Entry requirements & work permits

A guide to the documents you need to enter, and work in, the UK.

Please note that this information is intended only as a guide. Individuals are encouraged to visit the Home Office website for further information.

The UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Irish Republic form a Common Travel Area. Passengers who have been examined for the purpose of immigration control at the point where they entered the area are, in general, free to enter any other part of the area thereafter without examination.

Every visitor to the UK needs a valid passport with the following exceptions:

EEA (European Economic Area) nationals holding National Identity Cards.
Nationals of Monaco and Switzerland may produce a British Visitor's Card and a National Identity Card in lieu of a passport when visiting for up to six months for purposes other than employment.

Passports
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from date of arrival.

Passports issued by Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Taiwan, Transkei and Venda are not recognised. Documents issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are not valid.

Visas
Generally, EU nationals and nationals of Australia, Canada, USA and Japan do not need visas to visit the UK.

Nationals from some states may need a valid visa to enter the UK. Please visit the UK Visas section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website to find out whether you need to apply for a Visa.

A number of independent companies specialise in obtaining a visas, these include Visaplus on phone number +44 (0)20 7724 5556.

Work permits
Nationals of member states of the EEA do not need work permits. After starting employment, you need to apply for a residence permit (normally valid for five years). The spouse, children under the age of 21, dependent parents and grandparents of an EEA national will be given leave to enter the UK for the same period as the expatriate employee (this includes the right to work).

For non-EEA nationals, work permits are required in most instances. It is the responsibility of your employer to apply to the Home Office for a work permit.

Registration
A foreign national given limited leave to enter the UK has to register at a police station if he/she is admitted for a period of more than three months for employment, or for a period of more than six months for other reasons. In London, visitors report to the Overseas Visitors Records Office.

Overseas Visitors Record Office
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LH

Open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

You will need the following documents:
- Your passport
- Your work permit/visa
- Two passport photos
- Registration fee

Foreign nationals of EU/Commonwealth states, Japanese and US nationals do not have to register upon arrival in the UK.

Relevant Links
The Home Office
The government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales. The most relevant section will be Immigration and Nationality.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The UK government department responsible for foreign affairs.

Embassy World
A directory of the world's embassies and consulates.

Visaplus
Company that helps individuals relocating to different regions or countries.

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The content of this page is for information only and should not be relied upon.

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