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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.

By Sarah James

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U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.

The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.

Here's everything we know.

Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?

This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.

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Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.

How long will it take to get an ETA?

Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.

How long will an ETA last?

After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.

The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.

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Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.

How much will an ETA cost?

We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.

Who will need to apply for an ETA?

The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too.  Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.

What will I need to apply for an ETA?

You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.

To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.  

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What documents will I need?

Planning a visit to Britain but not sure what documents you’ll need? Find key information on passport requirements, visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) below. Detailed guidance can also be found on the official government website .

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EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

Some entry requirements changed for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, post Brexit.

Most travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland will require a passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland. Your passport will need to be valid for your entire stay here. 

Some, but not all visitors can use an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID to enter Britain and Northern Ireland until at least 31 December 2025. Check gov.uk website for who is eligible.

Common Travel Areas

For those in the Common Travel Areas (known as Britain and Northern Ireland, the rest of Ireland, and Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), please see here for the  different document requirements .

The rest of the world

You must have a valid passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland, and it should be valid for the whole duration of your stay.

Most people coming to visit Britain and Northern Ireland will need a visa. To discover whether you need one or not depends on why you’re visiting and your nationality. 

You’ll have to either:

Apply for a standard Visitor Visa. There is a cost for this, and it must be applied for three months before travel.

Be able to visit Britain and Northern Ireland for six months without needing a visa.

You can check which applies to you .

More information on short-stay visas can be found on the official government website.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

By the end of 2024, Electronic Travel Authorisation will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays. More information on the ETA scheme can be found on the official government website.

Until the introduction of the ETA, most travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland won’t require a visa but will still need their passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland. Your passport will need to be valid for your entire stay.

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If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you can find the most up-to-date information on visiting Britain and Northern Ireland on the official government website .

American, Canadian and Australian tourists, and citizens of certain Commonwealth countries, can travel visa-free throughout Britain and Northern Ireland, providing you have a valid passport and your reason for visiting meets the immigration rules .

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme started to replace the electronic visa waiver from late 2023:

  • From 15 November 2023, nationals of Qatar require an ETA to travel to the UK.
  • From 22 February 2024, nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE require an ETA to travel to the UK. The ETA scheme is now open for applications from nationals of these countries.
  • More countries will be added to the scheme at a later date.

An ETA will cost £10 per application when the scheme opens, will permit multiple journeys and be valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires - whichever is sooner.

More information on the new ETA scheme can be found via the official government website.

For nationals of all other countries, you can check if you need a UK visa here.

Immigration applications

Please note that www.GOV.UK is the only official UK immigration website and provides all of the information necessary to successfully complete an application.

We have received reports of customers using non-GOV.UK websites to support their UK immigration applications. If you have made use of these websites, please be aware of the following:

  • Some non-GOV.UK websites deliberately attempt to deceive customers by making it appear as though they are an official part of the application process.
  • These websites can pose a risk to a customer’s security and data.
  • They will often charge applicants extra, unnecessary fees in addition to any fees related to the official immigration application.
  • The information included on these websites is not moderated by the Home Office and may be inaccurate or misleading.

If you think you may have been a victim of a non-GOV.UK website seeking your data and/or money, please report this to Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud .

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 9, 2023

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Image

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. UK tourist visa application is online but the rest of the process requires an in-person appointment for biometrics.

The UK or the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK.

The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of travel to the UK.

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UK TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality

Minimum passport validity required to enter the UK

  • Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

Unlimited entry.

  • This requirement will change from 01 Jan 2021 when UK will no longer be part of the EU
  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland

6-month entry

  • You must carry all documents needed for a visitor visa to show at the port of entry if asked
  • Visa is REQUIRED if you have a criminal record or refused entry into the UK before
  • Anguilla (British territory)
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bermuda (British territory)
  • Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (Dutch territory)
  • British Virgin Islands (British territory)
  • Cayman Islands (British territory)
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Falkland Islands (British territory)
  • Hong Kong
  • Marshall Islands
  • Montserrat (British territory)
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Pitcairn Island (British territory)
  • San Marino
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Maarten
  • St Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Timor Leste
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands (British territory)
  • United States of America
  • Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

  • Afghanistan
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo, Dem. Rep. of
  • Congo, Rep. of
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Dominican Republic
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • North Korea
  • North Macedonia
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Philippines
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • São Tomé and Principe
  • Turkmenistan

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) required nationalities

  • United Arab Emirates

24-hour VISA-FREE entry at Heathrow airport

  • Eligible to request a 24-hour VISA-FREE entry at London’s Heathrow airport if holding a valid visa from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU/Schengen country
  • Must be in transit to/from the country of visa (Ex: if holding a Canada visa, you must be in transit to/from Canada only)
  • Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or next day before midnight)
  • Granting the 24-hour entry is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
  • Applies to all nationalities

BONUS (FREE eBook Download): Travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from the US, Canada, Schengen, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Singapore

UK TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Requirements - Visa Application

First, check if you need a visitor visa to travel to the UK in the “UK tourist visa requirements by nationality” section above.

Alternatively, you can check your eligibility and requirements on the UK gov website .

Validity of UK tourist visa

UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months from the date of visa issue.

Example: If your UK visa was issued on January 15, the visa will be valid until July 15. 

NOTE There have been instances where visas were issued with validity starting from the date of travel mentioned in the visa application. 

When to apply for UK visa

You can apply for a UK visa up to 3 months in advance.

Example: If you plan to visit the UK on April 15, you can apply for your UK visa on or after January 16.

Also, keep in mind that you must apply for your UK visa at least 3 weeks prior to your travel, otherwise, you may not receive your visa on time. There are no refunds if you receive your visa after your travel date. 

IMPORTANT The UK visa process can take up to 3 weeks and even longer in some cases. I strongly recommend applying for your UK visa at least 2 months in advance.

How long can you stay in the UK?

The UK tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the UK. But if you stay that long continuously in the UK on a tourist visa, you will have serious trouble getting another UK visa in the future or entering the UK next time.

Here is my advice. Stick to the days you have mentioned in your UK visa application. A few days more or less is fine. But staying months on your UK tourist visa will pretty much look like you “live in the UK” rather than “vacation/holiday”. 

Application procedure

The UK visa application is online. You must apply for the visa online at the UK Visas and Immigration website

Below are the steps you will go through for your UK tourist visa application

  • Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website
  • Select your preferred language, type of visa, your country, nearest visa application center, etc
  • Create a login using email and password
  • Complete in the application form
  • Sign the declaration
  • Pay visa fee
  • Submit the application
  • Download and print the submitted visa application form
  • Make an appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
  • Attend the appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
  • Submit your passport, visa application and supporting documents at the visa application center
  • If applying from the US, Australia or New Zealand, mail your passport, visa application and biometrics receipt to your nearest visa application center
  • Pickup/receive the passport when the visa decision is made

Below are some of the information you will provide in the application form

  • Your travel dates to the UK
  • Your hotel address and telephone number in the UK
  • Your total estimated cost for the trip
  • Your present home address and how many years you’ve lived there
  • Your parents’ names and their dates of birth
  • Your annual income
  • Your travel history for the past 10 years
  • Your employer details including the address and telephone number

Templates for UK visa by Visa Traveler

Documents required

The following are the documents required for UK visitor visa application 

  • Completed online visa application form with GWF number
  • A passport-size photo (optional)
  • If employed – an employment letter on company letterhead indicating your length of employment, salary, role, etc.
  • If self-employed – a business registration document indicating your business name, date of business, etc.
  • If student – a letter from the school/university on the letterhead indicating your enrollment, leave of absence, etc.
  • Proof of funds ( bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months)
  • Proof of legal residence (if applying from a 3rd country. you must submit a copy of your visa or residence permit of that country)

Do you need flight tickets and hotel bookings for the UK visa application?

UKVI has stopped asking for flight tickets and hotel bookings for UK visa applications. But some nationalities are still being asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

When you complete your online UK visa application, you will see a checklist of documents to be uploaded. Check if you are asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

Even if you are asked to submit your flight tickets and hotel bookings, you should not book any flights/hotel until your UK visa is approved.

For flights, get a price quote from British Airways which can be used as a flight itinerary for your UK visa application. Visa ticket booking agencies such as DummyTicket offer flight itineraries for the UK visa for $19, valid for 2-3 weeks.

For hotel, book a refundable or pay at check-in hotel on booking.com or Expedia . Cancel the booking after your visa is approved.

For more options, check out my detailed flight itinerary and hotel reservation articles.

Photo requirements

A passport-size photo is only required if are exempt from biometrics. All tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics. Your fingerprints and digital photos are taken during your biometrics appointment.

Since all tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics, a passport-size photo is not required. But, I suggest bringing one with you on the day of your biometrics appointment just in case.

Visa application fee

The UK tourist visa application fee is £95 GBP. You will pay this fee in your local currency. Due to exchange rates, you may end up paying about £2 – £5 GBP more.

You can use the UK home office visa fee wizard to find out the exact visa fee that you would need to pay in your local currency. 

If you are applying for a long-term UK tourist visa, below is the visa fee for 2, 5 and 10-year tourist visas. 

  • 2 years: £361 GBP
  • 5 years: £655 GBP
  • 10 years: £822 GBP

Visa appointment

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to make a visa appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Center . Visa Application Centers are run by either VFSGlobal or TLSContact in conjunction with UK Visas and Immigration.

On the day of the appointment, you will give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit your original documents. You must bring all your original documents along with one photocopy of each including your passport.

Applicants from the USA, Australia (Adelaide and Hobart only) and New Zealand

You must give your biometrics at your nearest Biometric Enrollment Center and later send/post your documents to the nearest UK Visa Application Center.

During your online UK visa application, you will be prompted to make a biometrics appointment at your nearest Biometric enrollment center.

  • Biometric enrollment centers in the USA are run by the US Homeland Security.
  • Biometric enrollment centers in Australia are run by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
  • Biometric enrollment centers in New Zealand are run by Immigration New Zealand.

The biometrics appointment takes about 10-15 minutes. You will give your fingerprints and photo. You will receive an acknowledgment stamp on the biometric appointment confirmation.

You must then mail your original passport, visa application, biometric confirmation with the stamp, supporting documents and return postage to the UK Visa Application Center you have selected during your online visa application.

You will be notified via email when the UK Visa Application Center receives your documents.

Visa processing time

The UK tourist visa processing takes up to 3 weeks. There have been incidents where UKVI has taken over 2 months to process, especially when the visa applications are “not straightforward”.

UKVI considers a visa application “not straightforward” if additional information is required to process the visa. Additional information can be, verifying information, background check or requesting additional documents. UKVI usually notifies you in such cases and requests any additional documentation necessary.

Keeping such incidents in mind, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

If you have to travel sooner, you should purchase the “Priority Visa Service” while applying online. Or at least before you mail/submit your documents. This way your visa application will be processed within 5 working days.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE When I applied for my UK visa, the visa processing time was about 2 weeks. I had a planned trip to Canada before my trip to the UK. My trip to Canada was in 4 weeks, so I thought I had enough time to apply for my UK visa. However after I submitted my passport, the email confirmation said the visa process would take up to 4 weeks. I panicked. I went ahead and paid for the priority visa service. I panicked again. Then I emailed a formal visa withdrawal request, so I could at least get my passport back and make my trip to Canada. However, my visa was processed within 2 days of paying the priority visa service fee. Please do not make the same mistake as I did. Apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

Visa application status tracking

Online visa application tracking is NOT AVAILABLE on the UK Visas and Immigration website. To track your UK visa application status, you must use UK Visas and Immigration’s email or phone option, which unfortunately is NOT FREE.

UKVI charges for all phone and email inquiries. 

Below are UK Visa and Immigration phone, email details and charges.

PHONE Telephone: +44 2034811736 Available 24 hours from Monday to Friday Calls cost £1.37 per minute plus any international call charges

EMAIL Email communication must be initiated via Email UK Visas and Immigration Email inquiries cost £5.48. Follow-up emails after that are not charged. You will receive a response to your email within 2 working days.

You must give out your credit card information for billing when you start the phone inquiry. For email, you must fill out the payment form and then you can submit your email inquiry.

PERSONAL OPINION Email inquiries generally receive a standard response saying that your application is “in process”. Phone inquiries are slightly better and cheaper.

Priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK urgently, you can opt for the “Priority Visa Service”.  This service is expensive and may not be available in all countries. If available, you will see the option in your online UK visa application. 

  • Priority visa service fee: £220 GBP
  • Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 5 working days

Priority visa service must be purchased during your online visa application. This will ensure your visa is processed within 5 days.

Purchasing this service after you have submitted/mailed your documents will take much longer than 5 working days. You must first pay the fee on the Visa Application Center (VAC) website and then email the receipt to the Visa Application Center where you have submitted/sent your documents. It can take more than a day for the VAC staff to locate your packet and push it into the priority queue

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I purchased my priority service after I had mailed my documents. My visa application was approved within two days of buying the priority visa service.

Super priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK immediately, you can opt for “Super Priority Visa Service”. This service comes with a hefty price tag, so purchase this service only in super urgent, emergency cases. 

  • Super priority visa service fee: £956 GBP
  • Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 24 hours

Cancel your UK visa application

If you haven’t given your biometrics at the visa application center yet, you can cancel your UK visa application and get a full refund of your visa fee. The procedure to cancel your UK visa application depends on at what stage your application is in.

Application not submitted and fee not paid : If you haven’t paid your fee and haven’t submitted your application, there is a “Delete Application” option that will delete your current visa application.

Application not submitted but fee already paid : If you have already paid your fee and have not yet submitted your application, you can still delete your application but you may have to send a formal refund request in writing to the visa application center.

Application submitted, fee paid but haven’t given your biometrics : If you haven’t given your biometrics at VFS/BLS, you can cancel your application and request for a refund. The refunds take 4 weeks. 

Application submitted, fee paid, biometric given , and documents/passport already submitted: If you have already given your biometrics and submitted your documents/passport, you CANNOT cancel your visa application anymore. You can only WITHDRAW your visa application. You must email the visa application center a formal withdrawal request. Upon receipt of the withdrawal request, the visa application center will return/mail your passport back. Any visa fee and priority service fee paid are not refundable. 

IMPORTANT Even though UKVI says the refunds are processed in 4 weeks, it usually takes 8 weeks or even longer. There have been instances where applicants waited several weeks and some even gave up on their refunds. However, I have seen applicants having success in getting their refunds by reminding UKVI with phone calls or emails. It costs about $5 USD to email them, but it helps in getting your refund eventually. 

Withdraw your UK visa application

The UK visa application center keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process, which could be 3 weeks or more. There may be emergencies where you need to have your passport with you. The only way to request your passport back is by formally withdrawing your visa application. 

If you withdraw your application, the visa fee and any priority service fee you have paid are NOT refundable.

To withdraw a visa application, you must submit a withdrawal request along with the reason for the withdrawal to the visa application center via email. It might take up to 72 hours for the consulate to locate your packet and send it back to you.

You must first call/email the UK Visas and Immigration mentioning your intention to withdraw your application. They will guide you through the process of withdrawing your application. Usually, the UK visa application withdrawal request should be a signed document with personal information including the GWF number. This document must be printed and signed. It must be scanned and emailed to the visa application center. Below is a sample withdrawal request letter.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby request to withdraw my UK visa application. I understand that the visa fee is non-refundable. I also understand that my package may not be shipped for up to 72 hours.

Full Name of the Applicant: <name> GWF Number: <GWF number> Date of Birth: <date of birth> Nationality: <Nationality> Country of Residence: <Country of residence> Passport number: <Passport number> Type of Visa Applied: General Visit (up to 6 months) Biometric taken date:  <biometric date> Visa application centre’s address:  <address of the visa application center where you have submitted your documents> Contact number of the applicant: <Your phone number>

Priority Service Paid: <YES/NO> Priority Service Paid On: <Priority service purchased date>

Reason for Withdrawal: Emergency international travel has been scheduled. I need to have my passport in order to travel. Please return my passport as soon as possible. Thank you!

<Your signature here> Signed: <Your full name> Date: <date>

IMPORTANT Cancellation or withdrawal is NOT a refusal. It WILL NOT affect your future UK visa applications. You don’t need to mention it in your future UK visa applications either.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE UK

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Requirements - UK Currency

Entering the UK by air

At the immigration, the officers may ask you questions about your trip, how long you plan to stay, your next destination, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket to get proof of your onward ticket. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The immigration officer at Heathrow Airport asked me to show my return/onward ticket. I had a print of my onward ticket, so quickly took it out and gave it to the immigration officer.

Get a proof of onward ticket for your trip from OnwardTicket

Leaving the UK by air

If you are flying out of Heathrow Airport, make sure to arrive early. The airport is huge and you may have to take a bus from the gate to the flight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GWF number in UK visa application ?

GWF reference number is the unique visa application number that was provided to you on your visa application submission. You must provide your GWF number when calling or emailing UK Visas and Immigration. Without the GWF number, UK Visas and Immigration will not be able to provide you with a status update on your visa application.

What to do if my UK visa application is refused?

If your UK visa application is refused, the first thing is to understand the  reasons for your UK visa refusal . If the reason is due to missing information, proof of funds or documentation, make sure to fix these the next time you apply for your UK visa.

Write a detailed cover letter explaining the reasons for your previous visa refusal, missing information/documentation and any additional information/documentation that you have provided in the new application. This will help the ECOs cut to the chase and focus on the new information/documentation.

There is no “appeal” for UK visa. So, re-apply for your UK visa by making sure you have the new information, proofs and documents that were lacking previously. You must pay the visa fee again as the fee paid for your previous application was non-refundable.

If you do not know the reason for your visa refusal/denial, give at least 6 months before you apply for the visa again. 

Can I get my UK visa application fee refund if denied?

No. The visa fee and any priority service fee paid are non-refundable if your visa application is denied. The visa fee is also non-refundable in incidents where the visa is approved for less number of days than requested.

I’m planning to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip. Should I apply for my UK visa first or Schengen visa first?

If you plan to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa first. 

UKVI keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process and there is no visa status tracking. Calls and emails to customer service are charged. Even if you pay and contact, you will usually get a canned response. If your UK visa is refused, there is no “appeal”. You can only re-apply, which means you have to repeat the entire process again.

On the other hand, the Schengen visa application process is much streamlined. There is application tracking, customer service and appeal. 

I highly recommend applying for your UK visa first and get done with it. After that, apply for your Schengen visa. 

When applying for your UK visa, show a “UK-only” itinerary for your UK visa. This eliminates the need for submitting your Schengen visa, flights in/out of the Schengen region, etc. 

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Requirements - London Tower Bridge

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the visa application process is long and expensive. Apply at least 2 months in advance, and follow all the proper steps and documentation. Tourist visas are usually multiple-entry with 6 months validity.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using  Wise . With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)

  • Anne Morris
  • 26 February 2024

processing times

IN THIS SECTION

The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is made and the applicant’s own individual circumstances and eligibility.

Visa applicants are advised to take guidance on the current processing timescales for their specific type of application.

UK visa processing times

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the Home Office department responsible for the UK’s visa system.

The processing date is typically counted from when the applicant has attended their visa appointment and submitted their biometric information, or as soon as ID checks have been completed and the application is submitted using UKVI’s visa processing app.

Processing times for in-country applications are as follows (correct as at the date of publishing):

Priority & fast-track services

Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.

Where available, priority processing allows applicants for certain work and settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa to pay an additional fee for fast-tracked processing. Priority processing provides a decision within 5 working days, while super-priority is for a decision by the end of the next working day

Priority processing is only available to certain applicants, notably those proving their identity by attending an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or those using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app . If available to you, you will be notified when making your application and given the option to purchase faster processing.

The fees for priority and super-priority processing are as follows:

Priority processing times for Certificate of Sponsorship requests & Changes of Circumstances

Priority processing remains available to A’ rated sponsors for fast-tracked CoS allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests, for a fee of £200 per application. The priority requests are generally processed within 5 working days.

What is the difference between UKVCAS and Home Office processing?

One factor that may affect the UK visa processing time is whether the application has to be made through UKVCAS .

UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) was introduced in November 2018 to handle certain UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications made be applicants already in the UK.

You will be advised when making your application if you must go through UKVCAS in order for your application to be processed.

How might the time of year and other factors affect your UK visa processing time?

There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application. These include:

Caseload Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI, and other factors such as Home Office priorities may impact processing.

Where you apply from The country that you apply for your UK visa from may affect the processing time for several reasons, including the relationship and arrangements between the UK and your country, the administrative systems within each country, current conditions within either country, endorsing documents from your country or finding their equivalent in the UK, whether that country is part of the EEA and so on.

It is always advised to check with the UK embassy or consulate in your country for any such issues that could lead to visa processing delays.

Insufficient or incorrect information If your application includes incorrect information or the documentation you supply is insufficient, the processing time may be longer than expected if UKVI suspend processing to request further information from you in order to make a decision.

The best way to avoid this is to check your application thoroughly and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to hand before you apply.

What are the different types of UK visa applications?

The type of UK visa that you apply for will be the main deciding factor in how long it takes to process your UK visa application. The UK visa that you choose will depend on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you wish to stay.

Work in the UK

There are many types of short-term and long-term work visas including:

  • Skilled worker visa
  • Temporary worker visas
  • Global Business Mobility visas
  • Domestic workers in a private household visas
  • Sportsperson visa
  • Graduate route
  • High Potential Individual visa
  • Global Talent visa
  • Scale up visa
  • Innovator Founder visa

Each type of visa will carry its own eligibility, conditions and application requirements.

The Skilled Worker visa , for instance, is open to non-UK residents with a job offer from a licensed sponsor for skilled employment in the UK.

The processing time for the Skilled Worker visa is generally no longer than 3 weeks once the applicant has attended their appointment.

Holiday, family visit or business trip

The Standard Visitor visa is generally suitable for tourism, holidays, visiting and to receive short-term medical treatment. It replaces:

  • Business visitor and prospective entrepreneur visas
  • Family visitor visa
  • Child visitor visa
  • Sports and entertainer visitor visas
  • Private medical treatment visitor visa
  • Approved destination status visa
  • General visitor visa

Under the standard visitor visa, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.

Under current processing times, visitor visa applications from outside the UK are taking six weeks instead of the usual three.

Studying in the UK

Should you wish to study in the UK, there are 3 visas available for this purpose, depending on your individual situation:

  • A short-term study visa is suitable for a 6 month stay in the UK to attend a course. For students over 16 who wish to attend an English language course, it may be possible to use a Short-term study visa for a stay of up to 11 months.
  • A general study visa is suitable for a longer course of study in the UK as long as the student has a confirmed place on a course and is sponsored by a licensed university or college.
  • 4 to 17 years old wishing to study at an independent school should apply for a child student visa .

Apply for the appropriate student visa no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK. Once you have attended your appointment, it will generally take no more than 3 weeks to receive a decision.

Entrepreneurs & investors

The primary route for people coming to the UK to set up or run a business is the Innovator Founder visa.  While no up-front investment is required under this route, there are many eligibility criteria that will need to be satisfied by both the applicant and the business. Endorsement will also be required before the visa application can be made.

Processing for business visas can take longer than other categories due to the complexity of the application documentation and evidence. Again, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Joining family in the UK

The Family visa will generally allow you to join certain family members who already live in the UK if you wish to remain in the country for more than 6 months, such as spouses. You may also consider a dependant visa .

If the visa application is made from outside the UK, the processing time will generally take up to 24 weeks.

To get married in the UK

If you intend to visit the UK to get married, you should generally apply for a Marriage Visitor visa . This visa is also suitable for civil partnership ceremonies in the UK.

This visa doesn’t allow you to remain or settle in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

Processing, once an appointment has been attended, should ordinarily take no more than 3 weeks.

Travelling through the UK

There are two types of Transit visa . If you will be passing through UK border control and staying in the UK no more than 48 hours, then you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. If you will not pass through UK border control, then you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

If you will be staying in the UK for longer than 48 hours, it will be necessary to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

Need assistance?

At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate UK visa for your circumstances and have the insight to make the process as smooth as possible.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for effective and efficient management and processing of visa applications, and for providing expert visa-related advice to suit your needs. Contact us for advice.

Last updated: 26 February 2024

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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You can now work in the UK on a tourist visa

By Ria Gupta

Ezra Bailey

The new year comes with some new updates for travellers. The UK government has updated its visa policy to allow travellers on tourist visas to work while visiting the country. The change in immigration rules, effective from 31 January 2024, will allow visa holders to conduct work-related activities in the UK as long as their reason to visit is tourism, visiting family, or any non work-related activity.

In November 2023, the UK government expanded its immigration rules to allow a wider range of paid engagements for business travellers. As part of this update, the Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visa for experts coming to the UK to undertake paid engagements will now cease to exist, with everything allowed under the PPE visa incorporated into the six-month visitor visa . This will include activities such as attending meetings, interviews, and conferences; site inspections; negotiations; and signing off on deals and contracts. What it will not include is remote work as a digital nomad, as those looking to visit the UK primarily for work will need to apply for a relevant skilled worker visa.

The work being conducted should be finished during their stay in the country (up to six months), and meet the requirements and allowances as per the new rules. These include:

  • Those working in the UK on a visitor visa must not have paid work as their primary reason for visiting.
  • Those employed by an overseas company may consult or provide training or services on an internal project with UK-based employees of their corporate group.
  • Those employed by companies with both British and overseas branches may engage in direct client work as long as it constitutes a small part of their overseas responsibilities and is required by their UK branch.
  • Scientists, researchers, and academics may conduct research in the UK, and lawyers may also engage in activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.
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UK new visa rule: You can now work in the country on tourist visa. Check what's allowed, what's not

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The United Kingdom will introduce changes in its visa rules on January 31, allowing tourist visa holders to work with clients and work remotely while visiting the country.

UK to Expand Business Activities for Visitor Visa Holders

Come January 31, the United Kingdom will introduce significant changes in its visa rules that will expand business activities for individuals carrying visitor visas. The tourist visa holders would be now allowed to work with clients, and work remotely when visiting the UK.  The move is likely to boost business and tourism in the country.

As per the VisaGuide.World, “The UK’s government has published an update to its immigration rules, thus permitting more activities on Visitor Visas, while confirming that the new changes will become effective from January 31, 2024."

Check the rules here:

  • Those employed by companies with both British and international branches can engage in client work abroad as long as it constitutes a small part of their overseas responsibilities, is crucial for a project or service by their UK branch, and isn't directly delivered to a UK client by the overseas employer. 
  • While visitors can work from the UK , remote work should not be the primary reason for their stay. 
  • Scientists, researchers, and academics are allowed to conduct research in the UK, except for academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending permission within the country. 
  • Lawyers can engage in additional activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching. 

“The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be merged into the Standard Visitor route, meaning that those doing paid engagements will not need a separate visa, but they still have to plan the activity within 30 days of arriving."

Last month the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt vowed that the UK government will expand the business visitor rules to permit businesspeople “to engage in a wider range of permitted activities and paid engagements, to take effect from January 2024. The government will also explore further reforms to the business visitor rules, during 2024."

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New Immigration Rules expand activities allowed for visitors

12 December 2023

On 7 December 2023 the Home Office published new Immigration Rules. These expand the range of activities visitors are allowed to do in the UK from 31 January 2024, including remote work, research, provision of legal services and paid engagements. The Youth Mobility Scheme is also amended to include citizens of Uruguay and to restructure the arrangements for Japanese and South Korean citizens.

Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 246 does not include any of the recently-announced policies designed to reduce net migration , due to be in effect during Spring 2024. These will be the subject of a future statement of changes.

The points likely to be of most interest to employers are outlined below.

Visitor route

Provisions are made more liberal for visa nationals who apply for their visitor visa on or after 31 January 2024, and for non-visa nationals who enter the UK as a visitor on or after this date.

As confirmed in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement , further enhancements to visitor provisions are due to be rolled out in 2024 and beyond, in line with the terms of future international trade deals.

Intra-corporate activities

Individuals employed abroad who visit a group business in the UK will now be allowed to carry out the following activities directly with clients:

  • Advising and consulting;
  • Trouble-shooting;
  • Providing training; and
  • Sharing skills and knowledge.

The activities must be undertaken to deliver a project or service on behalf of the UK group business (not the business abroad), and must be incidental to the person’s employment abroad.

This lifts a significant current restriction, which limits intra-corporate activities to those that are for the benefit of the group the visitor is employed by.

Remote working

The Rules are amended to confirm and clarify what is currently only contained in guidance . The new Rule states that visitors are allowed to work remotely on activities related to their overseas employment, provided this is not the primary purpose of their visit.

This wording removes the existing ambiguity around the extent to which a visitor may engage in work activities for their overseas employer while they are on holiday or on a business trip to the UK. Currently, the guidance states that visitors are permitted to undertake activities ‘relating to’ their overseas employment, such as responding to emails or answering phone calls. The new Rules contain no restriction on the range of work activities that may be carried out remotely on behalf of an overseas employer, which is a welcome development.

Providing legal services

Overseas lawyers are currently only allowed to advise a UK-based client on specific international litigation and/or an international transaction.

Allowed activities for overseas lawyers are significantly expanded upon under the new Rules, to include the provision of legal services, including:

  • Appearing in arbitrations;
  • Acting as an arbitrator/mediator;
  • Acting as an expert witness;
  • Appearing in court in jurisdictions which allow short-term call or where qualified in that jurisdiction;
  • Conferences, teaching;
  • Providing advocacy for a court or tribunal hearing;
  • Litigation; and
  • Transactional legal services, including drafting contracts.

The requirement for the services to be for a UK-based client has been dropped. This is a pragmatic change that recognises the complexity of the client parties and practices often involved in legal work.

Permitted paid engagements

Being a speaker at a conference is included as a permitted paid engagement (PPE).

The route is also being absorbed into the standard visitor route, meaning that individuals who need to come to the UK for PPE purposes may enter the UK for six months instead of one. They will however be required to arrange their engagement before entry, and complete it within 30 days of their arrival. Individuals intending to carry out a PPE must be over the age of 18 on the date they arrive in the UK.

Logistically, this change has the benefit of enabling PPE visitors to use an eGate on arrival rather than having to be stamped in for one month by a Border Force official. It also avoids the possibility of being incorrectly landed as a standard visitor, without the relevant permission to complete the planned engagement.

Academics, scientists and researchers will be allowed to carry out research in the UK as a visitor, provided this is for a specific project directly relating to their employment abroad. Under the current visitor Rules, research is restricted to independent research and research for an academic’s own purposes while they are on a sabbatical from their home institution.

International Sportspersons

From 31 January 2024 International Sportspersons applying to come to the UK for 12 months or less may make their entry clearance from any country they are in, provided they can demonstrate they are there lawfully and carrying out activities as a sportsperson. This change corrects a previous drafting error.

Youth Mobility Scheme

The following changes are in effect for applications made on or after 31 January 2024:

  • Citizens of Uruguay are eligible to apply under the scheme;
  • The upper age limit for citizens of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is raised from 30 to 35;
  • Japanese and South Korean citizens may apply without firstly having an invitation; and
  • The allocation of places for Japanese citizens has increased to 6,000, and to 5,000 for South Korean citizens.

Amended definition of ‘partner’

For applications made on or after 31 January 2024, the definition of ‘partner’ is being clarified to confirm that for unmarried partners, there is no requirement for the couple to have been living together for at least two years. It is sufficient for a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership to have existed for at least this period of time.

This change aligns with the wording already present elsewhere in the Rules. However, it is useful for employers to be aware of this helpful recent change as it covers partners of individuals in work routes.

If you have any queries relating to these developments, get in touch with a member of our Immigration Team .

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The UK city that was incredible in the 80s now has ‘atmosphere of misery’

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The River Nene in the centre of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK

A UK cathedral city was recently named one of the most depressing places to live in the country, coming in second place behind Falmouth in Cornwall.

Peterborough, just 48 minutes from London and the cheapest commuter location , might win points for convenience, but it seems it’s not bringing residents much joy.

The city frequently features in lists of the top 50 ‘worst’ places to live, with it holding the title for three consecutive years until 2022 when it was knocked off the top spot. 

However, it’s still high up there in the rankings, coming in second place last year for 2023. 

But what exactly is so bad about living there? According to Visit Peterborough, the city is ‘thriving’, but it seems a number of residents don’t agree if comments online are anything to go by.

Aerial view of Peterborough cityscape skyline including Cathedral and Lido swimming pool

Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) users say the city in Cambridgeshire is a ‘dump’ and a ‘cultural dead spot’, with a high street ‘reminiscent of the Walking Dead’, especially since John Lewis closed its doors there in 2021.

Others claim Peterborough has an ‘atmosphere of misery’ and is ‘dismal’ — not exactly the most endearing description.

However, it seems it wasn’t always like this. On X some users fondly recall the city being a great spot to be back in the 80s.

Dan, who posts as @aaronaarrdvarrk , said: ‘I know Peterborough fairly well and the change has been incredible since the 80s when it was a small, clean, modern city, it’s a total dump these days.’

A user named @jenn53803 felt similarly, claiming Peterborough used to be ‘beautiful’. They added: ‘Peterborough is now a s***hole!! It used to be a beautiful market town, with a lot of heritage and traditions. Now it’s a dump.’

So why do people live in Peterborough?

The ‘great value for money’ when it comes to houses is the big saving grace for many residents.

According to recent data from Rightmove, over the last year properties in Peterborough had an overall average price of £251,340.

The majority of sales were semi-detached homes, selling for an average of £241,137, with terraced properties fetching £197,406 — a price you’ll certainly never see in London.

In comparison, the latest figures from Zoopla reveal the average property in London is now valued at an eye-watering £706,000.

There are also several lovely tourist attractions, including the city’s impressive Normal Cathedral which was built in 1238 and has a rich history. For those interested in Henry VIII and his many wives it’s worth a stop, his first, Catherine of Aragon was buried here.

Peterborough Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

You can also visit the sixteenth-century Burghley House and for those who love the outdoors there’s Nene Park, which stretches for 10km along the valley of the River Nene, with Ferry Meadows Country Park in its centre.

And of course, you’re not far from picturesque Cambridge , perfect for a day trip where you can go punting on the river, and wander around the quaint cobbled streets.

This comes after it was revealed that Londoners are currently moving to a UK town that’s been dubbed ‘God’s waiting room ’.

The  East Sussex  town of Bexhill-on-Sea is receiving a surge of interest among young remote workers, despite gaining the nickname ‘God’s waiting room’ on account of its ageing population.

About a third of the people living in the Rother district in Bexhill are aged 65 or over, data from the 2021 census revealed. Bexhill has one of the highest median ages in the country of 54 years. 

However, the sleepy suburb offers affordable housing that the  capital simply can’t compete with.

In March 2024, the average price for a home in Bexhill is £338,833, which is around £367,000 less than London.

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Middle East latest: Aid ship 'heading to Gaza today' - with Palestinians now starving to death amid condemnation of Israel

Joe Biden demands Israel increase the amount of aid entering Gaza, as aid agencies say children are now dying of malnutrition. Meanwhile, the US Central Command carries out strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen, targeting missiles and drones.

Friday 8 March 2024 16:30, UK

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  • Humanitarian aid ship to head to Gaza today
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  • UN food expert condemns Israel over 'starvation campaign' as children die from malnutrition in Gaza
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  • Explained: Is famine about to be declared in Gaza?
  • Live reporting by Jess Sharp

A human rights charity has criticised the UK for being too slow to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, despite the announcement of a maritime corridor for aid deliveries.

"The creation of a maritime aid 'corridor' is a woefully slow response to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the UK is once again failing to show anywhere near the required level of urgency in how it responds to this calamitous situation," said Amnesty International UK's chief executive Sacha Deshmukh.

He said the corridor was an "inefficient" way of delivering aid.

"Whether or not the seaport scheme goes ahead, the UK should be redoubling its efforts to press Israel into opening existing land crossings for aid deliveries, while also demanding that Israel end its 17-year-long blockade of Gaza, which is an act of collective punishment," he said. 

The charity official urged the British foreign secretary to "break the pattern" of the UK supporting "piecemeal measures".

Israeli officials are reportedly discussing arming some civilians in Gaza to provide security protection for aid convoys. 

Civil order has become increasingly strained in the Palestinian enclave, and last week dozens of people were killed in an incident during which crowds surrounded a convoy of aid trucks. 

Israel Hayom, which reported the discussions among Israeli officials, said the armed civilians would not be linked to militant groups.

It's unclear who they might be.

The newspaper added Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had postponed a decision on the issue, while his office declined to comment on the report.

These images show a young Palestinian, Jamila Khelah, who was injured in an airstrike. 

The strike killed three of her siblings. 

Jamila has been sheltering in a school in Jabalia, in northern Gaza.

Back to today's story surrounding the marine aid corridor to Gaza, and Downing Street has been providing some detail as to the UK's involvement.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "We will and have been supporting it. We have supported the US in planning for the pontoon, including by sending marine surveyors and will now be working with partners to operationalise our maritime aid corridor from Cyprus."

She added: "We continue to be very clear that we need to go much further, not enough aid is getting into Gaza, and we continue to push them to take further action, to do more to protect civilians, to abide by international humanitarian law and allow more aid in and to protect foreign aid workers and to facilitate humanitarian operations.

"We continue to impress the importance of this in our conversations and as you've seen today we are also taking action with our allies to get more vital aid in."

UK involvement in the maritime corridor is not expected to involve a deployment of British personnel to Gaza.

The US-led plan to build a temporary port in Gaza will "take time", the UK's foreign secretary says. 

Speaking to reporters, David Cameron reiterates his call for Israel to open the port of Ashdod until the temporary one is complete. 

"It's going to take time to build," he says. "So the crucial thing is today the Israelis must confirm that they'll open the port at Ashdod." 

He adds that the UK has been involved in "helping with the prescreening of aid" in Cyprus, meaning it does not have to be re-checked by Israel before it enters Gaza. 

"We need to make a difference right now," he says. 

The project aims to combat the dire level of humanitarian aid arriving in Gaza, with the region's population on the verge of famine. 

Several reports have suggested at least two people have died after being hit by air-dropped aid when their parachutes failed to open. 

Turkey news agency Anadolu shared a video of the rapidly falling packages earlier today. 

It said several people had been killed and injured by the deliveries. 

Medical sources told the outlet that the wounded had been transferred to al Shifa hospital and the Baptist hospital in northern Gaza.

Al Jazeera said there had been reports of at least five fatalities. 

Sky News has verified footage of the incident but has not been able to confirm the number of fatalities. 

In the last 24 hours, at least three people have starved to death in Gaza as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. 

Three-year-old Ahmed Wael Ahl died of hunger and dehydration, as did a 15-year-old child in Al-Shifa Medical Complex, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said,

 A 72-year-old man died from malnutrition and dehydration in Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, it added. 

The rights group warned the number of deaths was showing a "notable increase" among children and the elderly. 

As of last night, the official number of hunger and malnutrition related deaths in Gaza stood at 20, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave. 

However, the organisation said the figure only accounted for the fatalities that occur inside hospitals, all of which are partially operational and difficult to reach due to road destruction and fuel shortages. 

"The truly tragic situation lies within the remaining destroyed neighbourhoods throughout the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of people live in extremely harsh conditions due to unprecedented levels of famine," it said. 

"These people risk their lives with every attempt to travel to Israeli checkpoints, where aid trucks sporadically arrive, given that Israeli army forces have deliberately and repeatedly targeted those trying to secure aid for themselves and their families.

"Starving individuals are also risking their lives by going to agricultural lands in dangerous border areas in an attempt to obtain some of the remaining crops." 

UN representatives have accused Israel of destroying Gaza's food system as part of a broader "starvation campaign", and some have suggested people trying to fish have been fired on. 

The situation has become an issue on global attention with several countries including the UK, US and the UAE increasing efforts to get aid into Gaza. 

As we have been reporting throughout the day, countries have committed to creating a maritime corridor to assist and the US has said it will build a temporary port for deliveries - you can read more about this in our 11.53 post. 

Aid has been dropped using parachutes from an aircraft flying over the Gaza.

The delivery came after US President Joe Biden announced that the military will set up a temporary port off the region's Mediterranean coast to support deliveries.

Efforts to ramp up aid deliveries have jumped dramatically as frustration in the United States and Europe over Israel's conduct in the war grows. 

Aid flow into Gaza has dropped sharply since the Israel-Hamas war began five months ago.

Over the past days, trucks carrying products including food, bottled water, cooking oil and flour have been moving from Egypt through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.

Mr Biden's announcement of the seaport plan underscored how the United States is having to go around Israel, its main Middle East ally, to get aid into Gaza, including through airdrops that started last week.

It comes as concerns over a potential famine continue to rise, with the region's health ministry reporting at least 20 people have died from malnutrition and dehydration at the north’s Kamal Adwan and Shifa hospitals. 

Earlier today, the UK and the European Commission announced plans to create a maritime corridor to help aid reach Gaza. 

The project will be carried out with the help of several other countries, and comes after the US said it would build a temporary port in the besieged region to help aid efforts. 

Here's what we know about the plans so far: 

Who's involved? 

  • European Commission
  • Netherlands
  • United Arab Emirates

What is it aiming to do?

The corridor will aim to deliver "much-needed additional amounts of humanitarian assistance by sea", the countries announced in a joint statement. 

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with innocent Palestinian families and children desperate for basic necessities," it added.

"This maritime corridor can - and must - be part of a sustained effort to increase the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial commodities into Gaza through all possible routes." 

How will it work?

While we don't know the specifics of the route or how it will operate, we do know Cyprus will be responsible for establishing the mechanism for securely shipping the aid from its land to Gaza via the sea. 

The model will work in coordination with the UN's senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag. 

He has been charged with "facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying the flow of aid" into the besieged region, the statement said. 

"The dedicated efforts of the UAE to mobilize support for the Initiative will result in the initial shipment of food by sea to the people of Gaza," it added.

What happens next? 

The countries said Cyprus would soon convene senior officials to discuss how to accelerate the maritime channel, "supplementing land and air routes, including from Egypt and Jordan". 

"The delivery of humanitarian assistance directly to Gaza by sea will be complex, and our nations will continue to assess and adjust our efforts to ensure we deliver aid as effectively as possible," they added. 

Finland will send seven soldiers to participate in crisis management operations in the Red Sea, its prime minister's office has said. 

A maximum of five of the soldiers will take part in a European Union's Naval Force operation. 

The other two will participate in the US-led military operation called Prosperity Guardian.

"The soldiers work in operations staff positions," it added. 

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Applications for May 2024 Commencement student speakers now open

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2023) —  Continuing with university tradition, each of University of Kentucky's May 2024 Commencement ceremonies will feature a student speaker to give a three- to five-minute address to the May 2024 class.

Applications for student speakers are now open and will close 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 5. Apply here .

Students interested in applying must be receiving a degree as a May or August 2024 graduate. Preference is given to applicants who have contributed to the university through campus and community activities, or through their chosen field of study, and present evidence of demonstrated public speaking ability.

Applicants will present their address to the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee, who sends recommendations to the UK president. Final interviews with selected candidates are scheduled to take place April 15 and 16, in the Gatton Student Center. 

Application materials include a resume with activities, work experience and accomplishments achieved during the applicant’s study at UK. In addition, a summary of no more than three typed, double-spaced pages of the proposed speech and a completed online application are required. Incomplete applications are unable to be considered by the selection committee. Documents must be submitted in PDF format with the applicant’s first and last name. 

Ceremonies will take place Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. View the ceremony schedule here:  https://commencement.uky.edu/may-2024 . 

Interested students can for more information and application instructions here:  https://commencement.uky.edu/student-speakers .

If you have further questions, please contact the Commencement graduate assistant at  [email protected]

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.   

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Kung Fu Panda 4

Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, James Hong, Ian McShane, and Awkwafina in Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains... Read all After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.

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  • Goofs In the Kung Fu Panda TV shows, Kung Fu Panda: The Paws Of Destiny and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, people acknowledged Po's title as the Dragon Master. But in this movie, which takes place after the events of the aforementioned TV shows, they acknowledged Po's title as the Dragon Warrior, just like in the previous movies.
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  • Entering and staying in the UK
  • Border control
  • Immigration system statistics, year ending December 2023
  • Home Office

How many people come to the UK each year (including visitors)?

Published 29 February 2024

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© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-december-2023/how-many-people-come-to-the-uk-each-year-including-visitors

Back to ‘Immigration system statistics, year ending December 2023’ content page .

Data relates to 2023 and all comparisons are with 2022 (unless indicated otherwise). All data includes dependants, unless indicated otherwise.

1. Passenger arrivals to the UK

Passenger arrival data includes all arrivals at the UK border through legal routes. Many of those arrivals (such as British nationals, Non-visa nationals coming to visit, and persons with indefinite leave to remain) do not require prior permission (such as a visa) to enter the UK. Others will require permission to enter, such as a visa.

There were an estimated 132 million passenger arrivals from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) in 2023 (including foreign tourists and returning UK residents). This was 23% more than 2022 (109 million), which reflects an increase in global travel after restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic were removed in early 2022. However, numbers remain 10% lower than in 2019, before the pandemic.

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the Home Office published additional detailed statistics on air arrivals to the UK over a period when travel was severely reduced. A full account of the pattern in air passenger arrivals over the pandemic period can be found in the last edition of the report ‘Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak’ (Home Office, August 2022).

2. Visitors and Short term stay

Only certain nationalities (‘visa-nationals’) are required to obtain an entry clearance visa before coming to visit the UK, which is one reason why there are considerably more passenger arrivals than visas granted. Additionally, passenger arrivals will include British nationals. Many nationalities, including US nationals do not normally require a visa to visit the UK; consequently, there are considerably fewer visitor visas granted than visitor arrivals.

There are several ways a non-British national may get permission to visit the UK for a short, temporary period, (usually up to 6 months), for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends or family, carrying out a business activity, or undertaking a short course of study.

  • visa nationals must apply online for an entry clearance visa in advance of travel
  • non-visa nationals can be granted leave to enter on arrival at the UK border
  • people with existing immigration status do not need additional documents
  • the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme is for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays to the UK, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling; further information can be found on the Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) guidance page.

There were 1,956,526 visitor visas granted in 2023, 40% higher than 2022 and 19% lower than prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitor visa grants have continued to increase post-pandemic but are still below the peak in 2019 (2,413,461).

In 2023, Indian nationals accounted for more than a quarter (26%) of Visitor visas granted, with Chinese nationals accounting for another fifth (21%). The next largest visa nationality were Turkish nationals (6%).

The increase in the latest year was due to 349,045 more visitor visas for Chinese nationals, over 6 times the amount in 2022 but 36% fewer than in the year ending 2019. Visitor visas for Indian nationals increased in the latest year by 22%.

The ETA scheme opened to Qatari nationals on 15 October 2023. In 2023 quarter 4 (October to December) , there were 12,190 applications for ETA and 12,076 grants, all applications were for Qatar nationals. From 1 February 2024, the scheme opened to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Additional information on visitors to the UK is published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) in its publication ‘Leisure and tourism statistics’ .

3. Other grants of Entry clearance visas

There were 1,440,611 other grants of entry clearance in 2023, similar to 2022. This is made up of Work (616,371), Study (605,504), Family (98,998) 1 and ‘Other’, which includes the Ukraine schemes (119,738).

Figure 1: Entry clearance visas granted by route (main applicants and dependents) between 2014 and 2023 1

Source: Entry clearance visa applications and outcomes – Vis_D02

  • Family includes EEA and EUSS Permits.

Total visa numbers are now higher than pre-pandemic levels with almost 3.4 million visas granted in 2023. The increase within the last year is primarily due to 560,365 more visitor visas, which now make up over half (58%) of total entry clearance visas granted in 2023 although this visitor number is 19% fewer than in 2019, prior to the pandemic. In contrast, there are now more work and study visas granted in 2023 (36%) than in 2019 (19%). There were also 119,738 visas granted for other reasons in 2023, including grants of leave on the Ukraine Schemes and the British National (overseas) route), which is down 183,180 (-60%) to 119,738 in the last year. Family visas have continued to remain stable within this period.

4. About these statistics

The statistics in this section provide an indication of the number of people who enter the UK.

The data does not show whether, or when, an individual arrived in the UK, what they did on arrival to the UK or how long they stayed in the UK.

Many nationalities do not normally require a visa to visit the UK. As a result, they will be counted in the passenger arrivals data but not in the visa data. A list of designated nationalities referred to as ‘visa nationals’ who do require a visa to visit the UK can be found in Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

For several reasons, data on passenger arrivals is not directly comparable with data on Entry clearance visas granted. A summary of what each dataset counts is provided in section 4.1 below and section 4.2 .

4.1 Passenger arrivals

Data on passenger arrivals relates to the number of arrivals into the UK. The data includes British, EEA and Swiss nationals, as well as non- EEA nationals. For non- EEA nationals who are subject to immigration controls, more detailed information is available on their nationality and purpose of their journey up until 2018.

Passenger arrivals are counted each time an individual enters the UK. Where an individual enters the UK more than once in a period, they will be counted each time they enter (but if they arrive each time on the same visa, they will be counted once in the visas data).

Visitor arrivals data included in this topic is based on landing cards completed as people cross the border. In light of the introduction of new digital systems at the border, the use of landing cards was reviewed. The review resulted in the decision to remove the need for non- EEA nationals to complete a landing card on arrival into the UK. Further data relating to visitor arrivals will not be available until an alternative method of collection is developed.

4.2 Entry clearance visas

Data on entry clearance visas in this section refers to the number of visas granted for all reasons within the period. References in the statistics to ‘visas’ will also include entry clearance ‘permits’, such as EEA and EU Settlement Scheme Family permits, or Frontier Worker permits. If an individual was granted multiple visas in a given period, this will be counted as multiple grants in the statistics. If an individual entered the UK multiple times within the period for which a visa was valid, this will be counted as one grant in the visa statistics, but multiple arrivals in the passenger arrivals data.

Year-on-year comparisons of the number of decisions can be affected by quarterly fluctuations in the data. Such fluctuations can be examined in more detail in the quarterly data that is available in the published tables.

Several known factors may have affected the number of applications and outcomes of visit-related visas over time. For example, the Home Office launched a 2-year Chinese visa pilot in January 2016 for Chinese nationals. The increase in longer-term Visitor visas may affect the number of subsequent re-applications by Chinese nationals.

More information on non-visitor arrival and visa data by category is included in ʻWhy do people come to the UK? To work’ , ʻWhy do people come to the UK? To study’ and ʻWhy do people come to the UK? For family reasons’ .

For more information on specific routes to the UK, including Ukraine Visa Schemes and British National (Overseas) ( BN(O) ) visas, see the ‘ Safe and legal (humanitarian) routes to the UK ’.

5. Data tables

  • Sponsorship summary tables
  • Detailed sponsorship datasets
  • Entry clearance visas summary tables
  • Detailed entry clearance visas datasets
  • Admissions summary tables

We welcome your feedback

If you have any comments or suggestions for the development of this report, please provide feedback by emailing [email protected] . Please include the words ‘PUBLICATION FEEDBACK’ in the subject of your email.

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of our documents. If you find any problems or have any feedback relating to accessibility, please email us.

See section 6 of the ‘ About this release ’ section for more details.

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