World Country Guide

Passports
Passport valid for whole period of the visit to the UK required by all except:
1. nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and Switzerland with a valid national ID card.

Note
(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals listed in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia who do need a visa);
(c) nationals of American Samoa, Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, East Timor, El Salvador, Federated States of Micronesia, French Guiana, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niue, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten, San Marino, Switzerland, Tahiti and her Islands, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(d) those in transit, provided arriving and departing by air within 24 hours and holding all necessary onward documentation.
Note: Direct Airside Transit visas are required by the following countries, even if not entering the UK or changing airports during transit: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cameroon, China (PR), Colombia, Congo (Dem Rep), Congo (Rep), Côte D'Ivoire, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia & Montenegro (including documents issued by the United Nations Mission in Kosovo), Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Turkey, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uganda, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

Note
(a) Entry clearance in the form of a passport sticker is required for nationals of non EEA member states who intend to stay in the UK for more than six months. (b) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay.

Types of visa and cost
Direct Airside Transit and In Transit Visa: £30. Single, Double and Multiple Visit Visa: £50. Longer Term Validity Visit Visa: £85.

Validity
Direct Airside Transit: 24 hours. In Transit Visa: 48 hours. Single, Double and Multiple Visit Visa: up to six months. Longer Term Validity Visit Visa: anything over six months.

Application to
Nearest British Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements
(a) Passport valid for entire visit. (b) Passport-size photo (some nationals may require additional photos). (c) Completed application form (some nationals may be required to fill out an additional form). (d) Fee (postal applications must be accompanied by bank draft, postal or money order only). The supplementary documentation required will vary depending on the type of application, but in all cases it is advisable to also provide: (e) Evidence of funds (bank statements or pay slips). (f) Letter of invitation (if applicable). (g) Evidence of sponsor’s funds (if applicable). (h) Proof of intention to leave the UK following end of allocated visit.

Working days required
Dependent on nationality of applicant. Applications usually take between one and 10 working days. Applications that are referred to the Home Office may take up to 13 weeks.

Note
It is possible that nationals may be asked to attend an interview in order to process their application.

Temporary residence
Enquiries can be made at nearest British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission (see Contact Addresses section of your country).