Passports & immigration
Visas
A visa is an official sticker or stamp entered in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a particular country.
Visit the UKvisas website
Find out everything you need to know about clearance to visit the UK on the UKvisas website:
UKvisas (new window) manages over 150 visa-issuing offices around the world in UK embassies, high commissions and consulates.
Visas for travelling outside the UK
If you are a UK citizen planning to travel outside British territories you may require a visa. Find out by contacting the consulate or embassy of the country you are planning to visit (new window) or check with your travel agent.
Visas for coming to the UK
Whether you need a visa to enter the UK depends on your:
- reason for visiting the UK
- country of nationality
- current location
Fill in this simple questionnaire on the UKvisas website (new window) to find out whether you need a visa to come to the UK.
How your application will be judged
Your visa application will be judged on criteria like:
- whether you can support yourself financially without help from the government
- whether you have a criminal record
- if you want to study in the UK, whether you have been accepted onto a course with a registered education provider
Fees and procedures
Fees for processing your visa application range from £30 to £260, depending on the type of visa you need (fees are subject to change). You can apply for a visa online at the UKvisas website, by post or in person at your local visa office.
Visit the UKvisas website (new window) to find out which kind of visa you need, how much it will cost, to download an application form to post, or to apply online. You can also get an application form and advice from your nearest visa office.
Important: You must send your visa application to the British embassy, high commission or consulate (new window) in the country where you legally live for processing. If there is no visa office in the country where you live, the UKvisas website will tell you where you should apply. The only exception is a visit visa – you can apply for this at any full service visa-issuing office.
