Entry clearance to the United Kingdom
This page explains the different types of entry clearance (visa), whether you need one, and how to apply for one.
You will not need entry clearance (a visa) if you hold a United Kingdom passport or one issued by another country in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
The four types of entry clearance that can be issued to give someone permission to travel to or enter the United Kingdom are:
- a visa that is required by nationals or citizens of the countries or territories listed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules (visa nationals);
- an entry certificate that is issued to non-visa nationals;
- the EEA family permit which is issued to the family members of EEA nationals; and
- the exempt vignette that is issued to people who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act 1971, for example, diplomats.
The entry clearance process for the United Kingdom is operated by visa services through visa sections in some British diplomatic posts.
Entry clearance requirements
Whether or not you need to apply for entry clearance will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit to the United Kingdom. Visa services has a visa enquiry form on its website that you can use to find out if you need a visa or what type of permission you require to come to the United Kingdom.
The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not part of the United Kingdom and have their own immigration laws and policies, but UK visa offices also issue visas for these islands.
You may need a visa (entry clearance) to come to the United Kingdom. Depending on your nationality, you will come under one of two categories:
- visa national; or
- non-visa national.
If you are a visa national you will need entry clearance (a visa) to come to the United Kingdom.
If you are a non-visa national you will not need entry clearance to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which you are entering. If you are a non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months, you will need entry clearance.
Some visa nationals may transit the United Kingdom without a visa but in some circumstances visa nationals travelling to the United Kingdom for the purpose of transiting on to another country require a direct airside transit visa or visitor in transit visa. You should see In transit through the United Kingdom for more information.
Where to apply
You must be outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man when you make your application for entry clearance.
An application for entry clearance as a visitor can be made at any British diplomatic post offering a visa service. All other entry clearance applications must be made to the British diplomatic post in the country or territory where you are living. A list of the British diplomatic posts is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
News & updates
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.
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Non-visa national
A non-visa national is a national or citizen of any country that is NOT listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules (nationals of countries listed in Appendix 1 are visa nationals). A non-visa national does not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which they are entering. A non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months will need a visa.
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Transit
Passing through the United Kingdom on your way to another country without staying in the United Kingdom.
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Visa national
A person who is a national or citizen of certain countries and will always require a visa to come to the United Kingdom. These countries or territories are listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules. Some visa nationals may pass through the United Kingdom on the way to another country without a visa, but in some circumstances they will require a direct airside visa or visitor in transit visa.
Internet links
Contact
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Visa services
Visa services, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH. If you are outside the United Kingdom, you should contact your nearest British diplomatic post.