New rules for EU Nationals who wish to visit the UK
- EU/EEA Nationals are ‘Non-Visa’ Nationals. ...
- Guidance for EU visitors to the UK. ...
- Permitted Activities – Standard Visit Visas. ...
- Permitted Paid Engagements. ...
- Marriage/Civil Partnership Visit Visas. ...
- Frequent visits to the UK. ...
- Suitability. ...
- Contact Our UK Visit Visa Immigration Lawyers. ...
Do EU citizens need a visa to enter the UK?
EU/EEA Nationals are ‘Non-Visa’ Nationals EU/EEA nationals are now regarded as ‘non-visa nationals’, which means that they do not need to apply for a visit visa before their visit, but will make their applications to visit the UK upon entry at the UK border point.
What are the UK immigration rules for EU citizens?
Under the UK immigration rules, EU nationals can come to the UK and seek permission at the border to enter as visitors, without having to apply for a visa.
Why do UK nationals need a “visa waiver”?
Why do UK nationals need a “visa waiver” to visit the EU? Earlier this year the European Union (EU) said that British travellers will need a “visa waiver” to visit any one of the bloc’s 27 countries from 2023. The latest information, released on the weekend of May 28, confirms that all non-EU residents will require a visa to visit the EU.
Do I need a visa to travel to Europe after Brexit?
Some travellers had expressed concerns that British citizens would need a visa to enter Europe after Brexit. This is not, however, the case. Although the UK is now outside the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and stay short-term.
How long can EU citizen stay in UK without visa?
Under the new system, if you're an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen, you can continue to come to the UK as a visitor without applying for a visa and in most cases, will be able to stay for up to six months.
Can EU citizens still move to UK?
There are several ways that EU citizens can move to the UK after Brexit for a longer stay, including the following UK visas: EU Settlement Scheme. EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit. UK family visa (such as spouse visa or parent visa)
Can I travel to UK with EU residence card?
From 1 January 2021 you can no longer use an Article 10 or 20 residence card issued by an EEA member state to travel to the UK if you're accompanying your EEA citizen family member to the UK, or joining them in the UK.
Do EU nationals need a work permit in UK?
An EU passport or national identity card alone is no longer valid proof of someone's right to work in the UK. However, Irish citizens can continue to use their passport or passport card to prove their right to work.
Which countries can enter UK without visa?
Nationals of countries/territories who do not need a visa to enter the UK: All EU countries, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, ...
Where can I travel with EU residence permit?
Travellers with residence permits Then you are allowed to be in all countries of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Besides your passport or other travel document, take your residence permit with you when you travel.
Do I need a visa to go to the UK?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to the United Kingdom for a stay up to 6 months. A valid U.S. Passport is required.
Do I need a visitor visa for UK?
You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. A Standard Visitor visa costs £100 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
What do EU nationals need to work in UK?
From 1 January 2021, UK immigration rules have applied to arrivals from the EU and the EEA. A visa is not required by EU or EEA citizens to visit the UK (other than those coming to get married) but a visa is required by those coming to work, study for longer than six months or join family.
How can a EU citizen become a UK resident?
You can no longer apply for a UK permanent residence document. If you applied on or before 31 December 2020, your application will still be considered. To continue living in the UK, you need another type of permission to stay, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Can EU citizens work in the UK after Brexit?
If you were living in the United Kingdom before 1 January 2021, you may continue to live and work there. However, you need to have settled or pre-settled status. The deadline for applying was 30 June 2020.
How do I permanently move to the UK?
Live permanently in the UKApply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)Prove you have right of abode in the UK.Apply to stay in the UK as a stateless person.
Can I live in UK after Brexit?
EU citizens moving to the UK after Brexit EU citizens and their close family members who move to the UK after Brexit and wish to stay beyond 2020 will need to apply for a UK immigration status granting them permission to stay.
What is a business visitor?
A business visitor is someone who comes to the UK on a short-term basis for business-related reasons or activities without formally taking part in...
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
In the UK, the standard visitor visa applies to both tourists and business travellers.
Do I need a visa for a business trip to the UK?
Non-UK nationals who are not resident in the UK will need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK. If you a planning a short trip for business, you...
What are the EU nationals?
Post-Brexit rules for EU nationals. ‘EU nationals’ refer to citizens of the 26 European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Following the end of EU free movement, EU nationals who do not hold valid UK immigration status such as EU settled status or pre-settled status, ...
How long do you have to stay in the UK to visit?
The visitor must adhere to the rules of entry, including not intending to undertake any of the prohibited activities and leaving the UK within the six-month visitor period.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
In the UK, the standard visitor visa applies to both tourists and business travellers .
What can visitors ask about their immigration history?
Visitors can also be asked about their immigration history and previous travel and visits to the UK, to determine if the traveller is a genuine short-stay visitor or if they are using the visit route for ‘under the radar’ residency.
What happens if a traveller is refused entry to the UK?
If a traveller is refused entry, this will be noted on their UK immigration record, which can impact future Home Office applications. As such, travellers and their employers should take steps to reduce the risk of border issues.
How long does it take to leave the UK?
Leave to enter as a visitor is on the basis that the individual leaves the UK within the six month period and does not participate in specified prohibited activities such as employment, studying, marriage, medical treatment or accessing public funds.
Can EU citizens come to the UK?
Under the UK immigration rules, EU nationals can come to the UK and seek permission at the border to enter as visitors, without having to apply for a visa. EU nationals are considered “non-visa nationals” in the UK, meaning they can seek permission to enter as a visitor at the border without having to apply for a visitor visa, ...
When can EU citizens visit the UK?
Guidance for EU visitors to the UK. The Home Office published guidance for EU nationals who wish to visit the UK on 31 December 2020, which states the following:-. “If you were not resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 and do not have rights under the withdrawal agreement, you will need to meet specific requirements in order to work ...
How long can a visitor stay in the UK?
Generally a ‘standard’ visitor will be admitted to the UK for 6 months at a time, and the permitted activities are quite wide, as is set out above in the guidance for EU visitors, broadly being “tourism, visiting family and friends, short term study and business-related activities, such as events and conferences”. Here is a link to the Immigration Rules (Appendix V – Visitor) which set out the permitted activities for visitors in all the visit categories.
How to contact immigration barristers in UK?
For expert advice and assistance with the new rules governing EU citizens who wish to visit the UK, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.
How long is a standard visitor allowed?
Standard visitor: for those seeking to undertake the activities set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, for example tourism and visiting family, usually for up to 6 months.
When will the UK end free movement?
With the end of free movement on 31 December 2020, EU/EEA nationals entering the UK as visitors are now governed by the Visit Visa immigration rules applicable to all non-EEA citizens. In this post we look at the new rules for EU/EEA nationals who wish to visit the UK.
When will EU citizens marry in 2021?
According to the guidance issued by the Home Office, after 1 July 2021 EU nationals coming to the UK to marry will now need to enter with permission to marry. The Immigration rules set the requirements for such visas quite succinctly, as follows:-
Is an EU/EEA national a non-visa national?
EU/EE A Nationals are ‘Non-Visa ’ Nationals. EU/EEA nationals are now regarded as ‘non-visa nationals’, which means that they do not need to apply for a visit visa before their visit, but will make their applications to visit the UK upon entry at the UK border point. It is important to understand that even if a visa has not been issued in advance, ...
When will the EU change visa requirements?
There will not be any changes to visa requirements for EU nationals until at least December 31, 2020, when the Brexit transitional period is due to end. Until then, EU nationals can continue to travel to the UK without a visa for short trips and holidays.
What is a visitor in transit visa?
Visitor in Transit Visa. This type of visa is needed if you will pass through British border control but you intend to depart the country within 48 hours. You need a Visitor in Transit Visa if you are from a country that typically requires UK visitor visas (see above).
Do I Need a Transit Visa for the UK?
If you typically need a visa to enter the UK as a tourist, you will also need a transit visa. However, there are two types of transit visas for the UK, and the requirements change depending on what country you are from:
Do I Need a Visa for the UK?
If you are from the US , an EU Member State, or certain Commonwealth countries, you do not need a visa for the UK for up to six months.
When will the UK get an ETIAS visa?
Although there are no visa requirements for UK citizens, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS from the end of 2022. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is being introduced to improve safety and security across the Schengen Area.
How long can a UK citizen stay in the UK after Brexit?
The biggest change for UK nationals following Brexit is that the maximum length they can stay is now limited to 90 days per 180-day period. Once ETIAS is introduced, the permit will be valid for multiple stays of up to 3 months in any of the Schengen countries.
Can UK citizens apply for ETIAS?
ETIAS requirements for UK citizens. UK Citizens are eligible to apply for the ETIAS waiver for travel to the Schengen Area. Below, UK ETIAS applicants can find a list of requirements that each traveller must have: A valid United Kingdom (or other ETIAS approved country) passport.
Does ETIAS guarantee entry to Europe?
It is important to note that ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe, the final decision lies with European border officials.
Can a non EU citizen cross the border?
Non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries, such as the UK, will need ETIAS to cross an external border. ETIAS is not a visa and will be much easier to obtain. The application process is fully online and will take just a few minutes to complete.
Do travellers need to provide answers to questions about health and security?
In addition to the information mentioned above, travellers may also be required to provide answers to further questions dealing with health and security. This information is then cross-checked against the Schengen security systems to detect any possible threats.
Is it safe to travel to Europe with a British passport?
The new system will allow many foreigners to maintain their visa-free privileges whilst making Europe safer for residents and other visitors. British passport holders will be able to enjoy top European holiday destinations with greater peace of mind than ever before.
What are EU citizens?
By “EU citizens” we mean citizens of the 26 European Union member states bar Ireland, the additional three European Economic Area states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland. There are practically no border restrictions for Irish citizens.
How might the visit visa regime be improved?
The current framework leaves a lot to be desired. It sets out a list of prohibited activities, but then sets out a list of exceptions to the prohibited activities which are in fact permitted.
What is a visitor permitted to do?
Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities sets out all of the things a visitor is allowed to do. These permitted activities introduce exceptions to the broad list of prohibited activities. The permitted activities include:
What are the rules for immigration?
There are restrictions on what a person can and can’t do as a visitor. The standard conditions endorsed on a visitor’s entry stamp are “leave to enter for six months, employment and recourse to public funds prohibited” (or wording to that effect).
When did free movement end in the EU?
EU free movement rights ended at 11pm on 31 December 2020. All EU arrivals after that date must either already possess valid permission to enter or remain (for example, in the form of pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme), or they must seek permission to enter as a visitor at the border.
Can non-visa nationals apply for entry clearance in advance?
For non-visa nationals, it might be an idea to consider applying for entry clearance in advance, the way that visa nationals would . This allows a written case to be made in advance of pitching up at the border desk.
Is there a border restriction for Irish citizens?
There are practically no border restrictions for Irish citizens. For the avoidance of doubt, none of this applies to existing residents with EU pre-settled or settled status (although even some of those people have been having trouble at the border).
EU/EEA Nationals Are ‘Non-Visa’ Nationals
Guidance For EU visitors to The UK
- The Home Office published guidance for EU nationalswho wish to visit the UK on 31 December 2020, which states the following:- “If you were not resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 and do not have rights under the withdrawal agreement, you will need to meet specific requirements in order to work or study in the UK from 1 January 2021. You will also need to pass relevant check…
Permitted Activities – Standard Visit Visas
- Generally a ‘standard’ visitor will be admitted to the UK for 6 months at a time, and the permitted activities are quite wide, as is set out above in the guidance for EU visitors, broadly being“tourism, visiting family and friends, short term study and business-related activities, such as events and conferences”. Here is a linkto the Immigration Rules (Appendix V – Visitor) which set out the per…
Permitted Paid Engagements
- Short term paid engagements (less than one month) are permitted under the visit visa rules but the conditions for such visits are very strictly defined. Again, these conditions are set out in the Immigration Rules (Appendix V – Visitor, see link/s above) under the heading “Additional eligibility requirement for visitors coming to UK for Permitted Paid Engagements”. The rules also set out …
Marriage/Civil Partnership Visit Visas
- According to the guidance issued by the Home Office, after 1 July 2021 EU nationals coming to the UK to marry will now need to enter with permission to marry. The Immigration rules set the requirements for such visasquite succinctly, as follows:- V 12.1. The applicant must be aged 18 or over on the date of application. V 12.2. Unless the applicant is a “relevant national” as defined in …
Frequent Visits to The UK
- EU nationals may have been accustomed to visiting the UK often, however frequent visitors to the UK should pay heed to the following (from the Immigration Rules):-
Suitability
- EU visitors should also note that there are suitability requirements which apply to all entrants to the UK, which are set out in detail in the Immigration Rules at Part 9: grounds for refusal. These requirements, dealing with matters such as previous criminal and immigration offences, are far more stringent than those previously governing EU nationals before the end of free movement o…
Contact Our UK Visit Visa Immigration Lawyers
- For expert advice and assistance with the new rules governing EU citizens who wish to visit the UK, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.