Immigration into the UK

Depending on your current location and country of origin it may be necessary for you to obtain some form of entry clearance when coming to the UK . Some may find that the 1971 Immigration Act does not affect them. For these people all that may be required is a simple document demonstrating exempt status.

There are several nationalities for which visas are required. Please consult this link to determine whether you are a “visa national”, that is, if the UK requires you to obtain a visa based on your nationality: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/…/appendix_1.html.

Those who are not visa nationals may still need to apply for an entry certificate. This rule is applicable to those who are work permit holders intending to remain in the UK for longer than six months. People from certain countries will need to apply for an entry certificate. To find out which countries these include, please consult www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/…/appendix_3.html

Those who are family members of EEA (European Economic Area) citizens may apply for an EEA Family Permit. EEA member nations are:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden

Switzerland is not a member of the EEA, however Swiss nationals enjoy equivalent rights and privileges as EEA nationals.

Passing through the UK to another country is often a less complicated process than arriving with the UK as a final destination, though some people may need to apply for a transit visa, depending on factors such as nationality.

Even if you are not a visa national or from a “specified nation”, you may need to obtain some form of entry clearance prior to arriving in the UK . In all cases, it is required that the application procedure take place outside of the UK , preferably in the applicant’s country of origin. It is worthwhile to consult your local UK consulate to verify your entry requirements, both because it can be a useful step to help avoid future hassles, and also because some immigrants may be exempt from entry clearance requirements, despite their application category.