Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is this the right website?
UK visa offices deal with the issue of visas to foreign nationals who want to come to the UK . If you, or the person you are enquiring about, is already in the UK , you should contact:

Border and Immigration Agency

Visiting the UK :  Food and Plant Imports

Strict controls exist on bringing meat, milk, fish, shellfish, plants, and their products, into the EU.  On 1 January 2003 the import legislation in the UK was revised, effectively banning personal imports of the aforementioned items into the UK from countries outside of the EU.  The new legislation is strictly enforced by Customs and Excise at all ports of entry.  Anyone found with illegal products in their possession could be fined, or receive a custodial sentence.  Full details of the import allowances and restrictions issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs can be found on their website

Please click on the relevant question:

Do I need a visa for the UK?

How do I make an application for a visa to visit the United Kingdom?

Why do I need to provide documents in support of an application?

What supporting documents are needed?

Will the Embassy accept documents which are not in English?

How long does an application take to process?

Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?

Can I come to live permanently in the UK?

Can my children join me in or travel with me to the UK?

Can I study in the UK?

Can I work in the UK?

How do I sponsor an application?

Do I need to send my visitor a sponsorship form?

How long will my visa be valid for?

How much does a UK visa cost?

How long will my application take?

Can fees be refunded?

Where can I get more information?

Do I need a visa for the UK ?
Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK . Even if you are not a visa national, you may need an entry clearance, depending on the reason for coming to the UK . Use the Do I Need a Visa? questionnaire to find out if you need a visa.
You will also need a visa if you
* are stateless
* hold an non-national travel document
* hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK

In most cases applications are approved without the need for an interview. In this case the passport, endorsed with the appropriate UK visa, will be returned to the application centre. If a Visa Officer cannot make a decision based on the document alone, VFS will contact the applicant to book an interview.