General Visa Information on UK

What is a visa?

A visa is a document issued by the UK Border Agency which gives someone permission to travel to or enter the UK.  This permission is called ''entry clearance''. 

There are 4 types of entry clearance document: 

• a visa which is required by some nationals or citizens of the countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
• an entry certificate which is issued to non-visa nationals;
• an EEA family permit which is issued to non-EEA nationals who are the family members of EEA nationals; and
• an exempt vignette for people (such as diplomats) who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act 1971. 

What are visa application centres?

Where there are no visa sections in the country where you are applying for a UK visa, a visa application centre (VAC) is where you, as a visa applicant, will have to go in person to submit your application and provide your biometric information.  Our VACs are run by commercial partners.  You may also collect your documents from the VAC at the end of the process.  VACs are located in major cities for your convenience and ease of access.
Visa staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. In some instances it may be necessary for the visa staff to request further documents. VAC staff have no say in deciding the outcome of an application

Can I have more than one visa?

It is not possible to hold more than one visa or entry clearance. If your circumstances change you should always inform the Home Office before you leave the UK so that your permission to stay can be curtailed. Once your permission to stay has been curtailed you will be able to apply for a new visa overseas.

Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?

Visas for the UK can be issued only at British Missions overseas. If you need a visa, you must get it before you travel to the UK.

Can somebody else fill in my application form for me?

Yes, but you must sign the application form personally to show that the information given is true and accurate. Giving false or misleading information, or failing to give important relevant information on a visa application form, or to an entry clearance officer, will be reason for an application to be refused.  You may also be automatically refused a visa for the following ten years for using deception in an application.
Our visa application forms are available only in English and must be completed in English or with certified translation of certain documents.  This will enable us to improve the efficiency and quality of the service we provide to our customers.

Can I apply for a long-term visa?

You should give careful consideration before applying for a long-term visit visa valid for 1, 2, 5 or 10 years as there is the possibility that the visa may be refused, or issued for a shorter period than you have applied for. This could happen if the evidence you provide does not support a long term visit visa application or does not meet the entry clearance criteria. If the application is refused or the visa is issued for a shorter period, you will not be refunded your application fee.  There is no automatic entitlement to a 1, 2, 5 or 10 year visit visa.

Although there is no requirement for you to have held a short term visit visa (that is, a standard visit visa of 6 months validity) before being able to apply for a long term one, if you have not previously applied for a UK visa, you may wish to apply for a short term visit visa first.

Applications for long-term visit visas will be considered in the light of:

• Whether the applicant can demonstrate a frequent and sustained need to come to the UK, such as family links or an established business connection.
• Whether personal circumstances are unlikely to change significantly during the validity of the visa.  The better able the applicant can demonstrate stability over the long term the more it will support an application for a longer period.
• Whether the applicant can support themselves in the UK without public funds, and demonstrate that they intend to leave the UK at the end of each visit.
• Previous travel history as evidenced in a current valid passport.

Applicants under the age of 18 may only be granted a visa which is valid to six months past their 18th birthday. For instance, for a 14 year old applying for a five or ten year long term visit visa, the visa expiry date will be limited to the date that is six months after the applicantҀs 18th birthday.

What if I don't understand English?

You will need to find someone who can speak English to help you complete the application form.
Your documents can be submitted in local language as long as they are accompanied by a summary in English.  You may be required to provide certified translations for some documents.  Please ask your local visa application centre or visa section for advice.

What is 'biometric' information?

All UK visa applicants, save for those benefiting from a limited number of exemptions and exceptions, are required to provide biometric data (we will take 10-digit finger scans and a digital photograph for our records) as part of the application process.
You will have to go in person to your nearest visa application centre to provide your biometrics and submit your application.
Your visa application will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information.  The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals.  You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete.  You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans.  You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken.  Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered).
Please note: children under the age of five are not required to provide biometrics as part of the application process. 

Why may I need to attend an interview?

When a visa officer cannot make an immediate decision about whether you qualify for a visa, you may be asked to attend an interview. We aim to do this within 15 working days from the date the visa officer assesses your application.

Always try to make your application well in advance of your intended travel date.