Passports & immigration
Visas
Whatever your reason for travelling to the UK, it's important that you find out in advance whether you need a visa.
Visit the UK Visas website
Find out everything you need to know about clearance to visit the UK:
UK Visas (new window) manages visa-issuing offices around the world in UK embassies, high commissions and consulates. The UK Border Agency (new window) oversees immigration issues and border control, while the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (new window) oversees embassies and consulates abroad.
Depending on your circumstances, their websites provide additional information that could be helpful for you.
Travelling outside the UK?
If you are a UK citizen planning to travel outside British territories, you may find that you need help or information while you're travelling. Before you go, find the UK consulate or embassy closest to where you'll be staying, (new window) and make a note of its address and phone number.
You might also want to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website for advice and tips for British travellers heading abroad (new window).
Visas for coming to the UK
Whether you need a visa to enter the UK depends on your:
- reason for visiting
- country of nationality
- current location
The UK has a points-based system for approving visa applications. Immigration officers will look at all of the information you provide, and determine whether you should have a visa, and what kind of visa you need.
Find out more about the visa system (new window).
How your application will be judged
Your visa application will be judged on criteria like:
- whether you can support yourself financially
- your prospective employer
- your home nation
- your age
- your area of work
- your educational background
- whether you intend to work here temporarily or permanently
- whether you have a criminal record
Fees and applying
Fees for processing your visa application range from £45 to in excess of £600, depending on the type of visa you need. Here's a current list of fees (new window).
You can apply for a visa:
- via the UK Visas website (new window)
- by post
- in person at a visa office in a consulate or embassy
Important: You must send your visa application to a British embassy, high commission or consulate (new window) in the country where you legally live. If there is no visa office in the country where you live.
The only exception is a visit visa – you can apply for that visa at any full service visa-issuing office.
