are of course specific to your circumstances (and your sponsor’s financial circumstances, if you have one).

If you or your sponsor have their own company, documents should be included to evidence this (such as company accounts & business bank account statements ).

If, on the other hand, you or your sponsor is self-employed, documents that are typically include tax return s and evidence of trade .

#7 Flight tickets.

This is something that we would recommend including , even though the Home Office guidance suggests not to.

This is based on our many years experience and we are indeed confident that purchasing a return flight improves the likelihood of a successful visa.

Write a UK visitor visa cover letter

Writing a good supporting letter for a UK visitor visa is something that is incredibly important.

This is because it is here that you will be able to best convey:

• That you are a genuine visitor
• That you are a credible visitor
• That any pre-conceived doubts should not apply to you

This supporting letter should be written in a clear and logical way.

Feel free to use our professionally written  sample letter for a UK tourist visa application  as a template .

The goal of this letter really should be to convince the Home Office caseworker that you will not overstay your UK visa and will return to your home country before the visa expires.

The UK visitor visa supporting letter should clearly discuss the following:

#1 Your intentions as a visitor.

What do you plan to do in the UK? Who do you plan to meet and stay with?

It is also important to clearly say that the activities that you intent to do in the UK are permitted ones, and not ones that are prohibited.

What you include here regarding your intentions should be supported by other supporting documents .

For example, if you say that you intend to visit the UK for 3 weeks for your niece’s university graduation, you should support this statement with evidence regarding this (letter from the university, letter from your niece etc.)

#2 Your economic ties to your home country.

Having economic ties to your home country suggests to the Home Office caseworker that you are more likely to return to your home country .

You should discuss relevant aspects of these ties, such as the value of your assets and amount of income.

With regards to income, it will also be relevant to state whether this income is dependent on you being in your home country or whether it will continue during your trip to the UK.

#3 Your familial ties to your home country.

The letter of support is the perfect place where you can elaborate why your family members in your home country will mean that you will return prior to your UK visitor visa expiring.

In particular you should emphasize any dependencies (for instance, dependent children or elderly relatives) and why this means that you have to return to your home country.

#4 You should point out your good UK immigration history (if you have one).

Don’t assume that the Home Office caseworker would recognize that you have a good UK immigration history – make it clear !

If you have already visited the UK on previously issued UK visitor visas and complied with the terms of those visas, this should be made clear in the cover letter.

Similarly, if you were previously granted visas for other countries and complied with the terms of these visas, this is also relevant to the Home Office caseworker as it helps paint the picture that you will comply with the terms of your UK visitor visa.

In particular, if you were granted visas for Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand or any of the Schengen countries, this is especially helpful.

#5 You should discuss your bad UK immigration history (if you have one).

It is usually wrong to think that the best course of action would be to not mention situations in the past that have resulted in you having a bad UK immigration history, hoping that failing to mention it would mean that the Home Office caseworker would overlook it.

You want to address Home Office caseworker’s concerns head on . Because of this, it is important to recognize the potential doubts that the Home Office caseworker may have about you.

If, in the past, you overstayed a UK visitor visa, explain the reason why and why you will not overstay in the future.

If, on the other hand, you did activities that were prohibited whilst on a UK visitor visa (such as work), explain why you will not do such permitted activities again.

Previous UK visa refusals have detrimental effects on subsequent UK visas.

In fact, if you were once refused a UK visa (especially if it was the same type), then it is very likely that your application will face more scrutiny than if you have never been refused.

If you were previously refused a UK visitor visa, make this clear not only by discussing it, but by including a copy of the refusal letter, if you still have it at hand.

In your cover letter, address the reasons for refusal and state why they do not apply to you .

#6 Address any preconceived notions that the Home Office caseworker may possibly have.

It is unfortunate that the Home Office blacklist certain countries – resulting in applicants from those countries being disadvantaged at the very start.

If you think that there is a chance that your country has been deemed to be a ‘high risk’ one, it would certainly be a good idea to address what makes you different from the average UK visitor visa applicant from your home country.

For instance, if you earn significantly more than the average person in your country, highlight this.

If you have more assets than the average person in your country, highlight this.

#7 If you have previously visited the UK on a UK visitor visa, you should make it clear that you do not intend to make the UK your main home.

As we discussed above, you are not allowed to use UK visitor visas to make frequent trips to the UK so much so that it would in fact make the UK your main home .

Although there is no limitation on the number of times you can visit the UK, or even specified time that must pass between successive visits. You should explain why you will not live in the UK or make the UK your main hom e.

#8 Elaborate how you will maintain yourself (as well as any dependents) both financially and with regards to accommodation in the UK.

We also discussed above the requirement of you having to maintain yourself, as well as any dependents, throughout your trip to the UK.

Other UK Visitor Visa Information

Extension of stay as a visitor.

You may be wondering whether you can extend your UK visitor visa whilst you are already in the UK.

The answer is that it is possible to extend your UK visitor visa, but only in very limited circumstances .

You will be able to extend your stay as a UK visitor visa in the following circumstances:

#1 You have been issued a standard visitor visa for the purpose of receiving private medical treatment and seek to extend the visa for continued private medical treatment.

An extension in such a situation may be granted for a further period of 6 months.

#2 You have been issued a standard visitor visa and you are an academic who is on sabbatical leave and are undertaking your own research in the UK.

An extension in such a situation may be granted so that the total period that you can remain in the UK does not exceed 12 months (including both the original grant and the extension of stay).

#3 You have been issued either a standard visitor visa or a marriage visitor visa and were granted a visa that was valid for less than 6 months.

In such a situation, you may be granted an UK visitor visa extension so that the total amount of time that you can spend in the UK does not exceed 6 months (including both the original visa and the extension visa).

#4 You have been granted a standard visitor visa and want to extend your stay as a visitor in order to resit the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) Test.

In such a situation, you may be granted an extension of up to 6 months as long as you meet the requirements at Appendix 3, paragraph 22(b)(i) of the Immigration Rules .

#5 You have been granted a standard visitor visa and were successful in the PLAB Test but want to undertake a clinical attachment.

In such a situation, you may be granted an extension so that the total period that you can remain in the UK does not exceed 18 months (including both the original grant and the extension of stay) as long as the requirements of Appendix 3, paragraph 22(a) of the Immigration Rules is met.

If you fall within one of the above categories, then the next question to ask is if you meet the requirements for an extension.

UK visitor visa extension requirements

The following are the requirements that you must meet if you want to extend your UK visitor visa whilst already in the UK.

#1 You must submit an application for an extension of stay as a visitor.

#2 In this application, you must persuade the Home Office worker that you continue to meet all UK visitor visa requirements in 2020.

#3 You must be in the UK ‘in breach of immigration laws’, other than for a period of 28 days or less overstaying.

#4 If you are applying for an extension in order to receive private medical treatment, there is an additional requirement that you must:

• prove that you have met the costs of any medical treatments received so far; and
• submit a signed and original letter from a registered medical practitioner that details the medical condition that requires further treatment. This medical practitioner can either be from a private practice or an NHS hospital, as long as they hold an NHS consultant post or appear in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council.

UK Visitor Visa Curtailment & Cancellation

It is possible for your UK visitor visa to be cancelled before or on arrival at the border (airport) and for your leave to be ‘ curtailed ’.

Leave being ‘curtailed’ here basically means that the expiry date of your visa will be cut short (brought forward), effectively giving you a new visa end date.

The specific circumstances in which this will happen is listed in Part V9 of Appendix V ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor-rules ).

The following are situations where your UK visitor visa may be cancelled before you arrive in the UK or when you arrive at the border (airport):

• Your intentions for your UK visit has changed since your UK visitor visa was granted.

For example, if in the application for a UK visitor visa, you stated that you wanted to visit the UK for 3 weeks in order to attend a nephew’s university graduation, but then when asked at the border, you say you want to visit the UK for private medical treatment, your intentions will have changed.

• You did not disclose important information during the UK visitor visa application
• You submitted false documentation or provided false information .

In such a situation, it does not matter if you knew that these were false. It also does not matter if the false documentation or information was important when deciding whether to grant the UK visitor visa or not.

• It has become clear that, due to medical reasons , it would be undesirable to allow you to enter the UK .

This is the case unless there are strong compassionate reasons that would justify you entering the UK.

• It has become clear that it would not be good for you to enter the UK in light of the public good criteria
• You are outside the UK and have not provided information, documents or medical reports when asked to do so

The following are situations where your UK visitor visa may be curtailed whilst you are in the UK:

• It has become clear that you no longer meet the visitor visa requirements
• It has become clear that you did not disclose important information or if you made false representations
• You do not comply with the conditions of our UK visitor visa
• Something happens such as trouble with the law that means that it would not be in the public interest for you to stay in the UK.

UK Visitor Visa Tips

#1 Spend a lot of time writing a thorough and detailed covering letter.

As discussed above, this covering letter’s main goal should be to persuade the Home Office caseworker that you will return to your home country before the UK visa expires .

It should also include the other aspects that we discussed.

#2 Attention to detail throughout the whole application is key.

As we discussed above, inconsistencies in information and documentation can result in doubts being raised, which in turn, will reduce the likelihood of the application being granted.

Because of this, we would recommend double and triple checking the contents of the UK visitor visa online application form & cover letter to ensure that all of the details matches up with the documentation that you submit.

#3 It is good to have comprehensive application.

Remember, the Home Office caseworkers can be suspicious individuals.

Much of this suspicion can be reduced when directly addressed in a clear and logical manner.

#4 Answer all of the questions in the online application form.

#5 Do not be tempted to withhold information.

Each of the application form questions should be answered truthfully .

If the Home Office, for any reason, think that you have deceived them, this can have a disastrous impact on your application and for subsequent applications after that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to have a sponsor in order to obtain a uk visitor visa.

Applicants do not strictly require a sponsor in order to obtain a UK visitor visa.

If you can show that you can adequately provide for yourself regarding both finances and accommodation, then you can apply without a sponsor.

With this being said, if you are unsure whether you meet the loosely described ‘adequate maintenance’ UK visitor visa test, having a sponsor may help increase your chances of a successful application.

In this situation, you should evidence both your finances as well as your sponsor’s finances.

Does my sponsor have to be in the UK?

A sponsor for a UK visitor visa does not need to be in the UK.

They can in fact be outside the UK.

For sponsor’s that are outside the UK, the sponsor visitor visa requirements are:

i) The sponsor has to be declared by the applicant

ii) The relationship between the applicant and sponsor must be genuine

iii)  The sponsor must be able to have enough funds to support you in your visit to the UK

iv) Your sponsor must intend to support you in your visit to the UK

How long can I spend in the UK using UK visitor visas?

There is no set maximum length that you can spend in the UK with a UK visitor visa, such as ‘6 months in 12 months’.

Firstly, you will be limited by the validity of the UK visitor visa .

Secondly, as discussed above, you must not visit the UK using a UK visitor visa so frequently that it essentially amounts to you making the UK your main place of residence .

Do I have to include an itinerary (strict plan of what I will do during my visit in the UK)?

No . If you are applying for a UK visitor visa, you do not have to provide an itinerary.

With this being said, you should be able to state what you intend to do during your trip to the UK and be able to elaborate if asked by a border guard at the airport.

As discussed above, we always recommend creating a thorough supporting letter and this letter should go into detail your general plans (& specific plans if you have any). The more detail the better here .

Will I be able to receive free National Health Service (NHS) treatment during my visit to the UK?

If you were issued a UK visitor visa, you will be billed for any NHS treatment received in the UK.

You will not be eligible for free treatment (unless there is an exemption that applies to you).

It is however important to note that there are several reciprocal healthcare agreements that the UK has with several countries. Many of these provide free healthcare to non-UK residents.

With this being said, these reciprocal agreements will likely not allow you to come to the UK specifically to seek healthcare from the NHS.

Will my visa be single entry or will it allow me to enter the UK multiple times during the visa’a validity?

This depends on your particular circumstances.

Multiple entry UK visit visas are most commonly issued.

Like the name suggests, this visa will allow you to enter the UK multiple times as long as the visa is valid.

In some instances, however, single entry visitor visas are issued. These visas will be valid for only one entry to the UK.

The following are situations in which single-entry visit visas will usually be issued for:

• Children’s applications that are sponsored by charities; and
• Applications where the applicant meets the required visitor visa rules, but the Home Office caseworker has a residual doubt and there is a clearly established, compelling and verifiable reason for the applicant to visit the UK.

Therefore, typical examples where single-entry visit visas are normally issued are:

• The applicant wants to attend a specific one-off event that the applicant has been invited to, such as the wedding of a close family member or a religious convention
• The applicant wants to visit a family member in the UK who is severely ill or pregnant
• The applicant is attending the UK in order to assist the police or another agency at the request of that agency
• The applicant is a non-expert, key witness at a court appearance

Can my child visit the UK on their own?

Yes.  A child may travel to the UK with or without an accompanying adult.

With this being said, for children that are going to travel to the UK by themselves, the visa will only be granted if:

• The Home Office caseworker is satisfied that the child will be adequately accommodation and be persuaded that all duty of care obligations  will be met.
• Care and reception arrangements for arrival and throughout their stay in the UK will be adequate. The identity and residence of the host must be established.
• Parental consent must be obtained.

In the event that some details regarding the three points above are missing, it is likely that further enquiries from the Home Office will be made.

If, in light of all the circumstances, the Home Office caseworker is unsure about the child’s likely welfare in the UK, the application will be refused.

Unsurprisingly, where a child is going to travel to the UK without an accompany adult, the application will face a lot of scrutiny about the welfare of the child. Like many UK visa applications, the child’s welfare is of high importance.

Is parental consent required for a child’s UK visit visa? If so, how is parental consent evidenced?

Yes. Parental consent is required for children’s UK visitor visas.

Where the visa application is made on behalf of the child, in most cases, this would satisfy the requirement for parental consent.

Where the child’s parents are divorced, the parent with legal custody or sole responsibility must provide consent.

In the event that the application is not made by the guardian or parent, a letter of consent from the guardian or parent that confirms the relationship with the child will normally be enough to satisfy the parental consent guidance.

With applications where the child will be accompanied with an adult who is not the legal guardian or parent of the child who holds legal custody, consent should be provided by both parents or legal guardians.

Can I volunteer on a UK visitor visa?

Yes. If you are in the UK on a standard UK visitor visa, as long as volunteering is not the main purpose of your visit, will amount to no longer than 30 days in total and is for a registered charity.

Can I study on a UK visitor visa?

Yes. If you are in the UK on a standard UK visitor visa, as long as the study is not the main purpose of your visit, you will be able to study for a maximum period of 30 days.

Can I marry in the UK whilst on a UK visitor visa?

If you are planning on marrying in the UK, or planning on giving notice of an intention to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, this can only be done on a UK marriage visitor visa.

How much money do I need in the bank to apply for a UK visit visa?

You will need to prove to the Home Office caseworker that you have enough resources/income in order to maintain yourself both financially and with regards to accommodation for the duration of your trip (as well as any dependents that are applying with you).

Related Articles

Sample Letter for UK Tourist Visa Application (2019 Cover Letter Template)

What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa? (2019 Document Checklist)

UK Visitor Visa Fee 2020 [Including HIDDEN Costs]

Visitor Visa UK Application Form 2020 [45 things you NEED to know before submitting]

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Follow Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions. Follow Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions. Follow Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions.

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Statement from President Joe   Biden on Iran   Sanctions

Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel. Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.   The sanctions target leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defense Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone program that enabled this brazen assault. As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs.   During my Administration, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities—including Iran and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah. And we will keep at it. I’ve directed my team, including the Department of the Treasury, to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran’s military industries.   Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: The United States is committed to Israel’s security. We are committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.

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European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

Indian Nationals can now apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity

On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows. 

According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU. 

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance

eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025

Millions are being invited to switch from physical immigration documents to an eVisa – a key step in creating a modernised and digital border.

Photo: Getty Images

The next stage in the government’s plan to modernise the border and introduce a digital immigration system is under way, as the Home Office moves closer to the implementation of eVisas for nearly all visa holders living in the UK by 2025.

From today (17 April 2024), the Home Office will begin to send emails to all those with physical immigration documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account to access their eVisa, a digital proof of their immigration status.

Invitations will be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders in summer 2024.

eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. This will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government’s vision for a contactless border.

It is free and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:  

We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.  Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers.

eVisas bring substantial benefits to the UK public and to visa customers. They are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting customers in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.

An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a BRP or BRC , to protect against identity fraud.

People checking immigration status will be able to conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK. Selected public bodies are already able to access immigration status to determine eligibility for public services automatically through system to system checks.

eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of customers already using them across routes including the EU Settlement Scheme ( EUSS ). Most physical documents, such as biometric residence permits or cards (BRPs or BRCs), are being gradually phased out, with most BRPs expiring at the end of 2024.

This move to eVisas is in line with other countries which have replaced, or are planning to replace, their physical immigration documents with digital forms of immigration status.

Customers who already have an eVisa do not need to do anything as we make this change, but should continue to update their UKVI account with any changes to personal information, such as a new passport or contact details. Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally, until they expire.

Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025, as we transition to a fully digital border and immigration system for new and existing customers. This will deliver enhanced security and cost savings for the UK public and greater convenience for customers and status checkers. 

Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport on which they intend to travel using the online Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service on GOV.UK, if this is not already linked to their account, to avoid delays when travelling.

As part of the wider transformation of the UK border and immigration system, the government has already introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) scheme. ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK for those wanting to visit but who do not need a visa. It gives the government greater ability to screen travellers in advance of travel and prevent those who pose a threat from coming here.

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