general guidance and information about UK visas
Your nearest British mission overseas (embassy, high commission or consulate) that offers an entry clearance service also provides application forms and information free of charge.
How do I apply?
You will need to fill in a visa application form and give this to the visa section at a UK mission overseas with:
- your valid passport or travel document
- a passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. The photograph should be:
- taken against a light coloured (white, off-white etc.) background
- unmounted, clear and of good quality
- printed on normal photographic paper
- full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons
Please note that we may not accept photographs which do not meet these specifications.
- the visa fee (usually payable in local currency)
- any supporting documents requested in the guidance note
Please make sure that:
- you have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form
- signed and dated the form where asked
- any supporting documents you show are originals or attested copies
- you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel, unless you are applying for a settlement visa, for example as a husband or wife
What supporting documents should I include with my application?
The documents we want to see will depend on the type of visa you apply for. The guidance notes will give an indication, but there may be others that you should include. The documents that our visa sections around the world will ask for can vary and you should visit the visa section's website to find out more.
We ask for supporting documents to help us decide if you meet the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules. For example you will usually need to show that you have enough money to pay for your trip, and your food, accommodation and expenses in the UK. To show this we will ask to see bank statements, pay slips and evidence of savings - yours and/or your sponsor's, depending on who is paying the costs. Also you will usually need to show that you will leave the UK at the end of your proposed time there. To show this you could send evidence of your job, or continuing studies in your home country.
If you are not sure whether or not you should include a particular document, include it. It is better that we have too many than not enough. But please do not include an excessive number - the entry clearance officer only has a limited amount of time to read the documents.
You should include original documents if possible, particularly those relating to birth, marriage, divorce and death. If you are not able to include originals of these then you should send attested copies. All original documents will be returned to you.
You should not pay for any travel tickets until a decision has been made on your visa application, but you may want to send evidence that you have reserved flights.
Where do I apply?
You can apply for a visit visa or an EEA Family Permit at any visa section overseas that offers a full service. To apply for the EEA Family Permit within the EEA, you will need to show that you are living legally in an EEA member state. For other types of visa you should apply in the country where you are normally and legally resident.
Most of our overseas missions have their own websites where you can find out more about visa section opening times, documents required, waiting times, etc. The Do I need a UK visa? questionnaire on this website will tell you where your nearest mission offering an entry clearance service is, or any British mission overseas can advise you where to apply.
How can I make my application?
This depends on which visa section you will apply to. There are often a number of ways, for example by post, by courier, in-person, or online. The visa section will tell you more about the ways in which you can apply.
If you must travel a long distance to a visa section, contact them before you start your journey for any important information that may affect you.
Will I need an interview?
We aim to make as many decision as possible without an interview. But the entry clearance officer may want to ask you more questions about your application. This will be done straight away if possible. If not, we may ask you to come back for an interview on another day. We will try to see you within 10 working days, but this can be longer, especially leading up to and during holidays. Contact the visa section for up to date information on waiting times.
Checking your visa
Please check your visa when you receive it. You should make sure that:
- your personal details are correct
- it allows you to travel when you want to. You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately.
- it is for the purpose for which you want to come to the UK
If you think there is anything wrong with your visa you should contact the visa section immediately to tell them.
What if I am refused a visa?
Seven out of eight applicants worldwide receive the visa that they have applied for. If you are refused a visa, you will receive a written notice explaining why. To ensure that we have made a fair decision, in accordance with the Immigration Rules, an entry clearance manager reviews every refusal within 24 hours.
In some cases, you will have the right of appeal against the decision. At the time that your visa is refused you will be told if you have the right of appeal, and given advice on how to appeal.
Even if you have been refused a UK visa before, you may make another application at any time, but if the reasons for your refusal still apply you may be refused again. For more information read our guidance on Appeals (INF 19).
