Visa Information

Applications for visit visas are made online at: visas-immigration.service.gov.uk

A visit visa application can be made from any country where there is a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The online form will ask which country you are applying from, which then gives a list of available Visa Application Centres. An application can also be made online from a country where there is no VAC presence, but the delegate would need to travel to a VAC to complete the application process. Further details about our visa application centres are available here: https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre

You can find the information you need about visit UK visas on: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

The application form has been translated into a range of languages, however all answers must be in English. Supporting documents must also be in English or accompanied by a translation. Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents

The current processing time is around 3 weeks from submitting biometrics, but we recommend that applications are made as early as possible allowing at least 3 weeks. In many locations, for an additional fee, delegates may be able to use a Priority and Super Priority visa service.

Biometric information consists of fingerprint scanning and a full-face digital photograph. Visa applicants must provide their biometric information each time they apply for a UK visa.

Yes When an application is started you will be asked to supply an email address and create a password, and will then be emailed a link to return to the application at a later point. This means the form can be started more than three months before the planned date of travel.

A decision to refuse a visa is made only after careful consideration of all the facts by an Entry Clearance Officer, including the fact that a delegate is to attend or contribute to a specific event. If the application is refused, the refusal notice will provide details about the reasons for refusal. You are free to make a new application, but it is strongly recommended that you read their refusal letter carefully and fully address all the reasons for the initial refusal.

If granted, an ETA provides a traveller with permission to travel to the UK. An ETA does not provide permission to enter the UK, nor does it provide permission to live, work or study in the UK.

All individuals will still need to seek leave to enter at the border in the way they do now; either by passing through an eGate if eligible or by seeing a Border Force officer.