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UK Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa Advice!)

• Anne Morris
• 2 October 2022

IN THIS SECTION

There are many reasons why you might require a UK visitor visa to come to the UK, from seeing the sights to seeing friends or family.

If you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK, usually for a period of up to 6 months.

The UK Visitor visa requires an application to be made from outside the UK, which will be assessed to assess whether you meet the requirements under the visitor rules and qualify as a genuine visitor. You will need to provide supporting documents that prove you qualify for a visitor visa. Failure to show that you meet the visa requirements will result in a refusal and loss of your application fee.

What is a UK visitor visa?

The UK Standard Visitor visa replaced a number of previous categories of visitor visas. It allows visitors to come to Britain for a short stay for a number of permissible reasons, including leisure (for tourism, visiting family and friends), for  business-related activities or sporting or creative events, and other reasons such as receiving private medical treatment.

It is not possible to switch into a different visa category from the visitor visa once you are in the UK; you would need to return to your home country and apply from there for a different visa.

How long does a UK visitor visa last?

The visitor visa generally lasts for 6 months.

You can apply to stay longer if you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment (up to 11 months) or you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research (up to 12 months) but you will also need to apply for a biometric residence permit.

Under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement, Chinese nationals are allowed to enter the UK with an approved tour group for up to 30 days.

Long term visitor visa 

The long-term visitor visa may be available if you are looking to make frequent visits over a longer period, such as 2, 5 or even 10 years, however you can only stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time.

What are the permitted activities for visitors?

The visitor rules specify activities that are allowed under the route. The following are permissible activities:

• Tourism, for example on a holiday
• Visit family or friends
• Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• Transiting through the UK to travel to another country
• Certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview
• Taking part in a school exchange programme
• Undertake a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
• Study, do a placement or take an exam – this cannot be the main purpose of the visit and is limited to a maximum of 30 days
• Visiting as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• For medical reasons

You are not allowed to do the following under a visitor visa:

• Undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• Claim benefits or access public funds
• Reside in the UK for long periods using frequent and/or successive visits
• Get married or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (instead, apply for the  Marriage Visitor Visa )

It may be that the visitor visa is not appropriate and alternative immigration options will need to be considered. For example, the permitted paid engagement visa may apply if a UK company is paying you to come to the UK as an expert in your profession.

Visitors should also prepare to travel with supporting documents as they may be asked to present proof of eligibility by UK border officials.

UK visitor visa requirements

The visitor visa is limited in its eligibility. Your stay must generally be for no longer than 6 months and you have to leave the UK by the expiry date.

Your reason for travel will also be critical to your eligibility and it will be important that you understand what is allowed under the UK visitor visa to ensure you do not breach these conditions for the duration of your stay in the UK.

Applying for the UK visitor visa

Applicants must ensure they comply with the regulations and evidence their eligibility through the visa application process.

To apply for the UK visitor visa, you will need to be outside the UK. You complete the online application form and provide supporting documents to evidence your status as a genuine visitor. You will be required to attend an appointment at a visa appointment centre in your country of residence, where you will be interviewed about your application and your biometric information will be taken.

As part of your visa application you will need to prove to the caseworker that you will not be staying for more than 6 months and that you have enough money to maintain yourself (and any dependants travelling with you) during your time in the UK and to fund your return travel.

Supporting documents

Your circumstances will dictate the exact documents to provide with your application to support your case. As a minimum, you will need to verify your identity with your current passport or other valid travel identification, valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and with a blank page for the visa.

Additional supporting documents should also be provided to prove:

• Planned travel dates and itinerary including accommodation details
• Personal information such as home address and parents’ names
• Travel history (past 10 years)
• Work information such as your employer’s name and address
• Contact information of the people you will visit
• You have a genuine relationship with the person you are visiting
• Details of any convictions
• Intention to leave the UK on visa expiry. Evidence could include proof of a job or studies in your home country, or family living in your home country.
• Sufficient funds to support you and your dependants in the UK for the duration of your visit. This could be funded by you of the person you are visiting in the UK. You will not be allowed to access public funds. Proof should include recent bank statements and payslips. An estimate of the total cost of the trip should be provided, as well as details of your income.

Any documents not in English or Welsh must be provided as certified translations.

After completing the form, you will need to attend a visa application centre overseas to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Visitor visa processing times

Under normal Home Office processing standards , visitor visa applications from overseas usually takes around 3 weeks. However, ongoing delays in processing services mean visit visa applications are currently taking 6 weeks, and in some cases longer.

You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel. Fast tracked processing within 5 working days is available in some visa application centres for a premium fee.

How much does a visitor visa cost?

Currently, the UK visitor visa costs £100 for the standard 6 month stay. If you are travelling for medical reasons, the cost is £200 for six months, or £200 for academic visitors .

Longer-term visit visas cost £376 for the 2-year visit visa, £670 for the 5-year visit visa or £837 for the 10-year visit visa.

Can you stay in the UK for longer than six months? 

Generally speaking, all Standard UK visitor visas are short-term visas with a six-month maximum stay cap. Immigration regulations also prevent you from getting around this restriction by utilising a guest visa or making many, frequent, or consecutive trips, although you are free to enter and exit the UK whenever you like while your visa is still in effect.

However, citizens of China, Pakistan, India, and other non-EEA nations can apply for a long-term visit visa in order to go to the UK. These are chargeable extras that can be reserved for terms of two, five, or 10 years.

Be aware that you are still limited to a single visit lasting no longer than six months with these visas. You may, however, enter and exit the UK more than once throughout the permitted time. If you know you’ll need to visit the UK repeatedly over the course of a set amount of time, applying for a long-term visitor visa in the UK is a terrific option.

Academic visits from outside the EEA and people seeking private medical care in the UK do have another option for a longer stay. The Biometric Residence Permit is what it is called (BRP). You will need to provide biometric data about yourself, including your fingerprints, a photo, your immigration status, and more, but doing so will extend your stay in the UK over six months. This procedure, called biometric enrolment, still necessitates the presentation of proof of adequate financial support for your stay.

Visitor visa application refused?

If your UK visitor visa application. has been refused, your options could include reapplying and making a new application; submitting an appeal, where the grounds are on human rights; applying for a Judicial Review of the decision.

Your options will depend on your specific circumstances. Take professional advice to decide what you should do next.

Need assistance?

Travellers to the UK should note that even with a valid visitor visa in place, you may still be questioned at the UK border by immigration officials, to verify that you are a genuine visitor and will comply with the visitor visa rules. Where officials are concerned that you may stay longer than your visa date, or if your activities are prohibited under the visitor rules, you may be denied entry.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for advising on the most appropriate immigration route for your needs, and supporting you with effective and efficient processing of your visa application. We also understand the stresses involved with making a visa application, and take great pride in playing a supportive role to ease the pressure.  Contact us  for advice.

Visitor visa FAQs

How much funds are required for uk visitor visa.

You will need to show you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of tickets, travelling, living and accommodation expenses while you are in the UK.

What documents do I need for UK visitor visa?

Your visitor visa application will need to include your current passport or other valid travel identification, as well as other documents that prove you meet the visa requirements, such as your intention to leave the UK and that your planned activities come within the visitor visa permissible activities.

Last updated: 2 October 2022

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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Essential Supporting Documents for UK Visit Visa Application

Navigating the requirements for a UK Visit Visa application can be daunting, but understanding the necessary supporting documents is crucial for a strong application. This blog post outlines the required documentation for all types of UK Visit Visa applications to help applicants prepare effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Required Supporting Documents for UK Visit Visa Application

When applying for a UK Visit Visa , certain supporting documents are essential across all visa types to validate your application:

• Valid Travel Document : A national passport or other travel documents that allow international travel.
• Previous Travel : Past passports or other travel documents showing previous travel.
• Financial Proof : Evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer, must be clear and verifiable.
• Confirmation of Legal Residence : If you’re not a national of the country from where you’re applying, or if your right to reside there isn’t evident in your passport, additional proof is needed.
• Employment or Study Details : A letter from your employer or education provider confirming your employment or enrolment and leave of absence.

If you’re self-employed, business registration documents are required to confirm the name of the business owner and the commencement date of trading.

For Business-Related Visits

Applicants visiting the UK for business purposes should provide:

• Details of their business activities in the UK, including letters from any inviting organizations.
• Proof of any performances or entertainment engagements if applicable.

Special Considerations for Applicants Under 18

Minors must include:

• A Birth Certificate or legal document showing the relationship with their parent or guardian.
• If traveling without parents, a detailed signed letter from the parent(s) is required, along with a copy of the parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical passport page.

2. Academics Coming to Undertake Research (12-Month Visa)

Academics visiting the UK to engage in research must provide:

• A letter from their current employer on official company-headed paper, detailing the specifics of the sabbatical, exchange, or the research to be conducted.
• A confirmation letter from the host organization in the UK specifying the arrangements for the research or exchange.

If applicants are from a country listed in Appendix T part 1 of the Immigration Rules, they must also present a valid medical certificate from an approved medical practitioner as per Part 2 of Appendix T.

Family Accompanying Academics (12-Month Visa)

Family members of academics need to follow the same requirements for the medical certificate if they originate from countries listed in Appendix T Part 1.

3. Private Medical Treatment (6 and 11-Month Visa)

Applicants seeking visas for medical treatment must submit:

• A detailed letter from their UK-based doctor or consultant, specifying the medical condition, the estimated cost and duration of the treatment, and the location of the treatment.
• If applying for an 11-month visa from a country listed in Appendix T part 1, a valid medical certificate is required from a medical practitioner listed in Part 2 of Appendix T.

Extensions for private medical treatment require:

• A letter from a registered medical practitioner in the UK, which includes evidence of having paid for previous treatments and outlines the need for continued treatment.

For organ donors, the application must include a letter confirming:

• The intent to donate an organ, the relationship with the recipient, and where the procedure or further tests will occur.
• Proof of the recipient’s legal residency in the UK is also required.

4. Work-Related Training

Applicants must submit:

• For those taking Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board or Objective Structured Clinical Examination tests, a letter of confirmation from the respective Council.
• For unpaid clinical or dental observation, evidence of the offer and confirmation that such activities have not been previously undertaken in the UK.

5. Performers at Permit-Free Festivals

For performers at Permit-Free Festivals additional supporting document required for UK visit visa is:

• An invitation letter from the event organizers detailing the engagement terms and any remuneration.

6. Permitted Paid Engagements

Applicants must provide:

• An invitation from a UK organization within their field.
• For lecturers/examiners: Publications, evidence of prior lectures, or a letter confirming expertise.
• For entertainers/artists/sportspeople: Publicity materials, awards, reviews, or recent performance proof.
• For air pilot examiners: Membership documentation from their national aviation authority.
• For lawyers: A practicing certificate or equivalent professional standing evidence.

7. Visitor (Marriage/Civil Partnership)

Applicants should present:

• Documentation to prove they are free to marry or form a civil partnership if previously married.
• Evidence of arrangements to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, or a letter from a registry office.

8. Transit Visitor

Transit visitors must provide:

• Proof of onward travel within the required timeframe, such as booking confirmations or travel agent documentation.
• Assurance of entry into the destination country, like a residence permit, ‘green card’, or valid visa.
• If applicable, evidence supporting the purpose of travel, like a holiday booking confirmation.

9. Documents Generally Not Required

You might not need to provide:

• Multiple copies of the same documents for family/group applications.
• Documents issued more than a year before the application.
• Non-essential personal documents like driving licenses, leisure activity certificates, or travel insurance.

Remember, submission of these documents does not guarantee visa approval. Be cautious about making any travel or accommodation bookings before your visa decision.

If your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, a full translation must be provided, including the translator’s confirmation, date of translation, full name, and signature.

10. UK Visit Visa Document Checklist Guide

It’s important to recognize that the UK Visit Visa does not have a universally applicable list of required documents. Instead, the necessary documentation varies based on the specific purpose and nature of the visit.

Below is an illustrative guide—our ‘UK Visit Visa Document Checklist’—that provides general advice for applicants. Please be aware that this is not a mandatory list; it serves as an example of the types of documents typically submitted.

Indicative UK Visit Visa Document Checklist includes:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document : Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your visit.
• Passport Quantity : Indicate the number of passports being submitted.
• Photograph : Include one recent photograph following UKVI’s guidelines.
• Legal Status : If applying from a country where you are not a national, provide evidence of your legal status there.
• Confirm arrangements for your trip with documents such as tour itineraries, flight details, invitation letters, and evidence of the immigration status of your sponsor in the UK.
• For employment, provide documents such as an employer’s letter, pay slips, tax returns, business registration documents, and business bank statements.
• For education, furnish proof of enrollment and any qualifications obtained.
• Show evidence of your monthly income as claimed on the application, which can include bank statements, tax returns, and balance certificates.
• Demonstrate your financial ability to cover the trip costs, with documents such as bank statements from the person financing your trip.
• Present evidence of property ownership or rental, including property deeds, mortgage statements, or tenancy agreements.
• Provide details of your UK accommodation and travel plans, such as hotel bookings or sponsor accommodation details.
• Offer proof of marital status through certificates of marriage, civil partnership, divorce, or death where applicable.
• Show evidence of family members remaining in your home country during your UK visit.
• Submit any additional documents that you believe support your UK Visit Visa Application.

Remember, this checklist is intended to guide you through your visa application process. Specific requirements may vary, and applicants should tailor their documentation to their individual circumstances.

11. Conclusion

For applicants seeking to visit the UK, presenting the correct supporting documents is a significant part of the application process. Always refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website for the most current and detailed information, including any additional documents for specific types of visit visas.

Get Expert Help

Seeking support with your Visitor, Student, Family, or Work Visa? Turn to SilverLining Consultants for help. Our seasoned specialists, proficient in the intricacies of visa procedures, stand ready to aid you in fulfilling your UK travel aspirations. Reach out to our   immigration professionals for personalized advice and a seamless visa application process. If you’re exploring overseas education opportunities fill out our student inquiry form to embark on an exciting academic pursuit.

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What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa? (2019 Document Checklist)

This article will discuss:

• General UK visitor visa document rules
• Mandatory documents that you must submit
• Optional (but recommended) documents that you can submit

Visa-specific documents

General visitor visa document requirements.

Before we can give you an idea of what a typical visitor visa document checklist looks like, it would be sensible to remind ourselves of three very important rules that applies all documentation:

All documents must be in English or Welsh . If not, you must provide a translation by a translator who can be verified by the Home Office.

The translated documents must include:

• The date the document was translated
• The contact details of the translator
• The correct name and signature of the translator
• A declaration from the translator that the translation is correct and an accurate depiction of the original document.

All documents included must be verifiable.

If a document submitted cannot be substantiated by an independent person or organisations, then your application and your credibility may be doubted .

The most sensible view to take when considering which documents to submit is to presume that Home Office caseworker will be suspicious of any documents included which are not verifiable .

It is your responsibility to ensure that you provide the right documentation

It is your job to make sure you submit supporting evidence that meets the criteria. It is not the Home Office’s job or responsibility.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Home Office caseworker is more likely to refuse you  to contact you in order to ask for the missing information.

Mandatory documents that you MUST submit

#1 A valid passport

You require to submit a passport which is not expired and is valid .

The passport should have at least one blank page that does not have any stamps or vignettes on either side.

You should also submit copies of all pages in the passport.

If you do not have a passport, then you must another type of acceptable travel document that you can submit.

Optional documents that you should probably submit

Whilst they are officially classed as ‘ optional ’ documents, many of the below documents really are a must if you want to prove you are a genuine and credible visitor .

Home Office caseworkers are generally suspicious creatures – you should do everything possible to allay their fears!

So, although the following documents are optional, they are highly recommended .

#2 Previous passport/travel document

The purpose of these is to evidence your past travels, both to the UK and elsewhere .

If you have not breached the terms of any previous visas, then this is one factor that will suggest that you have a good immigration history (which is certainly helpful!).

You should also include copies of your previous passport or travel document(s).

#3 Evidence of legal residence

If you are applying from a country of which you are a resident , (but not a not a national of that country), then you are required to provide evidence that you are residing there legally (i.e. a visa of some sort).

Of course, if you have breached the immigration rules of the country you are applying from, then the Home Office caseworker will have good reason to believe you would not abide by the immigration rules in the UK.

The implication of this is that your UK visitor visa application is more likely to be refused .

#4 Evidence as a student

If you are a student , then you should provide the supporting documentation to prove this .

This is because being a student in your country would be beneficial to your application as it shows a link to your country .

As we discussed in our helpful  UK visitor visa guide , showing links or ties to your home country is incredibly important as it suggests that you are less likely to overstay your UK visa .

The type of evidence most regularly submitted to prove this would be a signed letter from your educational institution that:

i) confirms you attend that educational institution; and

ii) you are authorised to be absent.

The letter should be an original document on official paper and contain contact details of the educational institution.

If the letter is not in English or Welsh , it should be translated .

#5 Evidence required if the applicant is a child

If you are travelling without an adult, then you should provide evidence that evidences the consent of the parents or guardians.

This should be in the form of:

i) Evidence to establish who the parents or legal guardians are (such as a birth certificate);

ii) Evidence from the parents or legal guardians in the form of an original and signed letter detailing how you will be maintained and accommodated during your stay in the UK; and

iii) Copies of the parents or legal guardian’s bio page from their passport ( or other national ID documents ).

#6 Evidence of any business-related activities in the UK

This would be a good time to mention that there are permitted and forbidden activities when someone comes to the UK on a UK visitor visa .

You should absolutely be aware of these when coming to the UK for business activities.

The type of evidence you will need to produce will depend on the business reason you are in the UK.

Generally, a letter from your employer explaining why you are visiting the UK or any other reason you are making the trip is one commonly submitted document that is relevant.

On the other hand, if an invitation has been extended to you by an organisation in the UK, then you should include this letter.

#7 Evidence of maintenance and accommodation

This will certainly be one the most crucial pieces of evidence that you should submit to the Home Office.

There is not a list of specific documents which must be submitted, but in general you should consider submitting the documents listed below.

#8 A letter of employment (if applicable)

If you are in employment then you should submit a letter from your employe r with:

i) details of your earnings;

ii) how long you have been employed; and

iii) your role in the company.

The letter should be on official company paper , not be a copy and be signed .

It should also be either in English or Welsh. If it is not ,  it should be translated.

#9 Bank statements

These are one the most important documents you will submit in relation to your finances , as they can show the Home Office caseworker a history of your finances over a substantial period.

These bank statements should prove that you can finance and accommodate yourself during your trip to the UK.

You should provide 6 – 12 month’s worth of statements in order to show an accurate overview of your finances.

If someone is sponsoring you, then you should also include their bank statements .

Bank statements, similar to if you were applying for a UK spouse visa ,  should be issued by the bank on official paper  (or alternatively they can be online printouts which have been stamped by the bank on every single page ).

#10 Any other relevant financial documentation

You should also provide  other documents which are relevant to your specific financial circumstances (and your sponsor’s , if you have one).

For instance, if you or your sponsor own a limited company , you should provide proof of this by way of company accounts and business bank statements .

On the other hand, if you or your sponsor are self-employed , then documents such as tax returns or any o ther evidence that you are trading should be provided.

#11 Evidence of purchased flight tickets

Including evidence of purchasing a return flight greatly increases your chances of a successful visa.

We would recommend this even though the Home Office guidance recommends against this.

#12 An explanatory covering letter

Providing a strong covering letter for a visit visa is highly recommended .  It is in the supporting letter that you will be able to explain:

• You are a genuine visitor
• You are a truthful visitor
• That your intentions fall within the permitted activities in the UK (e.g. tourism)

As we discussed in our sample letter for a UK tourist visa application article (where we provide a free template that you can use), the main goal of this letter is to persuade the Home Office that you will not illegally overstay your UK visitor visa.

Your letter should discuss:

i) What your intentions are for visiting the UK

What are your plans in the UK? With whom do you intend to meet and who do you intend to stay with ?

You should also be clear about the activities you have planned and reiterate that they are not prohibited activities .

You should provide supporting evidenc e for anything you say about your reasons for being in the UK. For instance, if you state that you wish to visit the UK to attend a relative’s university graduation – you should provide a letter from your relative and a letter from the university with the date of the graduation.

ii) The financial ties you have to your own country

The reason why this should be mentioned in your covering letter is because if the Home Office caseworker believes that you have financial ties to your own country, it would suggest to him or her that you are more likely to return there .

You should mention the significance of these ties, such as the monetary value of any assets you own and how much income you receive . You should also state if the income would still be available to you in the UK, or if it requires your presence in your own home country.

iii) The family ties you have to your own country

Family ties should also be mentioned in your covering letter, particularly if you have close family members or those that rely on your presence in your own country for financial, emotional and physical reasons.

You should explain how these family members are dependent on you (if they are) and why such familial obligations would require you to return to your own country.

iv) Your good immigration history (if applicable)

If you have a good immigration history, this should most certainly be mentioned in your covering letter and brought to the caseworker’s attention.

You should not assume that the Home Office will have access to your immigration history and that they will check it – make sure you mention it.

If you have previously been issued a visit visa to the UK and have complied with all the terms of that visa, again this should be made clear on the letter .

Also, if you have ever been issued visas from other countries and you have complied with these, then you should also mention this on the letter.

The Home Office is particularly interested if you have complied with visas from Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand or any of the Schengen countries.

v) Your bad immigration history (if applicable)

You could be forgiven if you thought it is best not to mention any bad immigration history. But believe me, you are much better off mentioning this in your cover letter to address any reasons why you may have broken any rules.

If you do not mention such weaknesses in your application, it may just confirm any doubts the Home Office caseworker may have about your genuineness as a visitor.

If you have ever overstayed on a visa in the UK, you should explain why it happened and why it would not happen again .

If you ever breached any immigration rules, such as working whilst on a visit visa, you should explain why history will not repeat itself. 

If you have previously been refused a visit visa to the UK, then this may affect your application and result in more examination of your application.

You should include a copy of the reasons for refusal and discuss why the concerns outlined in this letter do not apply to you .

vi) Any other doubts the Home Office caseworker may have

It is a well known and unfortunate fact that the Home Office blacklist some countries, which means that some applicants start at a disadvantag e.

If you think you are from a country which is classed as a ‘high risk’ country , then it would be wise to address what makes you different from the average UK visitor visa applicant from your country .

For example, if you earn a substantially higher amount than the typical wage in your country or have more assets than a typical person, then you should emphasise this.

vii) Your previous visits to the UK

As mentioned above, you should not use UK visit visas as a means of living in the UK and making it your main home. This should be explained within your covering letter.

There is no limit on the times you can visit the UK, or even a specific time that must pass between visits – however, you should always explain why you will not live in the UK or make it your main home .

viii) How you intend to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependents in the UK

It should also be mentioned in your letter how you intend to maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK.

In this part of the article, we are going to discuss documents that should also be submitted if you are visiting the UK for a particular purpose as listed below.

#1 Prospective Entrepreneur

In these circumstances, you would typically be issued a 6 months standard UK visit visa .

As well as all the general documents required for a UK visit visa, you should also provide a letter of support from:

• A registered venture capitalist firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or more than one.
• An endorsed UK entrepreneurial seed funding competition, or more than one
• A UK government department, or more than one.

#2 Marriage/Civil Partnership (or giving notice of such)

If you intend to visit the UK and marry or give notice to marry, then you will have to apply for a marriage visitor visa , which is different to a standard UK visitor visa . This visa will usually be issued for up to 6 months.

In addition to the documents above, you should also submit:

• A divorce certificate, if applicable
• Proof that you intend to marry or form a civil partnership, such as a letter from the registry office.

#3 Private Medical Treatment

A visitor will normally be given a standard UK visitor visa that is valid for up to 11 month s, if they satisfy the medical inspector that they are not a danger to public health if they suffer from a communicable disease.

In order to qualify as a visitor for private medical treatment, you must provide a letter from a medical professional in the UK, which states:

• The condition for which you require medical treatment in the UK,
• The approximate cost and length of treatment in the UK, and
• The place your medical treatment will take place.

If you are the national of a country listed in Paragraph 39 of Part 1 of the Immigration Rules, and you are applying for an 11 month visa, you need to provide a valid medical certificate issued by a medical professional listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

If you require to apply for an extension of stay to your 11 months as a visitor for private medical, then you need to provide:

• A letter from a registered medical professional , who holds an NHS consultant post or whose name is in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council, describing the medical treatment required and confirming you have met the costs of any treatment already received.

#4 Organ Donation

A visitor who intends to come to the UK as an organ donor will usually be given a 6 month standard UK visitor visa as long as they genuinely intend to donate an organ or be assessed as a donor to an identified recipient here to whom they have a genetic or close personal relationship.

Organ donors also need to provide a letter detailing:

• That there is a genuine intention to donate an organ to a named person to whom you have a familial or personal connection with, and that it has been confirmed you are either a match to the recipient or are having tests to confirm it, and
• The time and place of the planned transplant.

The letter must be provided by:

• The lead nurse/coordinator of an NHS Trust’s living kidney donor transplant team, or
• A registered medical professional who is an NHS consultant, or who is in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC).

Organ donors also require evidence proving that the potential recipient is a legal resident in the UK, such as a British passport or residence permit. If they are applying for a visa at the same time, you should provide their name, nationality and date of birth.

#5 Visitor in Transit

In addition to the above documents, you should submit the following:

• Email or ticket copy for travel booking confirmation,
• Confirmation from your travel agent.
• Proof that your entry into the next country has been accepted.  Proof can include:
• An approved and up to date visa,
• A residence permit,
• A ‘green card.
• Confirmation of holiday accommodation.

#6 Performer at a Permit-Free Festival

In addition to the standard documentation listed above, a visitor who intends to perform at a permit-free festival should also include a letter of invitation from the organisers of each event , setting out dates required and details of any payments that they will receive for taking part.

#7 Academic (for research purposes)

An academic coming to undertake research will usually be granted a 12-month standard UK visitor visa , if:

• The academic is highly qualified within their own field of expertise
• The academic is currently working in that field at an academic institution or institution of higher education overseas
• Satisfy the Tuberculosis (TB) screening requirement

Academics coming to undertake research should also include the following documents:

• An official letter from your employer on headed paper, describing the length of your sabbatical, exchange or detailing the research to be done in the UK,
• An official letter from a UK organisation hosting you, which confirms the arrangements for your research or exchange.

If you are the national of a country listed in Paragraph 39 of Part 1 of the Immigration Rules, you need to provide a valid medical certificate issued by a medical professional listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

#8 Permitted Paid Engagements

A visitor who is visiting the UK in order to undertake permitted paid engagement will normally be issued a one-month visitor visa .

In addition to the documents listed above, they should also include an invitation letter from a relevant UK-based organisation , such as:

• A Higher Education establishment,
• A creative arts or entertainment company,
• A sports company,
• A research company,
• An aviation training company regulated by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority

They must also provide evidence of professional status in their home country , depending on the engagement they are participating in.

#9 Lecturers/examiners

You should also include:

• Any articles published in your specific field of expertise,
• Any evidence of lectures given in the past in your specific field of expertise,
• An employer’s letter stating your place of work and your field of expertise.

#10 Entertainers/artists/sports people

You should also or include:

• Any advertising material for performances, concerts, talks, readings and exhibitions,
• Any proof of awards/qualifications
• Any media articles
• Any evidence of recent performances

#11 Air pilot examiners

• Any evidence to show membership of your own country’s national aviation authority.

#12 Lawyers

• A practicing certificate or certificate of being a fit person (or its equivalent)

Related Articles

The Ultimate UK Visitor Visa Guidance for 2020

Visitor Visa UK Application Form 2020 [45 things you NEED to know before submitting]

Long Term Visitor Visa 2019 and 2020 Guidance

UK Visitor Visa Requirements in 2020

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Inviting friends and family to come visit you in the uk.

In this chapter I’ll detail:

Standard Visitor visa

Valid reasons for visiting the uk, proper and appropriate accommodations, access to sufficient funds to support themselves, strong ties to their home country, genuine relationship with you.

Your friends and family might wish to visit you in the UK so that you can spend time together as well as see and experience the various attractions around the country. If they are not exempt (this depends on their nationality), then they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The full requirements are available on the official UK Government page for Standard Visitor visas which also details what the visitors can and cannot do in the UK. The documents they will need to provide is extensive, as they will have to prove that (among other things) they have:

• Access to sufficient funds (either self-funded or by a third-party, such as you) to support themselves
• Strong ties to their home country where they will return to after their UK visit (i.e. they will not illegally over-stay in the UK)
• A genuine relationship with you

As a supporting document you should provide them a letter of invitation that they will include as part of their application. This is important especially if you’re helping them apply, as it establishes your relationship with them and makes clear what kind of support you will be providing them during their visit. A letter of invitation will strengthen their application, giving it a better case for approval.

I’m sharing the template I use; download the letter of invitation in support of a visitor visa application here . The template has placeholders for all the information noted above, and guidance on how to fill-out and print the document. Edit it accordingly, and send it (along with other required evidence from you) to the visitor so they can include it when they submit their application.

Visitors generally can perform tourist activities as well as business-related (not work – this is different) activities as outlined in the UK Government’s Visitor Rules . What they cannot do are:

• Do paid work
• Do unpaid work
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
• Get public funds
• Marry or enter into a civil partnership, or provide notice of marriage or civil partnership

A detailed guidance for visitors can be found at the official Visit Guidance by the UK Government.

You must ensure that the invitation letter clearly indicates the reasons the visitor is coming to UK, and that those reasons are valid.

If you are accommodating the visitors in your home then you’ll need to prove that:

• You legally live where you claim to live: this can be your lease agreement or your council tax bill
• Your residence is physically sufficient to house you and your guests: this can be your lease agreement showing the number of bedrooms your residence has, or a letter from your agent or landlord

If your visitors will be staying in paid accommodations then they will need to show that they can afford this on top of the other expenditures for their trip as well as their other expenditures in their home country while they are away.

Your visitors will need to show they have enough liquid funds to support themselves during their visit, and that they have had access to these funds for some time.

As the cost of living varies wildly in the UK depending on location, it is not prescribed how much these funds should be. The visitor should demonstrate that they understand what the costs are for where they are going and what they are planning to do, and that they have funds in excess of this, on top of the money set aside for regular expenditures (such as mortgage) in their home country. Additionally, they should be able to show that this money has been available in their account for some time; this duration is not prescribed but six months is a safe figure to use.

If you are paying for their visit then you’ll need to show that you can afford this on top of your own day-to-day costs of living in the UK.

The UK wants certainty that visitors will go back to their home country after their visit, and not stay in the UK illegally. Visitors thus will need to provide evidence that they have strong ties to their home country. This can be shown in a number of ways:

• The visitor has a stable job in their home country
• The visitor owns properties or businesses in their home country
• The visitor has other relatives that depend on them, living in their home country

All of these will have to be evidenced and included as part of their application. You should reiterate in your support letter that the visitor will return to their home country after they visit you in the UK.

You need to show how you are connected to the visitor. If you are friends or colleagues, you need to provide more detail (as opposed to if you were family); for instance, how you first met, or how long you have known each other.

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UK Visa Guidance: Visitor Visa for Parents and Family

As an international medical graduate (IMG) working in the UK, one of the toughest things that we have to deal with is homesickness, distance, and our separation from friends and family back home. There are only two ways you can alleviate that- 1) Racking up your annual leaves to visit home. 2) Apply for the UK visitor visa for your family and parents. Let’s talk about the second option in detail.

Table of Contents

What type of UK visa can parents apply for?

It is commonly misunderstood that parents of an independent child (i.e. you) can apply for ‘UK Family Visa’ . No, they can not. UK family visa as a parent can only be applied for if the child is <18 years of age and has either British citizenship or has ILR or some other specific circumstance.

For parents of an independent child who doesn’t hold a permanent visa in the UK (most of us), the only way they can come to the UK is via the ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ . It is the same visa you may have applied for if you took the PLAB 2 exam .

Previously there was a separate family visitor visa which is now all absorbed in the standard visitor visa .

How to apply for a UK visitor visa for parents

The process of UK visa application is all very streamlined via the GovUK website. This is the link where you have to click  ‘apply now ‘ to start a  standard visitor visa   application . The whole process has the following steps:

Online application fill-up

Once you click  apply now  in the above link it will ask you a series of questions and finally, you will be able to submit that.

Registering with your local visa application centre (VAC)

GovUK will determine which service deals with UK visa applications in your country and will forward you their service/website once you have submitted the online application.

Submitting supporting documents and biometrics

VAC in your country will give you the option to either upload or submit the evidence and supporting documents as well as let you book an appointment to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

UK visitor visa requirements for parents

Online application form fill-up.

The following information is needed to successfully complete the online application form. Remember these questions have to be answered from your parents’ point of view , not yours, even if you are filling the application form.

• Parent’s name (according to passport) and address (an address that you can provide evidence for)
• How long have you lived at this address? – In my mother’s case, it was in the years since she got married
• Passport details
• Nationality, country and date of birth
• What is your employment status? – If you say one of your parents is employed , remember you will have to show no objection certificate for travel from their employer as well as sufficient bank statement and employment certificate to prove employment.
• Do you have another income or any savings? – It is very likely your parents will have some sort of savings.
• How much money are you personally planning to spend on your visit to the UK? – For a 6 months visit it’s safe to assume that the total cost will be £4000 – £5000. Even if you are sponsoring the whole amount as they have some savings, they personally can plan to spend one-fourth or one-fifth .
• What is the total amount of money you spend each month? – For my mother, it is around 15000 BDT taking into account different bills, food, and medications.
• Will anyone be paying towards the cost of your visit? – Yes. Someone I know (for example, family or friend) – then you add your name and address and the put the rest amount three-fourth or four-fifth of the total amount.
• Your planned travel information – This is very important . The visa will very likely start from the date as you put as planning to arrive in the UK. So make it as close to the real travel date as possible.
• What is the main reason for your visit to the UK? – Tourism and then Visiting Family.
• Give details about your first parent – So you have to know the details of your grandparents. Names and dates of birth.
• Do you have any family in the UK? – Yes. Give your details here again. And if you have a Tier 2 visa like me – you have a temporary visa.
• Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group? – In my mother’s case, it was no as she will travel independently.
• Staying with family – Tick box your name and provide your contact details. The date you will arrive at this address can easily correspond to the date of arrival in the UK.
• International travel history
• Breach of immigration law, war crimes, terrorist and extremist views, employment history, a question about good character etc will all hopefully be no.

That’s it. These are all the information you need to have prior to starting this online application.

What’s the duration I should apply for?

If it is the first application, I would go for a 6-month visa. Later on, you can apply for a longer duration (2, 5, or 10 years) to minimize the hassle of the visa application. Remember- your parents cannot make the UK their main home by frequent and successive visits. If they are caught, they may get banned from visiting the UK entirely.

UKVI has no strict rule that states you can only stay ‘6 months in a year’, but for any visit the maximum your parents can stay is six months at a stretch . So the safe frequency will be a few months in a year and clearly spending more time outside the UK than inside.

Required documents for visitor visa application

The list of documents that I attached for my mother’s visit visa to the UK :

• Cover letter
• Her bank statement showing her savings
• Her nationality certificate proving her address
• An invitation letter from me
• My passport copy
• My last 6 months bank statement (which serves as a proof of my address)
• If you are renting , then also add a copy of your tenancy agreement.
• An employment letter from my trust.

Cover letter for UK visitor visa for parents

It does not have to be elaborate. Keep it simple, keep it short. If your parents have any income or major transaction, make sure you explain it here in brief.

You can download a template of cover letter for parent’s UK Visa here.

Invitation letter from you

This also does not have to be lengthy. You should explain the nature of their visit, which is a short family visit and mention your visa status and accommodation arrangement currently.

Find a redacted copy of my invitation letter here .

Employment letter from your trust

If you drop a line to your HR representative that you will require an employment letter because you are sponsoring a visit visa for your parents, they will happy to do so.

Make sure you ask them to mention the following:

• The date of your job commencement
• The contract duration
• Your job title
• Your salary

The letter has to be addressed to whom it may concern and printed in a headed paper containing trust’s official seal and HR rep’s contact information.

Visa fees for parents’ visitor visa

A standard visitor visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

• 2 years – £361
• 5 years – £655
• 10 years – £822

There are also other costs associated with the services that you can buy from your local visa application centre.

How long does it take to get a UK visitor visa for parents?

The time frame may vary from country to country, but generally, a standard visitor visa application only takes 2 weeks to give you a verdict. You should not apply more than three months before the intended travel date.

You may get a verdict on the application early if your VAC has the option of a premium visa application.

Can I bring my parents permanently in the UK?

As long as you have a temporary visa (tier 2) , you can’t think of that. Why? You are not even permanent.

After working for 5 years you can apply for a settled visa (indefinite leave to remain) and 1-2 years after that, you can apply for UK citizenship. So, after 5-6 years of service in the UK, you can think about bringing your parents permanently.

But this elderly dependent visa application has a high threshold and evidential bar to be reached. The list below is not exhaustive, but you have to prove the following:

• Any parent or grandparent who is wholly dependent financially and emotionally on the permanent UK resident
• There is constant contact with the parent and grandparent
• The applicant has no close relatives in their home country that can be relied upon for support (very difficult to prove as close relatives may be sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and possibly nephews, nieces or in-laws)
• The UK relative has appropriate accommodation for the applicant as well as any dependents the applicant may bring to the UK

Evidence under this category needs to be provided by the applicant to prove that their circumstances are true and, most importantly, there is either financial dependency on the sponsor or most exceptional circumstances exist.

More often than not this type of applications are done via immigration agencies in the UK to the court. So the bottom line is, there is a way to bring you elderly parents to bring permanently in the UK, but it may not be applicable or achievable by many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zhow quickly i can apply for this visit visa for my parents and family.

I would wait to have a minimum of 6 months’ salary into your UK account before sponsoring your parents to visit the UK.

How long parents can stay on a visitor visa in the UK?

As mentioned already, for any visit, the maximum a visitor can stay is for 6 months. But utmost care should be taken so that the UK does not appear to be their home by frequent and successive visits.

What is the maximum stay a UK visitor visa allows?

How much bank statement is required for uk visit visa.

The key here is to prove you have regular income in your bank account which is quite easy as you are getting paid from the NHS every month. There no hard and fast amount that has to be in your account to sponsor.

A maximum of 6 months at a stretch.

Can I extend the visitor visa for my parents while they are in the UK?

The only case that applies to your parents would be if they paid for any private medical treatment and they have to stay for that.  Read more here.

Is a return ticket required for my parents to come to the UK with a visitor visa?

Yes. For any visit, having a return ticket solidifies your intention to visit only, not for breaching immigration law.

Can I sponsor a visit visa for my other family members (siblings, cousins etc)?

Yes. It will be the exact same process.

Can my parents avail of NHS services while on a visitor visa?

As they are not residents, the NHS will not be free for them, so it’s a good idea to bring overseas travel health insurance with them when they come to visit.

Related Articles

A Doctor’s Pay in the UK: NHS Salary Structure

How to open a UK bank account

Your First Home Abroad in the UK as an IMG

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Travel Documents UK

There are many non-UK nationals that travel in and out of the UK each year using their passports. However, in certain circumstances, a valid passport from their native country may be unattainable. If so, travellers can apply to the Home Office for a UK Travel Document and if successful, use it as an alternative.

The application process to gain UK travel documents can often be complex and daunting. Different travel documents are available for people in various circumstances, and knowing which one to apply for can sometimes cause anxiety and stress.

However, our team of specialist immigration lawyers can guide you through the entire process from start to finish quickly and easily. For help with your UK travel document application, call us today at  0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

What is a UK Travel Document?

UK travel documents from the Home Office allow non-UK nationals to travel in and out of the UK without a valid passport providing certain criteria can be met. There are 4 different types of travel documents available and the applicant should apply for the one that best fits their circumstances.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible to apply for a travel document from the Home Office, applicants must meet certain criteria. Firstly, applicants must be living in the UK for one of the following reasons:

• They have been granted indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency).
• They have been granted permission to stay in the UK as a refugee or stateless person.
• They have been granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave for a limited time following a failed asylum application.

In addition, applicants must be able to show that they have applied for a passport that has been unreasonably refused by their country’s national authorities. (Unless they have permission to be in the UK as a refugee or stateless person).

Types of UK Travel Documents

There are 4 types of travel documents available for those in different circumstances.

Convention Document (Refugee)

This document is for refugees who are unable to obtain a passport from their own country. The convention travel document allows the holder to travel from the UK and re-enter without issue upon returning. However, it does not allow the applicant to travel back to their home country or any country in which they sought asylum from.

The document is usually valid for ten years if the applicant has settled status (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK, or 5 years if they have permission to stay (leave to remain) or are under 15 years of age.

It costs £75 to apply as an adult or £49 for children aged 15 and under. However, the fee is waived if the applicant was born before 1 September 1929.

Stateless Person Document

This document is for people who are classed as stateless by the UK authorities and therefore cannot obtain a passport. It allows holders to travel to most countries in the world and return to the UK without restriction.

The document is valid for up to ten years if the applicant is settled in the UK and has indefinite leave to remain or 5 years for those that have permission to stay or leave to remain or are under the age of 15.

The fee for this document is £75 for adults (over 15) and £49 for children (15 or under). However, applicants born on or before 1 September 1929 do not have to pay the fee at all.

One-way Document

One-way documents (or IS137) are for non-UK citizens that wish to leave the UK permanently. The document allows them the right to leave the UK but not return. Applicants do not need to have settled status in order to apply. However, there are certain criteria that must be met in order to be considered for this document.

For example, the applicant must not be a British citizen, they must not be able to obtain a passport from their native country, they must not be facing deportation or have any pending criminal proceedings against them in the UK and they must want to leave the UK for good.

The document is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued and cannot be used to return to the UK under any circumstances. The fee for adults or those over 15 is £75, for those 15 and under it is £49 or it is free to apply if the applicant was born on or before 1 September 1929.

Certificate of Travel Document

This document is for those that have been refused a passport by their own nation’s authorities. It allows the holder to leave and re-enter the UK in replace of a traditional passport. To apply one of the following must be true:

• Has settled status or permission to stay in the UK and has been refused a passport by their native country’s authorities.
• In the UK under humanitarian protection and it’s been officially accepted that they are in fear of their native country’s authorities.
• In the UK on a family visa as a dependent of someone with humanitarian protection.
• Born in the UK as a child of a refugee and has permission to stay in the UK but does not have refugee status.
• Has an important reason to travel but the native country’s authorities are unable to process travel documents quickly enough.

If the applicant has an important reason to travel, this and the fact that their native country’s authorities are unable to help must be proven as part of the application. This document is valid for up to 5 years if the applicant has settled status or until the permission to stay in the UK ends. Applicants can travel to most countries using this document except any of those from which they claimed asylum.

The fee for adults is currently £210 for those over the age of 15 and £141 for children aged 15 and under.

Contact us today for assistance with obtaining a UK travel document.

Applying For a Home Office Travel Document

All applicants need to complete an online form on the UK government’s website and then send their supporting documentation to the Home Office through the post. However, if there are exceptional or compassionate circumstances involved, evidence can be sent for consideration via email.

How can IAS Help?

Applying for a travel document can be stressful and time-consuming. It can be difficult to be sure which type of document to apply for depending on your circumstances and mistakes do not get refunded by the Home Office.

Our team of immigration specialists at IAS can tell you your options quickly and accurately, help you fill in your application from start to finish, advising you on all aspects of being granted your travel documents as easily and quickly as possible.

Call us today at  0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

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Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get help with my online application form.

There are options available to those that may struggle to complete the online application form if, for example, they do not have internet access or do not feel comfortable whilst using a computer. Applicants are able to access ‘Assisted Digital’ support which can provide advice over the telephone or via face-to-face interviews.

Can my family travel with me?

It is not possible to list dependents on a travel document like it is on a visa. Each travelling family member (including children) must have their own travel document to travel in and out of the UK. If the child was born in the UK, they may be able to become a British citizen and get a traditional passport.

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How to Apply for Travel Documents in the UK

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 5,162 times.

If you live in the UK but aren't a British citizen and can't get a passport from your home country, you might be able to get travel documents from the British Home Office if you need to travel outside the country. Generally, you're only eligible for travel documents if you're staying in the UK as a refugee or stateless person, or if you're settled in the UK permanently (what the Home Office calls "indefinite leave to remain"). You can apply for travel documents online through the Home Office, but you have to mail the completed application along with supporting documentation. If you don't have a biometric residence permit (BRP), you'll need to apply for one of those when you apply for your travel document. [1] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Choosing the Right Travel Document

• This travel document is typically valid for up to 10 years, depending on the validity of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You can travel to any country except your country of origin.

• Stateless travel documents are usually valid for 10 years, although they might be issued with a shorter validity depending on your situation. You can typically travel to any and all countries.
• You're only considered stateless if you are not recognized as a citizen of any country. Some refugees are stateless, but not all. If you're not sure if you've been officially recognized as stateless, you probably haven't. Fewer than 100 people in the UK have been recognized as stateless since the official determination procedure was started in 2014. [4] X Research source

• To get this documentation, apply for a passport using your home country's usual process. When your application is denied, save the original letter you get back from your home country.
• You also need to show why the denial was unreasonable. The Home Office considers a denial reasonable if, for example, you have a criminal record in your home country or did not provide enough evidence to confirm your identity.
• If you are granted a COT, it will typically have 5 years of validity. You can travel to any country with this document except for your country of origin.

• While you do need to provide documentation to confirm your identity, you don't need to apply for a BRP to use this type of travel document.
• This document is issued to any non-British citizen in the UK who doesn't have a passport and wants to leave the country. It can only be used for one journey out of the country and is valid for a year, although it's generally intended to be used immediately. [7] X Research source
• One-way travel documents are typically issued for travel to a specified country. If you have to travel through one country to get to your destination country, that country will also be listed on your document.

Filling out Your Application

• After you provide your location, you'll be asked to select which type of travel document you want to apply for. If you're not sure, click on the question so see who qualifies for each type.

Tip: If you don't feel comfortable using a computer or do not have internet access, you can get help over the phone by calling 03333 445 675. This phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• If you're applying for a one-way travel document, your document will only be valid for travel to the country you specified. However, all other travel documents are typically valid for travel to any country, except your country of origin or the country from which you sought asylum.
• If you're applying for a COT, you'll also need to discuss your process of applying for a passport from your country of origin and the reason your application for a passport was denied.

Tip: If members of your family are also applying for travel documents at the same time, you each have to apply online and pay your fees separately.

• The online application will ask you if you have a BRP. If you do, simply answer "yes." If you answer "no," the BRP application will come up for you to fill out.
• You will have to provide a digital photo and digital fingerprints along with your signature for your BRP. You can get these done at any government service and support center or post office branch. As of January 2020, the fee is £19.20 for biometrics. [11] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Warning: If you already have a BRP but need to amend or replace it, you must do this before you apply for your travel document. You can't use the application included with the travel document application.

• Refugee and stateless person's travel documents are £75 for adults, £49 for children under 15, and £0 if you were born before September 1, 1929.
• One-way travel documents are £75 for all adults (regardless of age) and £49 for children under 15.
• A COT is £280 for all adults (regardless of age) and £141 for children under 15.

Submitting Your Application

• If you're applying for a travel document as a refugee or stateless person, you'll need the British court order or certificate that shows you've been officially recognized as a refugee or stateless person, as well as your BRP.
• If you're applying for a COT, you need documents that prove that you applied for a passport from your home country and that application was unreasonably denied. This might include a letter from your home country's immigration authority or a copy of your passport application. A COT typically requires the most documentation.

Tip: Make a photocopy of your BRP to send with your application — do not send your original BRP. All other documents must be originals.

• There are many translation companies in the UK that offer professional translation services. You can find these companies with a quick internet search. You might also use the search engine provided by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, a professional association of translators. Go to https://www.iti.org.uk/component/itisearch/?view=translators to find a translator who is a member of the association.

• Your signature will be scanned and digitally included on your travel documents.
• After you've signed your declaration page, make a photocopy of your entire application so you have it for your records.

• Scan the document and email it to [email protected] or fax it to 020 8196 0109.
• You still must include the paper originals of any documents you fax or email in your package that you send to the Home Office.

• Send your documents to: Travel Documents Section UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY
• After verifying the information in your application, the Home Office returns documents that don't need to be kept with your application. If you want these documents returned to you by Special Delivery, include a prepaid Special Delivery envelope with your package.
• If you realize after you've sent your package that you left out a document, don't send it separately. Instead, wait to hear back from the Home Office. They will send you a letter to request any documents that are missing from your application package.

• It typically takes 3 to 4 months for the Home Office to process an application for a travel document. [19] X Research source

• If you're writing a physical letter, mail it to: Travel Documents Section UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY
• You can also send an email to [email protected].

Expert Q&A

• Before you travel, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit and make sure your travel documents will be accepted at the border. You also may need a visa. [21] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• The guidance notes, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-home-office-travel-document-form-td112-brp , provide more information about the process of applying for travel documents. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't book travel until you've received your travel document in case there are any delays or issues with the approval of your application. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't apply for a travel document if you have less than 6 months' leave to remain in the UK. Your travel document will only be valid to the extent of your leave to remain in the UK and most countries won't accept travel documents with less than 6 months' validity. [23] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752814/TD112_BRP_Guidance_Notes_11_2018.pdf
• ↑ https://files.institutesi.org/ISI_statistics_analysis_2018.pdf
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document/how-to-apply
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/personal-data
• ↑ https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/travel-document
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/488177/Home_Office_travel_documents_guidance_v6.0EXT_clean.pdf

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15 Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa in 2024

What are the types of uk visitor visas.

The UK offers a range of visitor visas tailored to different purposes of visit. While the general requirements might be similar, it’s essential to apply for the right category:

• Tourist Visa: For those visiting the UK for leisure, holidays, or sightseeing.
• Business Visa: Designed for individuals attending business meetings, conferences, or seminars.
• Family Visitor Visa: For visitors who intend to stay with family members residing in the UK.
• Child Visitor Visa: Specifically for children under 18 visiting the UK.

Remember to ensure your activities in the UK align with the visa category you’ve applied for to avoid any legal complications.

UK Visitor Visa Documents Check-List

1. visa application form vaf1a.

This is the primary application form for all visitors to the UK. It must be correctly filled out, detailing the purpose of your visit, personal details, and other relevant information.

2. Valid Passport

• Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
• At least one blank page on both sides for the visa stamp.

3. Two Passport-Sized Photographs

• Adhering to the UK visa photo specifications: 45mm high x 35mm wide, not framed, with a light grey or plain cream background.

4. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel booking confirmation.
• If staying with a family or friend: a letter of invitation with their address and contact details. It’s helpful if they also provide a copy of their passport and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

5. Proof of Funds

This is to show that you can support yourself during your visit without accessing public funds.

• Recent bank statements (typically covering the last six months).
• Pay slips from your employer.
• Proof of earnings through tax returns, business bank statements, or business accounts if self-employed.

6. Details of Employment or Studies

• If employed: A letter from your employer granting leave of absence. The letter should also confirm how long you have been employed with the company and the date you are expected to return to work.
• If self-employed: Business registration documents and tax returns.
• If a student: A letter from your educational institution confirming your enrolment and granting leave of absence.

7. Travel Itinerary

• Detailed travel plans, including the date of entry and exit from the UK.
• Confirmed flight ticket bookings.

8. Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers the entirety of your stay in the UK. It should include coverage for medical emergencies.

9. Additional Documents Depending on the Purpose of Visit

• Business: Invitation letter from the UK company, details of the company’s activities, and evidence of business activities in your home country.
• Medical Treatment: Letter from a doctor or consultant detailing the medical condition and treatment required, along with proof of pre-arranged services at the medical facility.
• Academic Visit: Invitation from the UK academic institution, details of the course/research, and evidence of academic qualifications.
• Marriage: Proof of wedding arrangements, like booking confirmations of the venue.

10. Proof of Ties to Home Country

This is to demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.

• Property deeds or mortgage statements.
• A detailed letter explaining any other personal or financial circumstances that indicate your ties to your home country.

11. Previous Travel History

If you have them, provide your old passports to demonstrate your travel history. This often works in your favor, showing you have returned from other trips abroad, implying you are less of a risk to overstay.

12. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

If you’re from a country where taking a TB test is mandatory before coming to the UK for more than six months, you must include these results.

13. Payment Receipt of Visa Fee

Ensure you provide proof of the visa application fee payment.

14. Criminal Record Certificate

If you have been convicted of any crimes, you must provide a certificate from the country in which you were convicted.

15. Translation of Non-English Documents

Any document that isn’t in English or Welsh needs to be accompanied by a certified translation. This includes the details of the translator or translation company.

4 Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for a UK visitor visa can seem daunting. But with the right preparation and understanding of the process, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you through:

• Stay Organized: Compile all necessary documents in a neat and systematic manner. Use clear folders and label them accordingly. An organized application is easier to process and leaves a positive impression.
• Read Carefully: Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the visa guidelines. This can prevent common mistakes, such as missing documents or incorrect information.
• Write a Clear Cover Letter: Your cover letter should succinctly explain the purpose of your visit, ensuring it aligns with the category of visa you’re applying for.
• Authenticity is Key: Always provide genuine documents. Fabricated or misleading information can lead to immediate rejection and possibly further complications in future applications.

What Is The Duration and Extension Policy of the Visitor Visa?

The standard UK visitor visa typically allows travelers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, it’s crucial to note the following:

• Multiple Visits: If you have a multiple entry visa, you can leave and come back to the UK multiple times within the validity period, but your total stay shouldn’t exceed 6 months.
• Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, one might need to extend their stay beyond the allotted time. Extensions are usually given for medical reasons or if there’s a compelling reason related to a business visit. You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

What Is The UK Visitor Visa Processing Time?

Understanding how long it might take to process your visa application can help you plan your trip better. Here’s what you should know:

• Standard Time: Typically, the UK visitor visa application is processed within 3 weeks of submission. However, during peak travel times or due to unforeseen circumstances, it might take longer.
• Expedited Services: For those in a hurry, the UK does offer priority and super-priority services for an additional fee. The priority service aims to process your visa within 5 working days, while the super-priority service offers a next-day decision.

What Are The Rights and Restrictions on a Visitor Visa?

Having a UK visitor visa allows you certain privileges and also comes with restrictions:

• Rights: You can generally participate in tourist activities, attend meetings or conferences, undergo elective medical treatments, and even partake in short recreational courses.
• Restrictions: Visitor visa holders are typically prohibited from taking on employment in the UK, accessing public funds, or staying beyond the duration stipulated on their visa. Additionally, engaging in activities not covered by your visa category could result in penalties or deportation.

Understanding these rights and restrictions ensures that you stay compliant with UK immigration laws during your visit.

How Long Can I Stay in the UK on a Visitor Visa?

On a UK visitor visa, you can typically stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, there are specific circumstances to consider:

• Standard Duration : Most visitor visas are granted for a period of 6 months.
• Long-term Visitor Visas : For frequent travelers, long-term visitor visas are available, allowing multiple entries over 2, 5, or 10 years. Each stay, however, should not exceed 6 months.
• Specific Visas : Some specific types of visitor visas, like medical treatment or academic visitor visas, may have different durations.

It’s important to adhere strictly to the duration of stay granted on your visa to avoid overstaying and potential future entry issues.

Can I Switch to Another Visa Category While on a Visitor Visa in the UK?

Switching to another visa category while on a visitor visa in the UK is typically not permitted. Considerations include:

• Return Requirement : You are usually required to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from your home country or country of residence.
• Exceptions : Very few exceptions exist, and these are subject to strict criteria.
• Compliance : Staying in the UK beyond the terms of your visitor visa or attempting to switch to a different visa category without leaving the country can result in immigration violations.

If you believe your circumstances warrant a different visa type, it’s advisable to consult with UK immigration services or a legal expert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i attend job interviews on a visitor visa.

Yes, attending job interviews is permissible under a visitor visa, but you cannot undertake employment in the UK with it.

Is it possible to extend my visitor visa from within the UK?

In most circumstances, a visitor visa cannot be extended beyond the 6-month limit. However, there can be exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies, where a short extension might be granted.

Are there any restrictions on multiple entries to the UK on a visitor visa?

The standard UK visitor visa is multi-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter the UK multiple times during its validity. But remember, the total stay should not exceed the duration granted, usually 6 months.

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How To Obtain A Travel Document In The UK

Published: October 31, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Colette Abrams

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Traveling is an exciting and enriching experience that allows us to explore new cultures, see breathtaking landscapes, and create lasting memories. However, for individuals residing in the United Kingdom (UK) who do not possess a valid passport, obtaining a travel document becomes a necessity. Whether you have lost your passport, it has been stolen, or it has expired, a travel document grants you the ability to travel internationally while waiting for a new passport to be issued.

A travel document, also known as a certificate of identity, is a government-issued document that serves as a temporary alternative to a passport. It allows individuals to travel to specific destinations, typically within Europe, when they are unable to obtain a passport from their home country. In the UK, the Home Office is responsible for issuing travel documents.

Obtaining a travel document in the UK may seem like a complex and daunting process, but with the right information and guidance, it can be done smoothly. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of obtaining a travel document in the UK, ensuring that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the requirements and procedures involved.

Requirements for Obtaining a Travel Document

Before you begin the process of obtaining a travel document in the UK, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria and gather the necessary documents. Here are the key requirements:

• Residence in the UK: To be eligible for a travel document, you must be a resident of the UK. This means that you must have a valid immigration status and be living in the country.
• Reason for Travel: You must have a valid reason for needing a travel document. This can include urgent business travel, family emergencies, or other compelling circumstances.
• Previous Passport or Travel Document: If you have previously held a passport or travel document, you will need to provide details of it, including the passport number, date of issue, and place of issue.
• Proof of Identity: You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a national identity card, driving license, or birth certificate.
• Proof of Residence: You must provide documents that prove your residence in the UK, such as utility bills, tenancy agreement, or council tax statement.
• Photographs: You will need to provide recent passport-sized photographs that meet the UK Home Office’s requirements, including specific dimensions and quality.
• Supporting Documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. For example, if you are traveling for business purposes, you may need to provide evidence of your business activities or a letter from your employer.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a travel document may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific travel document being applied for. It is recommended to check the official guidance provided by the UK Home Office or consult with an immigration specialist to ensure that you have the correct information and documentation before proceeding with your application.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility for a Travel Document

Before you begin the application process for a travel document in the UK, it is crucial to determine whether you are eligible to apply for one. The eligibility criteria vary depending on your circumstances and the type of travel document you are seeking. Here are some common eligibility factors:

• Residential Status: To be eligible for a travel document, you must be a resident of the UK with a valid immigration status. This includes individuals with visa, settlement status, or permanent residency.
• Reason for Travel: You must have a legitimate reason for needing a travel document. This could be due to a lost or stolen passport, an expired passport, or if you are unable to obtain a passport from your home country for exceptional reasons.
• Documentary Evidence: You will be required to provide supporting documents to prove your identity, immigration status, and the reason for travel. This may include previous passport details, proof of residence, and any additional documents specific to your situation.

It is important to note that each case is unique, and the eligibility requirements may differ based on individual circumstances. For specific eligibility criteria and guidance, it is recommended to consult the official resources provided by the UK Home Office or seek professional advice from an immigration specialist.

Once you have determined that you are eligible to apply for a travel document, you can proceed to gather the necessary documents and complete the application process. Keep in mind that the application process can be time-consuming, so it is advisable to start the process well in advance of your intended travel date.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once you have determined your eligibility for a travel document in the UK, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents to support your application. The specific documents you will need may vary depending on your circumstances and the type of travel document you are applying for. However, here are some common documents that are typically required:

• Proof of Identity: You will need to provide a document that proves your identity, such as a national identity card, driver’s license, or birth certificate. The document should be valid and contain your full name, date of birth, and a recognizable photograph.
• Proof of Residence: You must provide documents that establish your residence in the UK. This can include utility bills, bank statements, council tax statements, or a tenancy agreement.
• Previous Passport or Travel Document: If applicable, you will need to provide details of your previous passport or travel document. This includes the passport number, date of issue, and place of issue.
• Photographs: You must provide recent, passport-sized photographs that meet the specific requirements set by the UK Home Office. The photographs should be in color, have a plain background, and meet the specified size and quality criteria.
• Supporting Documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. For example, if you are traveling for business purposes, you may need to provide evidence of your business activities or a letter from your employer. It is essential to carefully review the specific requirements based on your situation.

It is important to note that all documents you submit should be in their original form or official certified copies. Make sure to double-check the document requirements provided by the UK Home Office or consult with an immigration specialist to ensure you have the correct documents before proceeding with the application process.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can move on to completing the application form, which will be discussed in the next step.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

After gathering all the necessary documents, the next step in obtaining a travel document in the UK is to complete the application form. The application form is a crucial part of the process and requires accuracy and attention to detail. Here are the key steps to complete the application form:

• Download the Application Form: Visit the official website of the UK Home Office or the relevant authority responsible for issuing travel documents and download the application form. Make sure to choose the correct form based on your circumstances.
• Read the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions provided with the application form. Pay attention to any specific guidelines or requirements mentioned.
• Fill in the Required Information: Fill in all the required information accurately and honestly. This includes personal details such as your full name, date of birth, contact information, and details of any previous passports or travel documents.
• Provide Supporting Information: Answer all the questions and provide any additional information or documents required as per the instructions. Be sure to include all the supporting documents you have gathered.
• Review and Double-Check: Before submitting the application form, carefully review all the information you have entered. Make sure there are no spelling errors, missing details, or discrepancies.
• Submit the Form: Once you are satisfied with the accuracy of the information, sign and date the application form. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

It is important to note that any false or misleading information provided on the application form can result in your application being rejected or may even have legal consequences. If you have any doubts or questions regarding the application form, it is recommended to seek guidance from the UK Home Office or an immigration specialist before submitting your application.

In the next step, we will discuss the application fee and how to make the payment.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Once you have completed the application form for a travel document in the UK, the next step is to pay the required application fee. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of travel document you are applying for and your specific circumstances. Here’s how to pay the application fee:

• Check the Fee Amount: Visit the official website of the UK Home Office or the relevant authority responsible for issuing travel documents to determine the exact fee amount for your application. Make sure to double-check the current fees as they may occasionally change.
• Choose the Payment Method: You will usually have a few options to pay the application fee, such as online payment, debit/credit card, or postal order. Check the available payment methods and choose the one that is most convenient for you.
• Follow the Payment Instructions: If you are making an online payment, follow the instructions provided on the website to complete the transaction securely. Make sure to provide all the necessary details requested, such as your application reference number.
• Keep the Payment Confirmation: Once the payment is successfully processed, make sure to keep a copy of the payment confirmation or receipt for your records. This will serve as proof of payment and may be required during the application process.

It is important to note that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and have all the necessary documents before proceeding with the payment.

In the next step, we will discuss how to submit your completed application form and supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit the Application

After completing the application form and paying the required fee, the next step in obtaining a travel document in the UK is to submit your application. Here’s what you need to do to ensure a smooth application submission process:

• Compile Your Application Package: Gather all the necessary documents, including the completed application form, supporting documents, and proof of payment. Make sure all the documents are properly organized and secured.
• Check the Submission Method: Visit the official website of the UK Home Office or the relevant authority responsible for issuing travel documents to find out the specific submission method for your application. It can typically be done either by mail or in-person at a designated application center.
• Follow the Submission Instructions: Carefully read and follow the submission instructions provided on the website. This may include specific packaging requirements, address details, and any additional steps you need to take.
• Keep Copies of Your Application: Before sending out your application package, make sure to keep copies of all the documents for your personal records. This will serve as a backup in case any issues arise during the processing of your application.
• Send or Deliver Your Application: If you are submitting your application by mail, ensure that it is sent through a reliable and trackable service. If you are submitting in-person, make an appointment if required, and bring your application package to the designated application center during the specified hours.

It is essential to submit your application well before your intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time. The processing time can vary, so it’s advisable to check the estimated processing times provided by the UK Home Office or the relevant authority.

In the next step, we will discuss attending the biometric appointment, which is a necessary part of the application process for a travel document in the UK.

Step 6: Attend the Biometric Appointment

As part of the application process for a travel document in the UK, you will be required to attend a biometric appointment. During this appointment, your biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph, will be collected. Here’s what you need to know about attending the biometric appointment:

• Receive the Appointment Letter: After submitting your application, you will receive an appointment letter indicating the date, time, and location of your biometric appointment. Make sure to carefully review the letter and note down any specific instructions provided.
• Bring the Required Documents: On the day of your appointment, make sure to bring all the necessary documents, including your appointment letter, passport-sized photographs, and any additional documents as specified in the appointment letter.
• Arrive on Time: It is essential to arrive at the biometric appointment location on time. Plan your journey accordingly and allow for any potential travel delays.
• Follow the Instructions: Once at the appointment location, follow the instructions provided by the staff. They will guide you through the process of collecting your biometric data, which typically involves scanning your fingerprints and taking your photograph.
• Keep the Biometric Confirmation: After your biometric data is collected, you will receive a confirmation receipt. Make sure to keep this receipt as evidence that you have attended the biometric appointment.

Attending the biometric appointment is a crucial step in the application process, and failure to attend may result in delays or even rejection of your application. If you are unable to attend the appointment on the given date, contact the relevant authority as soon as possible to reschedule or seek further guidance.

In the next step, we will discuss the waiting period for processing your application and receiving a decision on your travel document.

Step 7: Wait for Processing and Decision

After attending the biometric appointment and submitting your application for a travel document in the UK, the next step is to wait for the processing of your application and receive a decision. Here’s what you need to know about the waiting period and the decision-making process:

The processing time for your application can vary depending on various factors, including the type of travel document you applied for and the current workload of the UK Home Office or the relevant authority. It is advisable to check the estimated processing times provided on the official website or contact the relevant authority for an update.

During the processing period, it is important to refrain from making any unnecessary follow-up inquiries, as this may actually slow down the process. However, if your application is taking longer than the estimated processing time, you can contact the UK Home Office or the relevant authority to inquire about the status of your application.

Once your application has been reviewed and a decision has been made, you will be notified of the outcome. If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to collect your travel document. If your application is rejected, the notification will include the reasons for the rejection and any available options for appeal or reapplication.

It is important to keep in mind that the decision on your application is at the discretion of the UK Home Office or the relevant authority, and the processing time and outcome may vary from case to case. Patience and understanding during this waiting period are essential.

In the final step, we will discuss collecting your travel document once it is ready.

Step 8: Collect Your Travel Document

After receiving notification that your application for a travel document in the UK has been approved, the final step is to collect your travel document. Here’s what you need to know about collecting your travel document:

• Follow the Instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions provided in the notification regarding the collection process. This may include the location and timings for collection, as well as any specific requirements.
• Bring Required Identification: When collecting your travel document, make sure to bring the original identification documents that were submitted with your application. This is typically required to verify your identity.
• Ensure Proper Packaging: If instructed, ensure that you have the necessary packaging or envelope to securely store your travel document. This will help protect it from damage or loss during transport.
• Check for Errors: Before leaving the collection center, carefully review your travel document for any errors or discrepancies. If you notice any mistakes, bring them to the attention of the staff immediately for rectification.

It is essential to collect your travel document within the specified time frame mentioned in the notification. Failure to do so may result in additional delays or even forfeiture of the document, requiring you to go through the application process again.

Once you have collected your travel document, make sure to keep it in a safe and secure place. Remember to check its validity and any specific travel restrictions or requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the process of obtaining a travel document in the UK. Your travel document will now enable you to embark on your international journeys while your new passport is being processed or additional travel arrangements are being made.

Safe travels and enjoy your adventures!

Obtaining a travel document in the UK can be a necessary step for individuals who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country or who have lost or expired passports. While the process may initially seem daunting, following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article can help make it more manageable. By determining your eligibility, gathering the required documents, completing the application form, paying the application fee, submitting your application, attending the biometric appointment, waiting for processing and decision, and finally collecting your travel document, you will be well-prepared for the journey ahead.

It is important to stay organized throughout the process and to verify the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the UK Home Office or the relevant authority. Remember to allow for sufficient processing time and to exercise patience during the waiting period. If you have any questions or concerns, consider seeking guidance from immigration specialists or consulting the official resources.

Having a travel document in your possession will provide you with the ability to embark on international travels while your passport is being processed or under exceptional circumstances. Take proper care of your travel document, follow all travel regulations, and enjoy the enriching experiences that await you on your adventures.

Happy travels and may your journey be filled with remarkable experiences and cherished memories!

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Visa document guidance

If you are not from the UK or Ireland we need to check your right to study to complete your enrolment.

To do this you will need to upload your visa documents as part of the pre-enrolment task on Portico .

Select an option and learn more about which documents to upload: 

• I am studying a full-time course (any study level)
• I am studying a course 6 months of less (e.g summer school or affiliate)  

I am studying a Part-time, flexible, distance learning course or course jointly run by UCL and a Partner Institution

Need help with uploading documents to portico.

Learn how to upload your visa documents to Portico . 

I am studying a full-time course (any study level)  

Scroll through the scenarios below for more information on which documents to upload. 

I applied for a Student Visa from outside the UK  

To complete your enrolment, follow these steps.

Upload Required Documents 

To complete your enrolment, upload the following to Portico: 

• Your entry clearance travel vignette with a UK arrival stamp. This will be a sticker on your passport. When you arrive in the UK, the immigration officer will stamp your vignette. 
• Your visa decision letter or email, showing the correct visa expiry date. 

 Pre-enrolment option 

We understand that you may not have received all your visa documents, but you can start pre-enrolment before arriving in the UK by uploading an unstamped vignette. We cannot complete your enrolment until you provide proof of entry to the UK.  

Update us on your visa documents 

Let us know when you receive your documents by uploading them to Portico.  

Arrival in the UK

Once you arrive in the UK, upload a copy of your stamped vignette or boarding pass if you entered through an e-gate. This will enable us to complete your enrolment. 

Important information 

• Ensure you enter the UK within the dates specified on your entry clearance vignette. 
• Your visa must have UCL's Sponsor Licence Number: X3W1RGWT9. 
• If your entry clearance vignette doesn't have a stamp when you arrive, upload your boarding pass or flight itinerary. 
• Upon your arrival in the UK, you may also need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit  (BRP). Learn more about the Biometric Residence Permit .  

View our examples of visas documents you need to upload if you are studying a full time course. [downloadable PDF] 

I received a Digital Immigration Status for my visa 

To verify your immigration status, upload these documents to Portico:  

• Your share code . UCL will use this code to confirm your immigration status. 
• An email that you received from UKVI, confirming that your visa has been granted for UCL. 
• A copy of your boarding pass or flight itinerary displaying your entry into the UK. 

How to generate share code    

Read the guidance on generating a share code . Once generated, your share code is valid for 90 days and consists of letters and numbers. 

Read more on the Digital Immigration Status webpage . 

I am applying for my new visa from within the UK, but I'm still awaiting its approval 

Upload the following to Portico: 

A copy of your current visa 

Additionally, provide only one of the following: 

• A copy of your visa application form. 
• A copy of your document checklist. 
• A copy of the payment confirmation from your visa application submission. 

View our examples of acceptable visa application evidence [downloadable PDF] 

I have pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme 

Upload the following through your Portico account: 

• Share Code 

Generate and upload your share code. UCL will use this code to confirm your immigration status. 

How to generate share code 

Read the guidance on generating a share code . Once generated, your share code is valid for 90 days and consists of letters and numbers.  

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Upload your visa documents to Portico. 

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• share code, or 
• passport sticker/stamp 

Provide as much detail as you can. Our enrolment team will review and request more if needed. 

Graduate Route Visa Information 

The Graduate Route visa has strict study limitations. It allows study in select courses not covered by the Student Visa route. 

If you have a Graduate Route visa, you must first get a Student Visa or a full-time study visa. Then, you can enrol in full-time undergraduate, postgraduate taught, or postgraduate research programmes. 

I am studying a course which is 6 months or less

Examples of this kind of study can include UCL Summer School and Affiliates.

I have been given a Standard Visitor Visa 

If you applied for your visa in advance:  

• A copy of your entry clearance vignette with an entry clearance stamp. This will be a sticker on your passport, please see the example. Your ticket will be stamped when you arrive in the UK - you will not be able to upload a copy until you arrive. 

If your entry clearance vignette isn't stamped on arrival, please provide a copy of your boarding pass. 

If you didn't apply for a visa in advance:  

A copy of your entry clearance stamp. 

If you entered the UK via the e-gates:  

A copy of your boarding pass. 

View our example of entry documents you need to upload if you are studying a course 6 months or less. [downloadable PDF] 

If you are in the UK, then upload your visa documents to Portico. 

Provide as much detail as you can. Our UCL Enrolment Team will review and request more if needed. 

Need more information? askUCL.

Submit a query to us through askUCL.   

Spain holiday warning: Foreign Office warns UK holidaymakers they need 'two extra documents' to visit the country

UK tourists have been issued with a Spanish travel warning as two key documents are needed to enter the country

UK tourists have been issued a Spain travel warning as two key documents are needed to enter the country. Tourists will need to carry two bits of documentation with them if they're heading abroad to Spain on holiday. 

Since Brexit, the rules for Brits travelling to countries in the Schengen area have changed. Now those coming from outside the zone, including the UK, may face extra checks at the border.

The warning comes from the Foreign Office, urging Brits to make sure they have “additional documents” on hand. Travellers might also need to show proof of where they're staying, like a hotel booking receipt or an address if they're visiting a second home or friends or family.

The UK Foreign Office stated: "If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show you have enough money for your stay; proof of accommodation for your stay, for example a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home) [or] an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family. A carta de invitation completed by your hosts is one of the options available." 

Invitation letter (carta de invitación) is a document needed for NON-EU citizens to be able to travel to Spain without having booked commercial accommodation (hotel, AirBnb). If a NON-EU citizen needs a tourist visa to enter Spain, it might be required for the visa application. If a tourist visa is not required, it could still be requested at the border when entering Spain. The invitation letter is issued for a maximum of 90 days. Documents needed to acquire the document include a rental contract or property deed, copy of passport of the NON-EU person, DNI/NIE/TIE of the inviting person, application form and tax payment confirmation.

It is also important to make sure your passport is up to date for travel. It should be good for three months after you plan to leave the Schengen area and less than ten years old when you go in. These rules have changed since the UK left the European Union, and it is easy to get caught out. 

Judge denies Trump bid to dismiss classified documents case using Presidential Records Act

A judge Thursday denied former President Donald Trump's bid to dismiss a case alleging he mishandled classified documents , rejecting his argument that the papers were considered personal under the Presidential Records Act.

The charges against Trump "make no reference to the Presidential Records Act, nor do they rely on that statute for purposes of stating an offense," U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon wrote.

"For these reasons, accepting the allegations of the Superseding Indictment as true, the Presidential Records Act does not provide a pre-trial basis to dismiss," the judge wrote, raising the possibility the defense argument could be used later.

Cannon had asked both sides to address the argument that the national security documents could be considered personal in proposed jury instructions, an argument special counsel Jack Smith's office argued was " fundamentally flawed ." The judge said in her Thursday ruling that Smith's demand she decide the issue now is "unprecedented and unjust."

Cannon disputed that her order soliciting preliminary draft instructions was anything but "a genuine attempt, in the context of the upcoming trial, to better understand the parties’ competing positions and the questions to be submitted to the jury in this complex case."

The Presidential Records Act requires the return of presidential records at the end of a president’s term, but says they can keep their personal records, which is described as documents containing “highly personal information, such as diaries, journals, and medical records.” 

In a filing Tuesday, Smith's office said Cannon's proposed instruction on Trump's broader interpretation of the law would essentially result in the jury being told to accept Trump's defense, which it maintains is a fiction.  

“Trump’s entire effort to rely on the PRA is not based on any facts,” prosecutors said. “It is a post hoc justification that was concocted more than a year after he left the White House, and his invocation in this Court of the PRA is not grounded in any decision he actually made during his presidency to designate as personal any of the records charged.” 

Cannon's request last month for the proposed jury instructions incorporating Trump's PRA was unexpected. It came after a hearing where the judge had seemed highly skeptical of the defense, and it also came as there's no firm trial date for the case to begin.

The trial is scheduled to begin May 20, but the judge has repeatedly indicated that the date would be pushed back and asked both sides to submit new proposed dates . Both sides did so in late February, but Cannon has not yet ruled.

Trump  faces multiple charges  in the classified documents case, including willful retention of national defense information, false statements and representations, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record and corruptly concealing a document. 

The former president has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Katherine Doyle is a White House reporter for NBC News.

Daniel Barnes reports for NBC News, based in Washington.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

Watch CBS News

Jack Smith argues "not a single" Trump official has claimed he declared any records personal

By Robert Legare

Updated on: April 3, 2024 / 9:17 AM EDT / CBS News

Washington — Special counsel Jack Smith urged a federal judge to keep a presidential recordkeeping law out of instructions that would be provided to the jury in the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump , according to court documents filed by Smith's team late Tuesday. Prosecutors warned that including the law in the instructions risked jeopardizing the proceedings, and signaled they would appeal the judge's decision if she ruled against them.

Last month, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon , who is overseeing the case in Florida, asked Smith's and Trump's legal teams to file jury instructions based on two hypothetical scenarios: in one, the president has the authority under the Presidential Records Act (PRA) to categorize any records as personal. Under this scenario, Cannon wrote that "neither a court nor a jury" would have the ability to review the decision, a finding that could nullify much of the special counsel's case against Trump. 

In the other, the jury would be able to examine a record that had been retained by a former president and make a finding that it was either "personal or presidential," under the PRA. Under this scenario, it is possible jurors could find that some official documents were mishandled. 

Federal prosecutors rejected both proposals and wrote Tuesday that the PRA — a 1978 law that manages the maintenance of White House documents produced during each presidency — "should not play any role at trial at all," arguing that Trump's alleged mishandling of classified records occurred after his presidency ended.

Trump and Smith filed separate proposals for jury instructions in the case Tuesday, although a trial date has yet to be set. 

Prosecutors said Tuesday that both of Cannon's hypothetical scenarios "rest on an unstated and fundamentally flawed legal premise." Any jury instructions that include the PRA risked "distort[ing] the trial," they said.  

Instead, the special counsel suggested jurors should only have to determine three elements of the case that amount to whether Trump willfully retained national defense information without the authorization of the federal government. 

Smith's team requested that if the judge opts to include language concerning the PRA, she affords them ample time to appeal the matter to higher courts ahead of trial. 

The former president's legal team took the opposite view, writing Cannon "correctly stated the law" when she suggested the jury instruction that would have granted Trump much broader power under the PRA. 

"If this case is presented to a jury—which it should not be—the jury would be forced to resolve factual issues relating to not only PRA categorizations but also documents' alleged classification status," Trump's defense team argued in their filing . 

In their own proposed jury instructions , Trump's legal team suggested Cannon tell jurors that Trump was authorized to access the classified records during his presidency and that certain precedents allow for former presidents to access certain documents. 

The special counsel charged Trump in a 40-count indictment that includes 32 alleged violations of a national security law that makes it illegal to mishandle national defense information. The former president is also accused of engaging in an obstruction scheme as part of an alleged effort to thwart federal investigators as they probed his retention of documents with classified markings. The FBI ultimately recovered over 300 sensitive government records from Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence that prosecutors accused him of illegally keeping. 

Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts and has denied any wrongdoing. 

Tuesday's late-night filing from the special counsel contended that the question of presidential versus private records under the PRA is not a question for a jury because it doesn't apply to Trump's alleged conduct. Instead, prosecutors said this was a matter of law that should be left up to the judge. 

Trump's legal team has filed a number of motions to dismiss the case against him, including one on the grounds that the PRA granted Trump "unreviewable discretion" over classified records.

"President Trump was still the President of the United States when, for example, many of the documents at issue were packed (presumably by the GSA), transported, and delivered to Mar-A-Lago," they wrote in a February court filing. 

Attorneys for the former president also argued that the PRA "precludes judicial review" over a president's recordkeeping, contending that the court has no jurisdiction in the matter, language that was reflected in Cannon's order asking for input on the proposed jury instructions. 

Smith's team, however, pushed back in responding court filings, writing that the more than 300 documents with classified markings recovered from Trump "are indisputably presidential, not personal." 

"Trump was not authorized to possess classified records at all," prosecutors said. 

The federal probe into Trump's handling of classified records followed a months-long effort by federal officials to collect what they said were missing documents. Investigators ultimately executed a search warrant at his Florida residence and club, Mar-a-Lago, in August of 2022, after the former president allegedly failed to fully respond to a grand jury subpoena. 

In Tuesday's filing, Smith's team again pushed back, alleging that Trump's use of the PRA — namely the claim that he had the power to declare certain government documents as personal in nature — was "invented" as a "fictional" defense for his alleged conduct only after the federal probe was underway. The special counsel said neither communications with his defense team throughout the investigation nor witness testimony backs up Trump's claims. 

Prosecutors revealed that during its grand jury investigation, the special counsel's office interviewed individuals close to the former president, including his chiefs of staff and top White House lawyers.  

"Not a single one had heard Trump say that he was designating records as personal or that, at the time he caused the transfer of boxes to Mar-a-Lago, he believed that his removal of records amounted to designating them as personal under the PRA," according to the special counsel. "To the contrary, every witness who was asked this question had never heard such a thing."

In response to Cannon's order, however, Trump's lawyers reiterated their contention that the former president was shielded from prosecution under the PRA. 

"There is no basis for the Special Counsel's Office, this Court, or a jury to second-guess President Trump's document-specific PRA categorizations." 

Cannon has yet to rule on any of Trump's motions to dismiss the indictment, and the former president's legal team urged her again on Tuesday to rule in his favor. Two of the former president's aides, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, also face charges in the case and filed their own motions, which also remain unresolved. Nauta and de Oliveira pleaded not guilty to allegations that they worked with the former president to obstruct the federal probe.

The judge has yet to set a trial date in the case — originally scheduled for late May — and has not issued any order related to a request from Smith that she reconsider a ruling tied to protected witness names. She held a hearing on those two issues on March 1.

Trump originally argued that a trial should not go forward before the fall election, but conceded that August would be feasible, should the judge decide to proceed. The special counsel pushed for the trial to begin in July, a proposal that seems less likely to be adopted, since Cannon's docket still contains several unresolved motions. 

• Donald Trump

Robert Legare is a CBS News multiplatform reporter and producer covering the Justice Department, federal courts and investigations. He was previously an associate producer for the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance

Uploading evidence as part of your visa application

How to self-upload evidence when making an application to come to or stay in the UK.

When you make an application to come to or stay in the UK, you’ll usually be asked to provide evidence such as documents or photos. How you provide this evidence depends on how you make your application.

Who can use the self-upload service

If you use the ‘ UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document, you’ll use the self-upload service when you apply.

You cannot use this service if you have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (VAC) or UK Visa and Citizenship Services (UKVCAS) service point. You can upload documents using our commercial partner websites instead, or pay for an Added Value Service to submit your documents at your appointment at a visa application service or UKVCAS service point.

What to upload

You can check what documents you’ll need before you apply. This information is usually on the visa guide of the visa you’re applying for. There’s also a document checklist on the application form.

You’ll be asked to upload specific evidence based on the answers you provide earlier in your application. For example, a copy of your passport or birth certificate.

You may have to upload the same evidence more than once.

Prepare your documents

You can either scan your document or take a photo of it. The full document must be visible on the scan or photo.

Take a photo of your document

You can take a photo using either a smartphone camera or digital camera.

When you take your photo make sure:

• the area you’re in is well lit
• the document is in focus on your camera screen
• the flash is off on your camera if you’re taking a photo of a reflective document – for example, a laminated passport page

You must save the photo as one of the following file types:

Most smartphones and digital cameras automatically save photos as one of these file types.

Give your photo file a descriptive name. For example, ‘bank statement 2019’.

If you took a photo using your smartphone and you’re completing the application form on the same phone, you should be able to upload your photo directly from your phone to the application form.

If you took a photo using your smartphone but are using another device to complete your application, you’ll need to transfer your photo to the device you’re applying on. For example, if you’re applying on a laptop, you’ll need to send the photo from your phone to your laptop. You can usually do this by:

• emailing the photo to yourself and opening on your other device
• using a cable to connect your phone with your other device
• sending the image via Bluetooth

If you took a photo using a digital camera, you’ll need to transfer your photo from the camera to the device you’re applying on. You can usually do this by:

• taking the memory card (sometimes known as an SD card) out of the camera and inserting it into a desktop computer or laptop
• using a cable to connect your camera with your other device

Scan your document

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your scanner to scan your document.

When you create your scan make sure:

• the document is flat against the surface of the scanner
• nothing is covering the information on the document

You must save the scan as one of the following file types:

Most scanners automatically save scans as one of these file types.

Give your file a descriptive name. For example, ‘bank statement 2019’.

If your scanner is connected to the device you’re completing your application form on, you should be able to upload your file directly from your device to the application form.

If you’re applying on a different device to the one your scanner is connected to, you’ll need to transfer your file to the device you’re applying on.

Upload your documents

You need to upload your documents once you reach the evidence section of the application form. Click ‘upload evidence’ next to the evidence you want to upload and then ‘choose file’ to select the file you need.

If your upload is successful, you’ll see it under the ‘Files added’ heading on the application form. You can then add more files if you need to. Repeat these steps for each type of evidence you’re asked to upload.

Check your evidence and make any changes needed before you submit it. You cannot upload any other evidence after you submit.

If you need further help

You may be able to get help through Assisted Digital if you’re unable to upload your documents if you:

• do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
• do not have internet access
• do not have access to a device like a laptop or smartphone

You must be in the UK to use this service.

Contact Assisted Digital for further advice.

Updated information for people who are not able to use the service.

Updated 'Upload your documents' instructions.

First published.

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