This section provides general information about travelling to the United Kingdom (UK). It is only a guide, but aims to answer commonly asked questions. Specific advice can only be given once a detailed consultation has been arranged and your personal circumstances have been taken into account. Factors which will influence the type of visa or work permit application for an individual include:

• Your age
• Your ancestry
• Purpose of your visit
• Duration of your visit
• UK Government requirements, which change from time to time.

• Visitors - Information about visiting the UK
• Sponsors - Information about sponsoring visitors to the UK
• Spouses - Information for spouses, fiancés and unmarried partners
• Students - Information about studying in the UK
• Family Members - Information about joining family members in the UK
• Adopted Children - information about bringing adopted children to the UK
• Returning Residents - Information for returning residents
• UK Ancestry - Information about UK Ancestry
• Right of Abode - Information about the right of abode
• Work permits - Information for work permit holders
• Permit Free Employment - Information about permit free employment
• Working Holidaymakers - Information for working holidaymakers
• Au Pairs - Information for au pairs
• Overseas Domestic Workers - Information about overseas domestic workers
• EEA Nationals - Information for EEA nationals
• Appeals - Information about appeals against refusal of entry clearance

What is a visa?
A visa is an Visa certificate that is placed in your passport or travel document at a British mission overseas. The Visa certificate confers leave to enter the UK .

If you have a valid UK visa you will not normally be refused entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information or failed to disclose important facts when you applied for your visa.

When you arrive in the UK , an Immigration Officer may question you, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.


Do I need a visa to visit the UK ?
You will need a visa if you:

• are a national of one of the countries listed at the end of this section
• are stateless
• hold a non-national travel document
• hold a passport issued by an authority not recognised by the UK

Even if you do not require a visa to visit the UK , you may need an Visa if you are travelling to the UK under another of the categories listed above. If you are unsure of whether you require Visa, or require more detailed information, please contact our office. 

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What will happen when I make my application?
VISA ONE will advise you on all of the documentation which is required before an application will be considered by the British High Commission. At the High Commission, the Visa Officer will check that he or she has all the information that is needed to make a decision. If more information is required you may be asked to return with or send additional documentation before your application is accepted.

Once your application has been accepted you may have to be interviewed.


Do I have the right of appeal if my visa is refused?
If you are refused a visa or Visa the Visa officer will tell you if you have a right of appeal and give you the appeal forms you need.


What are public funds?
The Immigration Rules require that people who wish to travel to the UK are able to support and accommodate themselves without claiming certain state benefits called Public Funds.

• Income support and jobseekers allowance.
• Housing and homelessness assistance.
• Housing benefit and council tax benefit.
• Working families tax credit.
• A social fund payment.
• Child benefit.
• Any disability allowance.

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LIST OF VISA NATIONALS
If you are a national of one of the countries listed  below, or if you are stateless, hold a non-national travel document or passport issued by an authority not recognised by the UK you must hold a valid UK visa on each* occasion that you travel to the UK.

Visa Nationals:
Visa nationals are those who require a visa for every entry to the UK , though some may be able to “Transit Without Visa”. Those who require visas for transit as well are listed below under Direct Airside transit..

 
*Visas are not required if you are settled in the UK or if you already have permission to stay in the UK and are returning to the UK before your permission to stay expires.

If you are a national of a country not listed above you do not need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor or student. You may need to apply for prior entry clearance if you wish to come to the UK in another immigration capacity.

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