Customs and immigration

Passports

To enter the UK you will need to show a valid passport, or national identity card if you are an EEA citizen. If you are not an EU national, you will need to show further documentation, including a landing card, and you may need a visa. For detailed information please refer to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk 

Visas

You may need to acquire a visa before you travel to Britain, if you are not a British citizen or a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

Nationals from some countries will need a visa whatever the reason they are travelling to the UK, while nationals from other countries may only need a visa for a particular reason; for example, to marry and live with a British citizen.

If you have a valid passport and UK visa, you will normally be granted entry to the UK. When you arrive in Britain your visa tells UK immigration:

• The reason you are travelling to Britain
• How long you are allowed to stay
• The last day you are allowed entry
• Entry clearance follows strict rules and procedures.

For full details about visa requirements and application procedures, visit UK Visas.