How to Obtain a Visa for Britain
As with most countries, the ease with which you'll get into the United Kingdom depends on the passport you hold. Generally, passport holders from the United States, Canada, much of Latin America and Europe do not need a special visa to enter the UK as a tourist. For people from some other countries, there is some legwork involved. But as long as you're not working or studying in the country, and can prove you have the cash to support yourself while there, the process shouldn't be too painful.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Visiting the UK
-
1
Stonehenge, one of England's ancient wonders. Log onto the UK Border Agency's "Do I Need a Visa?" page. Enter your nationality, purpose of visit, and the country you currently reside in. The system will give you a clear "yes" or "no" about whether you need to obtain a visa. If the system tells you that you do not need a visa, feel free to make your travel arrangements for your trip to Britain.
-
2
Go the to the UK Border Agency's "New Visa Application" page and fill out your application. Some countries allow you to fill out the visa application online (See References). You will need a valid email address to go through this process. If you can't or don't want to do it online, you will need to contact your nearest Visa Application Office Overseas for the application (See References) .
According to the UK Border Agency, most people qualify for a visitor visa if they are visiting the UK for no more than six months and plan to leave at the end of the visit, they have enough money to support themselves during their stay, and do not intend to work -- both paid or unpaid.
-
-
3
Assemble the proper documentation for your visa, and submit your application. You will need to provide a color photograph, passport size, with your application, as well as the proper fee. The application fee is 68 British pounds.
-
4
Set up delivery confirmation for your package, if you are mailing your application. If you are applying online, ensure you get a confirmation email from the Border Agency, so that you know your application was received.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The information is geared toward getting the average tourist visa, called the "general visitor" visa. If you want to work or study in the United Kingdom, and you are not a citizen of the European Union, the process is much the same, though most of the time you must provide information about the school you will attend, or the job you have waiting for you in the UK. All the forms can be found at the Border Agency's website (See Resources).
Also keep in mind that people from a certain countries will need a certificate showing they do not have TB, before being granted a visitor visa. Countries include Bangladesh, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Niger, Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, Sudan, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
The United Kingdom is well known for its excellent public services, and the U.K. takes measures to make sure foreign travelers are not putting unnecessary stress on the system. To safeguard against those potential burdens, keep in mind that the Border Agency may ask you to provide documentation of employment back home, as well as financial statements showing that you have money for your stay in the country.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Big Ben image by Dani Dulfu from Fotolia.com stonehenge in uk image by Gary from Fotolia.com
