Choose a visa
You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family. There are different visas depending on: where you come from why you wan...
Prepare your application
You can apply and pay for most visas online. If you have dependants who want to come to the UK with you, each person will need to apply and pay sep...
Prove your identity
When you apply, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents to show your eligibility. How you do this depends on where you’re from and...
Getting a decision on your application
You’ll get a letter or an email with the result of your application. It will explain what you need to do next. If your application is successful Yo...
How long does a visitor visa last in the UK?
If you know you want to be in the UK beyond six months, it's best to apply for the more costly long-term Standard Visitor visa, which lasts for two, five or ten years.
Can a UK citizen work full time in the UK?
Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent could qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, allowing them to work full-time for up to five years in the UK.
Entry under European treaties
Nationals holding passports from the following countries can freely enter the United Kingdom:
All other visitors
Holders of other passports, or travelers wishing to remain in the country for longer periods, should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to obtain a visa.
How long do you have to be on a visa to visit the UK?
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:
How long do you have to stay in the UK to come back?
If you had indefinite leave to remain ( ILR) and left the UK for more than 2 years you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.
What affects which visa to apply for?
Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.
How long can a family permit last in the UK?
A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme after your family permit expires.
What is a student visa?
A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You may be able to do some work on this visa. A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school.
Do you have to be approved before you travel?
Your application must be approved before you travel.
Which way does traffic go in the UK?
In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left. Read the Highway Code before driving.
When will the ePassport gates open in the UK?
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.
Can you bring a knife into the UK?
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.
Do I need a visa to enter the UK?
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.
What is an ADS visa?
a valid Schengen Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) group tourism visa where the holder is travelling to the country that issued it
Where is the decision to allow a passenger to transit without a visa made?
The decision to allow a passenger to transit without a visa (TWOV) under the scheme is decided by an immigration officer at the UK border.
Do diplomatic passport holders need a visa?
(2): Holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa. Service passport holders may transit without a visa. Holders of a public affairs passport may not transit without a visa.
Do non-nationals need a visa?
Whether holders of non-national and refugee travel documents require a direct airside transit visa (DATV) depends on their original nationality, and whether they qualify for one of the exemptions listed above. Persons recognised as stateless under the 1954 UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons are not required to hold a DATV and may transit airside without a visa.
What is Directgov.uk?
Directgov (Direct.gov.uk) provides an alphabetical listing of UK government bodies and a wide range of other public service information. The United Kingdom Parliament official site carries information about the U.K. Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Northern Ireland Assembly. The Scottish Parliament.
When will the ePassport gates open in the UK?
Starting June 2019 U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates on 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.
How long is a passport valid for?
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States.
Do you have to quarantine before flying?
This includes everyone aged 2 years and older. Most travelers, including those with a British passport , don’t need to quarantine once they arrive in the US. However, this can change depending on the state.
Do British people need visas?
Since the British are under the American VWP (Visa Waiver Program), they don’t need anything else to enter the country. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, they could need other documents like the New York Traveler Health Form or the Attestation Form, but it’ll depend on the last countries the traveler was visiting, as well as other personal circumstances.
