Immigration Procedures

In order to be granted entry into the UK, foreign and commonwealth nationals must first show that they qualify for entry. The rules for entry to the UK are different if you are a national of a member state of the European Economic Area (the member states of the European Union and Iceland and Norway) or if you can claim British Citizenship or any other connection with the UK, for example UK ancestry.

What is a visa (entry clearance)?

Entry clearance is the legal term used to describe the application process for foreign and commonwealth nationals who want to come to the UK. Once you have successfully obtained entry clearance you will be issued with a "visa". A visa normally takes the form of a slip of paper which is placed in a travel document, usually a passport, and is stamped to show that it has been endorsed by the relevant official.

To check wether you require a visa to enter the UK you can visit the Foreign Office's
on-line visa questionnaire.

How to apply

In order to apply for a visa you should contact the Entry Clearance Officer at the nearest British Mission in your home country offering this service. Click here to find your nearest Mission.

You will be asked to fill in form IM2A (and related forms if applicable) which can be obtained free of charge from the Mission.

If you are intending to work whilst you are in the UK, you will also need to complete form IM2C.

(Follow this link for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Guidance leaflets on entry to the UK, and for downloadable versions of the application forms required.)

Your application form must be submitted by hand or by post together with:

* your passport
* two (or three) recent passport sized photographs
* the entry clearance fee - to be paid in the local currency of the country in which the British Mission is located, and which is non-refundable.

(Follow this link for the current table of fees.)

The Entry Clearance Officer may be able to decide your application without further enquiries or you may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents if the Officer requires more information.

Further Information

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)

The IAS is an independent charity which provides confidential advice, assistance and representation to persons who are applying for entry clearance to the UK. Their address is:

County House
190 Great Dover Street
London
SE1 4YB

T: + 44 020 7357 6917
E: iasuk@gn.apc.org
W: http://www.vois.org.uk/ias/

Customs and Excise

Advice on importing personal effects and goods into the UK may be obtained from:

HM Customs and Excise
Dorset House
Stamford Street
London
SE1 9PY

W: http://www.hmce.gov.uk/