Applying from overseas

In many cases, nationals of countries other than the UK and Ireland are required to obtain prior permission under the Immigration Rules before they can travel to the UK. This prior permission is often issued in the form of an entry clearance, which can be issued as a vignette (stamp) in a passport, or in some cases as a digital eVisa. The Home Office is also rolling out a separate system of prior permission to travel for visits and short-term stays for Creative Workers by those who require leave to enter but do not require to obtain prior entry clearance (ie non-visa nationals who require leave to enter). This is in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). See: Permission to travel to the UK—overview.

For details of the ETA scheme, and how to make an application, see Practice Note: The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Entry clearance should be applied for either in the applicant's home country or another country in which they are lawfully resident, although there are some exceptions to this general rule including applications for an EU Settlement Scheme

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