Visa to the Great Britain

When planning a trip to the UK, it is important to research the UK visa requirements. The UK visa regime provides for different types of entry permits, each with its own specific features and requirements.

Depending on the purpose of your travel, whether you are visiting for a short-term tourist trip or business event, long-term study, work or other activity, the UK has different visa categories. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has also become mandatory for citizens of some visa-free countries, making the entry process much easier.

On our website, you will find essential information about UK visa requirements, including the necessary documents for different types of visas and ETAs.

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The need to apply for a visa to the UK depends directly on the nationality, purpose and timing of travel. For foreign citizens of many countries of North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia there is a visa-free regime for short-term trips to the UK for up to 180 days for tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, participation in various types of events, as well as short-term study programs and transit.

For citizens of visa countries in this case it will be necessary to apply for a visitor visa of a certain category depending on the purpose of the visit, such as leisure or business.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Foreign nationals from visa-free countries need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. This is already in place for several countries and will be mandatory for a further 83 countries, including Germany and other European countries, from 2025.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status or conditions like permission to enter or stay in the UK.

Thus, electronic visa (eVisa) is available for foreign nationals who are planning to work as well as long-term residence in the UK. This system allows you to confirm your immigration status online instead of using a physical immigration document such as a biometric residence permit (BRP).

Transit through the UK

If you plan to fly in transit through the UK, citizens of visa countries may require a transit or visitor visa.

The UK transit visa is divided into two types:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) - for travelers staying in an airport transit area and transferring to another flight. The visa is valid for up to 24 hours.
• Visitor in Transit Visa - for those leaving the transit area of the airport. The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 48 hours.

If you plan to stop and stay in the UK for more than 48 hours in transit, you will need to apply for a visitor or other type of visa in advance.

For foreign citizens of visa-free countries, a transit visa is not required.

Also, passengers traveling through the UK who have a valid visa for the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand can cross the UK without the need for a transit visa.

Long-term visas

Any long-term program to the UK, including formal employment, study or other type of temporary residency has a specific category of entry clearance. Citizens of all countries without exception need to apply for the appropriate type of visa depending on the purpose of travel.

To calculate the full cost of a visa to the UK, we suggest using the visa calculator on our website.

It will help you to easily find out the current visa rates and choose the necessary options and additional services. Please note that the final price may vary depending on the type of visa, your nationality, processing time, consular and service fees, as well as medical insurance or priority services.

Depending on the type of visa for travel to the UK, the following additional documents may be required:

Business Visitor Visa:

• Invitation from a company in the UK (on an official letterhead stating the purpose of the trip).
• Proof of employment (contract, letter from employer).
• Proof of a business meeting or participation in a conference (entrance tickets or program of the event).

Family Visitor Visa:

• Letter of invitation from a relative (indicating the address of residence in the UK).
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate).
• Documents confirming financial support (sponsorship letter, account statements of the inviting party).

Child Visitor Visa:

• Child's birth certificate.
• Permission to travel (if the child is traveling with one parent or a third party).
• Written consent from parents/guardians.

Student Visitor Visa:

• Proof of enrollment in an educational institution (letter of invitation from the educational institution).
• Proof of tuition fees.
• Proof of living expenses (bank statements).

Marriage Visitor Visa:

• A letter confirming the intention to marry.
• Proof of reservation for the ceremony.
• Evidence of termination of previous marriages, if applicable (divorce, widowhood).

Student Child Visa:

• Proof of enrollment in school or college.
• UK guardian documents if the parents are not accompanying the child.
• Proof of residence in the UK.

Skilled Worker Visa:

• Official job offer (sponsor license from employer).
• Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates).
• English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent).

Temporary Worker Visa:

• Contract with the employer.
• Proof of cultural or sports program, if applicable.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa:

• Proof of citizenship of the program country.
• Proof of financial means for accommodation.