United Kingdom visa policy

The visa policy of the UK is stated by the government, and it determines entry requirements to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland (England, Scotland, North Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, and Wales).

We can distinguish a few types of visas to the UK depending on nationality, purpose of the trip, and length of the visit. Many travelers must apply for the permit at the nearest Application Centre. They can obtain visitor, marriage, student, or other visas there.

Nationals from approximately 90 countries don’t need a visa to enter the UK for up to 6 months. Check the lists and prepare for your stay earlier.

Also, some citizens from visa-exempt countries must obtain the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) of the United Kingdom. They need to complete the online application to get the permit.

Soon the United Kingdom ETA (electronic travel authorization) will be available for some nationalities (including citizens from Jordan). Also, in November 2023, this permit will be obligatory for Qatari, and in February 2024, eligible travelers will be able to apply for it.

Besides, note that a valid passport (or ID) is necessary in each case if you want to visit the United Kingdom.

Who can enter the UK?

According to the UK government, all travelers who meet the requirements can enter the country. They need to have a valid passport and other necessary documents that will be checked at the port or airport.

There is no need to take COVID-19 tests or complete the passenger locator form, as all restrictions were lifted. Also, the Irish and UK citizens can visit the country without a visa.

Entry Requirements for the UK

Entry requirements for the UK depend on nationality, trip purpose, and journey length. Travelers must check all information before they visit the country.

A valid passport for at least 6 months and a visa (if you are not from a visa-free country) are the most important documents. It is essential to prepare an identity document at the border control as it will be checked by the proper authorities.

Documents checklist for entering the United Kingdom

You can check the list of necessary documents for entering the UK below:

• a passport valid for the duration of the stay with one page
• a visa (depending on nationality and other factors)
• a test for tuberculosis (for a stay longer than 6 months).

Remember that all requirements may change, so checking the governmental website for the newest information is recommended.

Methods of getting a visa to the UK

There are several methods of getting a visa to the UK. Travelers may pick the one according to their nationality, length of stay, and trip purpose. Some citizens may apply for the UK electronic visa waiver (EVW) for tourism purposes and stay in the country for up to 180 days. Obtaining a visitor visa at the UK Visa Application Centre is also possible.

Electronic visa waiver (EVW)

Certain nationalities must apply for the electronic visa waiver to enter the United Kingdom. It is designed mainly for the citizens of the Persian Gulf who need to obtain it before their trip. To do so, it is required to complete the online form. Besides, a valid biometric passport and active email address are needed.

UK ETA

In late 2023 the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be launched. It will be a multiple-entry permit with 2 years validity period allowing you to stay in the country for up to 6 months on each visit. The system will be similar to the Canadian eTA and American ESTA. Electronic travel authorization for the UK will be obtained through the online application process.

Visitor Visa

The UK traditional visa also called a visitor visa, is required by around 150 nationalities. Depending on the type, it can be used for various purposes, such as tourism, business, study, work, medical treatment, etc. To obtain it, an applicant must contact the nearest embassy or consulate and make a face-to-face appointment. Also, a visit to the embassy is required in case of an immigrant visa and work permit.

Countries and regions which require a visa for entry into the United Kingdom

Check the lists of eligible countries and prepare the necessary documents.

The Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW):

• United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia

A visa for the UK is required:

• Afghanistan
• Anguilla
• Albania
• Armenia
• Angola
• American Samoa
• Aruba
• Aland Islands
• Azerbaijan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bangladesh
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Bolivia
• Bahamas
• Bhutan
• Belarus
• Canada
• Cocos Islands
• Congo
• Central African Republic
• Ivory Coast
• Cook Islands
• Cameroon
• China
• Colombia
• Serbia
• Cuba
• Christmas Island
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Algeria
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Falkland Islands
• Micronesia
• Faroe Islands
• Gabon
• Georgia
• French Guiana
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Greenland
• Gambia
• Guinea Bissau
• Guinea
• Guadeloupe
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guam
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Indonesia
• India
• Iraq
• Iran
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kenya
• Kyrgyzstan
• Cambodia
• Comoros
• North Korea
• Cayman Islands
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Sri Lanka
• Liberia
• Lesotho
• Libya
• Morocco
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Madagascar
• Marshall Islands
• Macedonia
• Mali
• Myanmar
• Mongolia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Martinique
• Mauritania
• Montserrat
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• New Caledonia
• Niger
• Norfolk Island
• Nigeria
• Nepal
• Niue
• Peru
• French Polynesia
• Philippines
• Pakistan
• Sierra Leone
• Senegal
• Somalia
• Suriname
• Syria
• Swaziland
• Caicos Islands
• Chad
• Togo
• Thailand
• Tajikistan
• Tokelau
• Turkmenistan
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Tanzania
• Ukraine
• Uganda
• United States
• Uzbekistan
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Samoa
• Yemen
• Mayotte
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Russia
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Palestine
• United States Virgin Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Isle of Man
• Guernsey
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saint Martin
• Saint Helena
• Reunion
• Puerto Rico
• Jersey
• Curacao
• Cape Verde
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Saint Barthelemy
• Sint Maarten
• Bonaire

A visa for the UK is not required:

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Austria
• Australia
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Brunei
• Brazil
• Bahamas
• Botswana
• Belize
• Canada
• Switzerland
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Estonia
• Spain
• Finland
• Micronesia
• France
• Grenada
• Guinea
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Hong Kong
• Honduras
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Israel
• Iceland
• Italy
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• South Korea
• Saint Lucia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Latvia
• Monaco
• Marshall Islands
• Macau
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Maldives
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Namibia
• Nicaragua
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Poland
• San Marino
• El Salvador
• Timor Leste
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Taiwan
• United States
• Uruguay
• Vatican City
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• British Virgin Islands
• Vanuatu
• Singapore
• Seychelles
• Palau
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Romania
• Paraguay
• Solomon Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda

Entry requirements for children

Children must meet the same conditions as adults and have all the necessary documents. Note that a child traveling with an adult who is not a parent (or does not appear like the one) will be additionally checked. Preparing evidence of a relationship, such as a birth/adoption/divorce certificate or a letter from the parent, is advisable.

Transit information

A transit visa may be required in case of transiting through the United Kingdom. Travelers may pick a visitor transit visa that enables them to leave the airport for up to 48 hours or a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) for airports in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester.

Proof of onward ticket and entry permission for the next destination is needed to apply for a transit visa to the UK.

Important information

• Travelers can obtain a visitor visa and electronic visa waiver.
• The United Kingdom ETA will be available soon and will be a multiple-entry permit.
• A visitor visa can be used for many purposes depending on the type.
• A visa to the UK is necessary in case of 150 nationalities.
• There are 2 transit visas to the United Kingdom.
• Some nationalities are eligible to visit the UK without a visa for a limited period.