Visitor Visa

Those citizens who are listed as being "Visa Nationals," must gain Entry Clearance in order to be permitted to travel to the UK as visitors. Those persons who are not Visa Nationals do not need to gain Entry Clearance to travel to the UK as visitors. They will however, need to satisfy the Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry that they have made arrangements to exit the UK within a period of six months (i.e. return ticket). Also they will need to show that they have sufficient funds in order to support themselves whilst in the UK in a non working capacity (i.e. minimum £1000 please note that credit cards and monies lodged outside of the UK are not normally considered as proof of funds. We suggest that travellers cheques would be suitable.)

If you wish to travel to the UK as a Visitor, but are not sure if you are a Visa National, then we would advise you to contact your nearest British Mission for clarification, or alternatively contact our consultants who will be able to tell you.

The Visitors Visa may be issued at the Port of Entry to the UK by the Immigration Officer, and is allocated for a period not exceeding six months. A person who requests a visitors visa must show:

• That they intend to leave the UK by the end of their visit.
• That they do not intend to take up employment paid or unpaid.
• That they do not intend to produce goods or provide services within the UK, including selling goods or services directly to the public.
• That they do not intend to study at a State maintained school.
• That they will maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds.
• That they can meet the cost of their onward journey.

Business Visitors may transact business in the UK, meaning that they may attend meetings, briefings, and conduct fact-finding. They may also negotiate contracts with UK businesses to provide services or to buy & sell goods. They must have their main place of business and their home outside of the UK, and they must not engage in direct business in the UK.

Applicants who are issued with Entry Clearance to travel to the UK as Visitors, are also issued at the same time with "Leave to Enter the UK." Therefore, the Immigration Officer at the UK Port of Entry no longer issues the Leave to Enter, as it will already have been issued. In addition, those persons who hold the new Visitors Visa Entry Clearance Certificate may exit and re-enter the UK multiple times during the validity of the Leave to Enter specified on the Entry Clearance Certificate.

If you intend to marry your UK/EU partner n the UK you will need to apply for Entry Clearance for a Visitors Visa for the purpose of marriage.

The rules of immigration relating to Visits to the UK for non-European citizens have changed and before you travel please consult with the British High Commission or British Embassy for local advice or contact our office for further information.

Should you have any queries with regard to applying for the Visitors Visa, then our consultants will be most happy to advise you.