General information (INF 1)

Guidance - General information (INF 1)
Last updated 04 January 2008

This guidance gives general information about travelling to the United Kingdom (UK). It is only a guide, but it aims to answer some common questions. The full conditions for entry to the UK are contained in the Immigration Rules.

What is a visa?
A visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by and Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK.

If you have a valid UK visa, we will not normally refuse you entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.

When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may ask you questions, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.
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Do I need a visa?
You will need a visa if you:

  • are a national of one of the countries listed in the visa and transit visa nationals page on this website
  • are stateless (you do not have a nationality)
  • hold a non-national travel document (a travel document which does not give you the nationality or citizenship of the country that issued it), or
  • hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK.

Certain other categories of travellers to the UK may need entry clearance. If you are not sure whether you need a visa, or if you need more information, please read the appropriate guidance and the Do I need a visa? questionnaire on the home page of this website or contact your nearest visa application centre.
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How do I apply for a visa?
You can apply in a number of ways, for example, by post, by courier, in person and online. Staff at the visa application centres will tell you about the ways in which you can apply.

Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit the visa4UK website.

If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form. You can get a form, free of charge from the visa section of your nearest visa application centre or from the visa application forms page on this website.

You can apply for a visit visa or EEA family permit at any visa application centre overseas. If you are applying from within the EEA, you will need to show that you are living legally in an EEA member state. Living legally includes having a visit visa for the member state. For all other types of visa, you should apply in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

In some countries, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may need to be tested for active tuberculosis before we will accept your application. You can find out if you need to be tested by using our Do I need a visa? questionnaire on the homepage of this website, or by contacting your nearest visa application centre.
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What are visa application centres?
In some countries, we are working with commercial companies to run visa application centres (VACs). The VACs are in largely populated areas, making it easier and more convenient for people to apply for a UK visa. Trained staff at each VAC deal with all visa enquiries and applications. They collect your biometric information (see the relevant section of this leaflet) along with the relevant fees, and provide unbiased, face-to-face advice on the application process, including whether or not you have included all the necessary documents. Entry clearance staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. VAC staff have no say in this decision.
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What will I need to make my application?
This will depend on which category you are applying for entry under. In all cases you will need to make your application online or fill in an application form.

You will also need the following.

  • Your passport or travel document.
  • A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself.
    This should be:
    • taken against a light coloured background
    • clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
    • printed on normal photographic paper, and
    • full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
  • The visa fee. This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
  • Supporting documents relevant to your application.

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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 (10-digit fingerscans and a digital photograph) as part of the application process.

You will have to go to your nearest visa application centre in person to provide your biometrics. In those countries where there is no visa application centre, you will need to go to the British mission.

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).
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What supporting documents should I include with my application?
The documents that you will need will vary depending on the type of application you are making.

You can get information about the documents for each type of application from the other guidance notes on this website, or from your nearest visa application centre overseas.

We will refuse your application if we find that any documents are false.

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What will happen when I make my application?
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

  • your personal details are correct
  • it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
  • it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately).

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately.
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Should I ask an agent or an immigration adviser to help me apply for my visa?
You should be careful about using an agent or an immigration adviser as they cannot issue visas, or influence the outcome of your application. There have been cases where agents and immigration advisers have given people poor advice and overcharged them.

If you are not sure how to make your application, or if you want advice about travelling to the UK, you should read the appropriate guidance available on this website, or contact your nearest visa application centre.
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When should I get advice?
If your application is not straightforward, and you have already read the appropriate guidance and contacted the British mission, you might want to get help.
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How do I get advice?
As well as the sources of advice recommended earlier, you can get advice from various other organisations. There are contact details at the end of this guidance for the organisations that you, or your sponsor in the UK, can contact to help you find a suitable immigration adviser.
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Will my application be guaranteed if I have an immigration adviser?
No. Your application will depend on whether you qualify to enter the UK under the Immigration Rules and whether you give the Entry Clearance Officer all the necessary information and documents. A good adviser can help you fill in your application form and make sure that you include all the relevant supporting documents.
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Are all immigration advisers qualified to give advice on immigration matters?
No. Some advisers are qualified to give advice on immigration law and related matters, whereas others will only be able to help you fill in your application form. You should get details of their services before asking an immigration adviser to help you. If you plan to use an organisation that charges for its services, we advise you to check their fees first.

If you want to make a complaint about an immigration adviser, please contact the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner for help.
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Can I appeal if you refuse my visa?
You can get information about appeals in our Appeals guidance on this website.

If we refuse your visa, the Entry Clearance Officer will tell you if you have a right of appeal. If you do, they will give you the appeal forms you need.
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Can I extend my stay in the UK?
In some circumstances you may be allowed to stay longer. For example, if you are entering the UK to marry or to enter into a civil partnership with someone who is already present and settled (see note below) in the UK, you can apply to stay as a husband or wife or civil partner after your marriage or civil partnership has been registered. The UK Border Agency will deal with your application and they can provide more information. (Contact details are under 'More advice and information' at the end of this guidance).
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Will I need to register with the Police?
Nationals of certain countries are required to register with the police if they are entering the UK for more than six months. Your visa will state if this is necessary.

In London, police registration is made at:

Overseas Visitors Registration Office (OVRO)
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LH
Tel: 020 7230 1208

If you are not in London, you can register at the nearest police station specified as a registration office. You will be charged for the initial registration certificate.
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What does 'present and settled' mean?
Settled means being allowed to live in the UK lawfully, with no time limit on your stay. Present and settled means that the person concerned is settled in the UK and, at the time we are considering your application under the Immigration Rules, is in the UK or is coming here with you, or to join you, and plans to live with you in the UK if your application is successful.
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What are public funds?
Under the Immigration Rules, if you want to travel to the UK you must be able to support yourself and live without claiming certain benefits. A full list of public funds is available on the UK Border Agency website.

You are not allowed to enter the UK or stay as a visitor in the UK to receive medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Information on how you can enter the UK to have private medical treatment is in our Visitors (INF 2) guidance.

You can find more information about public funds in the Immigration Directorate Instructions (IDIs) and Immigration Rules on the UK Border Agency website.
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More advice and information

UK Border Agency
For more advice and information about extending your stay once you are in the UK:

The UK Border Agency
Croydon Public Caller Unit
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Phone: (+44) (0)870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
Phone: (+44) (0)870 241 0645 (application forms)
Email: indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
London SW1A 2AH

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
The Immigration Advisory Service is the UK's largest charity providing advice and respresentation in asylum, immigration and nationality law. It has offices right accross the UK and abroad. It provides a free service to those who are eligible. It may also be able to help those who are not eligible. The IAS is a non-profit service.

Immigration Advisory Service
3rd Floor, County House
190 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YB
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7967 1200
Phone: (+44) (0)20 8814 1559 (duty office open 24 hours a day)
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7403 5875
Email:advice@iasuk.org
Website: www.iasuk.org

Information about immigration advisers
If you or your sponsor feels that you have had poor advice from, or have been overcharged by, an immigration adviser in England or Wales contact the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
5th Floor, Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QN
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7211 1500
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7211 1553
Email: OISC email enquiries
Website: www.oisc.gov.uk

or

The Law Society - International Division
Victoria Court
8 Dormer Place
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV32 5AE
Phone: (+44) (0)845 608 6565
Email: enquiries@lawsociety.org.uk
Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk

If you have a complaint about a practising solicitor in Scotland, contact:

The Law Society of Scotland
Client Relations Office
26 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh EH3 7YR
Phone: (+44) (0)845 113 0018
Email: cro@lawscot.org.uk
Website: www.lawscot.org.uk

If you have a complaint about a practising solicitor in Northern Ireland, contact:

The Law Society of Northern Ireland
Law Society House
98 Victoria Street
Belfast BT1 3JZ
Tel: (+44) (0)28 9023 1614
Email:info@lawsoc-ni.org
Website: www.lawsoc-ni.org

If you think the advice you or your sponsor were given from any other organisation was poor, incompetent or too expensive, you should complain to that organisation.

For a list of advisers write to:

Immigration Law Practitioners' Association
Lindsey House
40-42 Charterhouse Street
London EC1M 6JN
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7251 8383
Email:info@ilpa.org.uk
Website: www.ilpa.org.uk

Revenue and Customs
For advice on bringing personal belongings and goods into the UK contact:

HM Revenue & Customs
Dorset House
Stamford Street
London SE1 9PY
Phone: (+44) (0)845 010 9000
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk

Drugs warning
Anyone found smuggling drugs into the UK will face serious penalties. Drug traffickers may try to bribe travellers. If you are travelling to the UK, avoid any involvement with drugs.

False documents
It is better to explain why you do not have a document than to submit a false document with an application. Applicants will be automatically refused and may be banned from coming to the UK for 10 years if they use a false document, lie or withhold relevant information.  They may also be banned if they have breached immigration laws in the UK.

Travellers to the UK who produce a false travel document or passport to the UK immigration authorities for themselves and/or their children are committing an offence. People found guilty of this offence face up to two years in prison or a fine (or both).

Alternative formats
In the UK we also have versions of our guidance notes in Braille, on audio tape and in large print. If you would like any guidance notes in one of these formats, please contact us:

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
London SW1A 2AH

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Further information

 

The official British Government website for visa services

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