Chapter 2 - Who needs an entry clearance?
Requirements by category and nationality

Chapter 2 - Who needs an entry clearance?
Requirements by category and nationality

2.1 - Purpose of this chapter
This chapter defines the two immigration categories into which foreign and Commonwealth nationals seeking entry to the UK are divided: visa nationals and non-visa nationals. The entry clearance requirements for each category are given.

2.2 - Visa nationals: who they are, and requirements for entry clearance
A visa national is:

• a national of one of the countries on the list of Visa and Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) nationals
• a stateless person
• a holder of a non-national travel document unless issued by the UK, or
• a holder of a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the uk

Entry clearance requirements
Visa nationals must obtain prior entry clearance before travelling to the UK and are required to submit biometric information as part of their application unless they are:

• returning residents;
• those who have been given permission to stay in the UK and, after temporarily leaving the UK, return within the duration of that permission to stay;
• School pupils, who are visa nationals, resident in an EU member state on an organised trip from a general education school and accompanied by a teacher. On entry to the UK the teacher must present to the Immigration Officer a list which identifies all the children travelling and explains the purpose of the journey. Most EU member states allow the list to be used instead of passports (in which case the list bears photographs). UK ports are aware of this arrangement. Where a child travelling in such a group insists on applying for a visa you should accept and process the application (a visa fee should be charged). The child will, of course need an individual passport. To take account of differing educational schemes in Europe there are no specific age limits included in this provision.

2.3 - Non-visa nationals: who they are, and when they need prior entry clearance
Non-visa nationals are nationals of all countries other than those listed as visa nationals.

Non-visa nationals also include British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Overseas Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Protected Persons and British Subjects.

Entry clearance requirements
Non-visa nationals who wish to enter the UK for six months or less do not normally need prior entry clearance unless applying for entry clearance in certain categories e.g. marriage. Even if a person does not require entry clearance, you should accept and process an application if the person insists on applying, charge the appropriate entry fee and capture their biometrics.

To find out if an applicant requires an entry clearance, use our Do I need a UK visa? questionnaire.