Visa & passport information

Passport requirements

To enter the UK, you must hold a valid passport or travel document. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.

Immigration officers may check your passport and travel documents on arrival to confirm you meet the entry requirements for the UK. You may also be asked to provide information about the purpose of your visit, your return travel plans and evidence that you can support yourself during your stay.

Visa requirements

Whether you need a visa to enter the UK depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Travellers visiting the UK for tourism, business or short study visits may enter under the Standard Visitor route which generally allows stays of up to 6 months.

Nationals of certain countries must apply for a visitor visa before travelling to the UK. Others may be able to travel without a visa but must obtain travel authorisation before departure. Please refer to the UKVI website for further information.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Visitors who do not require a visa to enter must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.

An ETA is required for travellers from visa-exempt countries and must be applied for online before travel. An ETA allows multiple entries for up to two years or until your passport expires. Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry as border officers make the final decision on arrival.

Travellers without a valid visa or ETA may be refused boarding. Please refer to the UKVI website for further information.

Visitor conditions

Visitors to the UK must meet certain conditions which include the following:

• They must have the intention to leave the UK at the end of their visit
• They must possess sufficient funds for the duration of their stay
• They must not be using frequent visits to live in the UK long-term

Visitors are strictly not permitted to work in the UK unless they hold an appropriate visa.

Diplomatic passport holders

Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports traveling to the UK may be subject to different entry requirements depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

Diplomats traveling on official duty may enter the UK without a visa, or may be required to obtain a Diplomatic Visa before travel. Please note that requirements may vary depending on bilateral agreements between the UK and the traveller’s country.

Diplomats traveling on official duty must carry the appropriate diplomatic passport and supporting documentation such as a note verbale or an official letter from their government or diplomatic mission.

For detailed information, please contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate before traveling.