Register for Self Assessment

Overview

You must register for Self Assessment if you have to send a tax return and did not send one last year.

There are different ways to register if you’re:

self-employed

not self-employed

registering a partner or partnership

Register if you’re self-employed

If you have to send a tax return and did not send one last year, you need to register for Self Assessment and Class 2 National Insurance.

Register by 5 October in your business’s second tax year. You could be fined if you do not.

If you have not filed a return online before

Register online. Once you’ve completed the questions, HMRC will create your account.

You’ll receive a letter with your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number within 10 days (21 if you’re abroad). You’ll need your UTR to file a return.

You’ll then receive another letter with an activation code for your account. You can get a new activation code if you do not receive it or you lose it.

Once you’ve activated your account, you can file your tax return any time before the deadline.

If you’ve filed a return online before

Re-register online (form CWF1) if the work you plan to do is different from what you did before.

You’ll need your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) from when you registered before. You can find your UTR (your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number) if you do not know it (your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number).

You’ll receive a letter with a new account activation code 10 days later (21 if you’re abroad).

Once you’ve reactivated your account, you can file your tax return any time before the deadline.

If the work you plan to do is the same as you did before, sign in to your account.

If you’ve filed before but you did not use the online service

Create an account for the online service using your UTR (your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number). You can find your UTR (your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number) if you do not know it (your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number).

You’ll receive a letter with an activation code for your account.

Other ways to register

You can fill in this form on-screen then print off and post to HMRC. You’ll need to have all your information ready as you cannot save a partly completed form.

If you’re using an older browser, for example Internet Explorer 8, you’ll need to update it or use a different browser. Find out more about browsers.

Register if you're not self-employed

If you have to send a tax return and did not send one last year, you need to register for Self Assessment by 5 October.

If you have not filed online before

Register using form SA1.

After you register, you’ll receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number in the post within 10 working days (21 if you’re abroad).

Create your online account.

Sign up for Self Assessment online - you’ll need your UTR (your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number) to do this.

You’ll get an activation code for your new account (your online account) in the post within 7 working days of signing up (21 if you’re abroad). When you get the code, sign in to send your return.

You can replace an activation code if you do not receive it or you lose it.

Once you’ve activated your account (your online account), you can file your tax return any time.

If you’ve filed online before

Sign in to your existing account.

Register if you're a partner or partnership

You must register for Self Assessment by 5 October if you’re a partner in a partnership.

You’ll need your partnership’s 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). You can find a UTR if you’ve lost it (an activation code).

You must also register your partnership if you’re the ‘nominated partner’.

There are different ways to register:

for limited liability partnerships

if you’re a partner that’s not an individual, for example a company or trust


VAT Cash Accounting Scheme

Overview

Usually, the amount of VAT you pay HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the difference between your sales invoices and purchase invoices. You have to
report these figures and pay any money to HMRC even if the invoices have not been paid.

With the Cash Accounting Scheme you:

pay VAT on your sales when your customers pay you

reclaim VAT on your purchases when you have paid your supplier

To join the scheme (the Cash Accounting Scheme) your VAT taxable turnover must be £1.35 million or less.

Talk to an accountant or tax adviser if you want advice on whether the Cash Accounting Scheme is right for you.

Eligibility

You can use cash accounting if:

your business is registered for VAT

your estimated VAT taxable turnover is £1.35 million or less in the next 12 months

VAT taxable turnover is the total of everything sold that is not VAT exempt.

Exceptions

You cannot use cash accounting if:

you use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme - instead, the Flat Rate Scheme has its own cash-based turnover method

you’re not up to date with your VAT Returns or payments

you’ve committed a VAT offence in the last 12 months, for example VAT evasion

You cannot use it (the Cash Accounting Scheme) for the following transactions (you have to use standard VAT accounting instead):

where the payment terms of a VAT invoice are 6 months or more

where a VAT invoice is raised in advance

buying or selling goods using lease purchase, hire purchase, conditional sale or credit sale

importing goods into Northern Ireland from the EU

moving goods outside a customs warehouse

You must leave the scheme (the Cash Accounting Scheme) if your VAT taxable turnover is more than £1.6 million

Join or leave the scheme (the Cash Accounting Scheme)

How to join

You must be eligible to join the scheme (the Cash Accounting Scheme). You join at the beginning of a VAT accounting period.

You do not have to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) you use cash accounting.

How to leave

You can leave the scheme (the Cash Accounting Scheme) at any time, but you must leave if you’re no longer eligible to use it (cash accounting). You should leave at the end of a VAT accounting period.

You do not have to tell HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) you’ve stopped using it (cash accounting), but you must report and pay HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) any outstanding VAT (whether your customers have paid you or not).

You can report and pay the outstanding VAT (any outstanding VAT) over 6 months.

If your VAT taxable turnover exceeded £1.35 million in the last 3 months you must report and pay straight away.

You must pay immediately if HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) has written to you to withdraw your use of the scheme (the Cash Accounting Scheme).


VAT record keeping

Overview

VAT-registered businesses must:

keep records of sales and purchases

keep a separate summary of VAT called a VAT account

issue correct VAT invoices

This guide (a separate summary of VAT called a VAT account) is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

VAT registered businesses with a taxable turnover of more than £85,000 must follow the rules for ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’.

If you’ve signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT, the records you need to keep are the same as any VAT-registered business but you’ll need to keep some of them digitally.

How to keep VAT records

You must keep VAT records for at least 6 years (or 10 years if you used the VAT MOSS service).

You can keep VAT records on paper, electronically or as part of a software program (such as book-keeping software). Records must be accurate, complete and readable.

If your taxable turnover is more than £85,000, you must keep a digital record of anything that’s needed for your VAT Return.

If you’ve lost a VAT invoice or it is damaged and no longer readable, ask the supplier for a duplicate (marked ‘duplicate’).

HMRC can visit your business to inspect your record keeping and charge you a penalty if your records are not in order.

You can hire a professional (such as an accountant) if you need help with your VAT.

VAT invoices

Only VAT-registered businesses can issue VAT invoices and you must:

issue and keep valid invoices - these can be paper or electronic

keep copies of all the sales invoices you issue even if you cancel them or produce one by mistake

keep all purchase invoices for items you buy

Valid invoices

You’ll use a full VAT invoice for most transactions. You can use:

a modified invoice for retail supplies over £250

a simplified invoice for retail supplies under £250 - and for other supplies from 1 January 2013

You cannot reclaim VAT using an invalid invoice, pro-forma invoice, statement or delivery note.

Include the following on your invoice, depending on which type you use.

Invoice information | Full invoice | Simplified invoice | Modified invoice

Unique invoice number that follows on from the last invoice | Yes | Yes | Yes

Your business name and address | Yes | Yes | Yes

Your VAT number | Yes | Yes | Yes

Date | Yes | No | Yes

The tax point (or ‘time of supply’) if this (Date) is different from the invoice date | Yes | Yes | Yes

Customer’s name or trading name, and address | Yes | No | Yes

Description of the goods or services | Yes | Yes | Yes

Total amount excluding VAT | Yes | No | Yes

Total amount of VAT | Yes | No | Yes

Price per item, excluding VAT | Yes | No | Yes

Quantity of each type of item | Yes | No | Yes

Rate of any discount per item | Yes | No | Yes

Rate of VAT charged per item - if an item is exempt or zero-rated make clear no VAT on these items | Yes | Yes (1) | Yes

Total amount including VAT | No | Yes (1) | Yes

(1) If items are charged at different VAT rates, then show this for each.

Accounting schemes

If you use the Cash Accounting Scheme you have to stamp an invoice with the amount of cash paid and the date.

There are different rules for record keeping and invoicing if you use a VAT Margin Scheme.

Deadlines

Usually VAT invoices must be issued within 30 days of the date of supply or the date of payment (if you’re paid in advance).

International trade

You do not have to show all amounts on your invoices in sterling. If you issue VAT invoices in a foreign currency or language, you must:

show the total VAT payable in sterling on your VAT invoice if the supply takes place in the UK

be able to provide an English translation of any invoice within 30 days if asked to do so by a visiting VAT officer

Converting to sterling

To convert to sterling you can:

use the market selling rate at the time of supply

use the European Central Bank’s rate

use HMRC’s period rates of exchange - the rates usually stay the same for each calendar month

apply to HMRC (HMRC’s) to use a different method to account for the VAT (VAT)

There are different rules if you use the Tour Operator’s Scheme.

Exceptions

You do not need to issue a VAT invoice if:

your invoice is only for exempt or zero-rated sales within the UK

you’re giving goods as a gift

you sell goods under a VAT second-hand margin scheme

your customer operates a self-billing arrangement

VAT records

Records you must keep include:

copies of all invoices you issue

all invoices you receive (originals or electronic copies)

self-billing agreements - this is where the customer prepares the invoice

name, address and VAT number of any self-billing suppliers

debit or credit notes

import and export records

records of items you cannot reclaim VAT on - for example business entertainment

records of any goods you give away or take from stock for your private use

records of all the zero-rated, reduced or VAT exempt items you buy or sell

a VAT account

You must also keep general business records such as bank statements, cash books, cheque stubs, paying-in slips and till rolls.

If you use the Cash Accounting Scheme you must use these records to match them against your payment records and receipts.

If you supply digital services in the EU and use VAT MOSS, you must keep additional records.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may check your records to make sure you’re paying the right amount of tax.

Keeping digital records

Retailers

If you’re a retailer you do not have to issue VAT invoices unless a customer asks for one. Keep a copy if you do. Retailers can issue ‘simplified invoices’ for supplies under £250.

Debit and credit notes

When you return goods to a supplier or a customer returns goods to you, the balance of payment can be settled with a credit or debit note.

Record these (a credit or debit note) in your accounts and keep any original notes.

VAT records for Making Tax Digital

VAT registered businesses with a taxable turnover of more than £85,000 must follow the rules for ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’ by keeping some records digitally, unless:

your business uses the VAT GIANT service, for example if you’re a government department or an NHS Trust

you apply for an exemption

You can choose to sign up to Making Tax Digital for VAT if your business earns less than £85,000.

From 1 April 2022 all VAT registered businesses must sign up, whatever they earn.

Records you must keep digitally

You need to keep the following records digitally:

your business name, address and VAT registration number

any VAT accounting schemes you use

the VAT on goods and services you supply, for example everything you sell, lease, transfer or hire out (supplies made)

the VAT on goods and services you receive, for example everything you buy, lease, rent or hire (supplies received)

any adjustments you make to a return

the ‘time of supply’ and ‘value of supply’ (value excluding VAT) for everything you buy and sell

the rate of VAT charged on goods and services you supply

reverse charge transactions - where you record the VAT on both the sale price and the purchase price of goods and services you buy

your total daily gross takings if you use a retail scheme

items you can reclaim VAT on if you use the Flat Rate Scheme

your total sales, and the VAT on those sales, if you trade in gold and use the Gold Accounting Scheme

You also need to keep digital copies of documents that cover multiple transactions made on behalf of your business by:

volunteers for charity fundraising

a third party business

employees for expenses in petty cash

You must add all your transactions to your digital records, but you do not need to scan paper records like invoices or receipts.

How to keep digital records

You need to use a compatible software package or other software (like spreadsheets) that connect to HMRC systems.

If you use more than one software package to keep records and submit returns, you need to link them.

Some ways you can link your software include:

using formulas to link cells in spreadsheets

emailing records

putting records on a portable device to give to your agent

importing and exporting XML and CSV files

downloading and uploading files

You must have links between the software you use by your first VAT period after 1 April 2021.

When to send your VAT return

The deadlines for sending your VAT returns will not change after you sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT.

To see when your next return is due, sign in to your VAT online account.

How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT

How you sign up depends on whether you’re:

a business

an agent acting for a client

Sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT

You must sign up for ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’ if your taxable turnover is more than £85,000, so you can:

keep digital records

submit your business’s VAT return using compatible software

There’s a different way to sign up if you’re an agent.

Before you start

You must have compatible software before you sign up.

What you need

To sign up you need:

your business email address

a Government Gateway user ID and password - if you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you use the service

your VAT registration number and latest VAT return

You’ll also need:

your National Insurance number if you’re a sole trader

your company registration number and Unique Taxpayer Reference if you’re a limited company or registered society

your Unique Taxpayer Reference and the postcode where you’re registered for Self Assessment if you’re a general partnership

your Unique Taxpayer Reference, the postcode where you’re registered for Self Assessment and your company’s registration number if you’re a limited partnership

When to sign up

If you already pay by Direct Debit do not sign up too close to the date your return is due, or you may pay twice.

To avoid this, do not sign up less than:

7 days before your return is due

5 days after your return is due

If you do not pay by Direct Debit, sign up at least 3 days before your return is due.

If you’re finding it difficult to access the service, check if there’s a technical issue or other known problem.

Sign up now

After you’ve signed up

You should get a confirmation email from noreply@tax.service.gov.uk within 3 days of signing up. It might go to your spam folder.

Do not submit a VAT Return until you get a confirmation email.

Contact HMRC if you do not get an email.

VAT account

You must keep a separate record of the VAT you charge and the VAT you pay on your purchases. This record (VAT account) is called a ‘VAT account’.

You use the figures in your VAT account (VAT account) to complete your VAT Return.

There are no rules on what a VAT account should look like, but it must show:

your total VAT sales

your total VAT purchases

the VAT you owe HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

the VAT you can reclaim from HMRC

if your business uses the VAT Flat Rate Scheme - the flat rate percentage and turnover it applies to

If you are registered for VAT in Northern Ireland, you must also show the VAT (VAT) on any EU purchases or sales.

Errors

If you’ve made an error in your VAT Return the VAT account (VAT account) must show:

the date you discovered the error (an error in your VAT Return)

details about the error (an error in your VAT Return) - for example how it (an error in your VAT Return) happened, how you corrected it (an error in your VAT Return)

You may also need to report the error (an error in your VAT Return) to HMRC.

Bad debts

If you write off an invoice as a bad debt, you must keep a separate ‘VAT bad debt account’. The debt must be older than 6 months and for each bad debt you must show:

total amount of VAT involved

amount written off and any payments you’ve received

the VAT you’re claiming on the debt (a bad debt)

the VAT period(s) you paid the VAT and are claiming the relief

invoices details like date, customer name

You must keep this information (details like date, customer name) for 4 years.

Time of supply or tax point

The tax point (or ‘time of supply’) for a transaction is the date the transaction takes place for VAT purposes.

You need to know this (Time of supply or tax point) because, for example:

it (Time of supply or tax point)’s included on VAT invoices

it (Time of supply or tax point) tells you which VAT period the transaction (a transaction) belongs to

it (Time of supply or tax point) tells you which VAT Return to put the transaction (a transaction) on

The tax point (Time of supply or tax point) can vary, but is usually the following.

Situation | Tax point

No invoice needed | Date of supply

VAT invoice issued | Date of invoice

VAT invoice issued 15 days or more after the date of supply (Time of supply or tax point) | Date the supply took place

Payment or invoice issued in advance of supply | Date of payment or invoice (whichever is earlier)

Payment in advance of supply and no VAT invoice yet issued | Date payment received

The date of supply (Time of supply or tax point) is:

for goods - the date they’re sent, collected or made available (for example installed in the customer’s house)

for services - the date the work is finished

Exceptions

If you use the VAT Cash Accounting Scheme, the tax point (Time of supply or tax point) is always the date the payment is received.

There are different tax point rules for:

certain trades - like barristers, building and construction

where the supply is not a ‘sale’ – for example business items taken for personal use

Sometimes, one sale can give rise to 2 or more tax points - for example where the customer pays a deposit in advance, and then a final payment.


Get a passport urgently

How to apply

You can pay for a faster service if you need a passport within the next 3 weeks.

You need to book a passport office appointment and pay online. You can book an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance.

If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the ‘Passport Adviceline’ instead.

Check current coronavirus (COVID-19) travel advice before travelling. If your passport application is successful, it does not mean you’re currently allowed to travel.

Who can apply

You can apply for a faster service if you’re in the UK and need to renew or replace a passport, or get a first child passport.

Use the non-urgent service if either:

you’re applying for a first adult passport

you do not need your passport (a first adult passport) within the next 3 weeks

If you’re outside the UK, apply for an emergency travel document.

Track your passport application if you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it. Do not pay for an urgent passport - you will not get your passport sooner or get a refund.

Ways to apply

There are 2 ways to apply for an urgent passport.

As part of the application, you’ll need to attend an appointment at your nearest passport office.

Online Premium

You get your new passport at your appointment. Appointments last up to 30 minutes.

You can use this service (Online Premium) to renew an adult passport.

Use the Online Premium service (Online Premium).

1 week Fast Track

Your new passport is delivered to your home within 1 week of your appointment. Someone might need to be in to sign for it.

You can use this service (1 week Fast Track) to:

renew an adult or child passport

change your name on your passport (for example with a marriage certificate or deed poll)

make changes to your personal details on your passport (for example, your gender)

replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport

apply for a first child passport

Use the 1 week Fast Track service (1 week Fast Track).

If you cannot apply online

You can book your appointment and pay by calling the ‘Passport Adviceline’.

Online Premium service (Online Premium)

You’ll apply, pay and book an appointment online. The earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days from when you apply.

You’ll get your new passport at your appointment (an appointment). Appointments can last up to 30 minutes.

Do not book an appointment if you’re self-isolating or you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.

It (Online Premium) costs £177 (or £187 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport).

You can only use Online Premium to renew an adult passport that was issued after 31 December 2001.

Apply, book an appointment and pay

To use the Online Premium service (Online Premium) you’ll need:

your old passport

a device that takes digital photos (like a smartphone, tablet or digital camera) and someone to take your photo

a digital photo of you

Apply, book an appointment and pay

What to bring to your appointment (an appointment)

You need to bring your old passport.

You can ask someone else to go to your appointment (an appointment) for you. They’ll need to bring:

your old passport

a signed and dated letter from you, naming them (someone else) and giving them (someone else) permission to collect the passport (your old passport)

their (someone else) ID (for example passport, driving licence, or utility bill that’s less than 3 months old)

Changing your appointment

Call the ‘Passport Adviceline’ to reschedule your appointment.

Do not go to your appointment if:

you’re self-isolating because of COVID-19

you or someone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms

1 week Fast Track service

It (1 week Fast Track service) costs:

£142 for an adult passport (or £152 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport)

£122 for a child passport (or £132 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport)

You can use 1 week Fast Track to:

renew an adult or child passport that has expired or that is about to expire

change personal details on your passport (for example your name, place of birth or gender)

apply for a first child passport

What you need to do

Get a paper application form from a Post Office - you cannot apply online.

Book an appointment online and pay the fee.

Fill in your application form and gather your documents before your appointment.

Book an appointment and pay by card

When you have an application form, you can book an appointment online.

Book an appointment and pay by card

You need:

2 identical printed passport photos

your completed paper application form

your supporting documents - read the booklet that comes with the paper form (your completed paper application form) to find out what you need

If you cannot go to your appointment

You can change your appointment or send someone in your place.

Changing your appointment because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

You can change your appointment at any time up to your appointment slot if:

you’re self-isolating

you or someone you live with has COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms

Call the ‘Passport Adviceline’ to change your appointment.

Changing your appointment for another reason

You can change your appointment if your booking is more than 2 days away. Use the link in the confirmation email you got after paying and booking.

Sending someone in your place

If you’re in the UK, you can ask someone to go to your appointment for you. They’ll need to bring:

your 2 identical printed passport photos

your completed paper application form


Change your name or personal details on your passport

How it works

You’ll need to get a new passport to travel abroad or prove your identity if you change any of the following:

your name

your gender

your appearance, if you cannot be recognised from your passport photo any more (for example, you’ve had plastic surgery)

The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.

You’ll be sent a new 10 year passport. Time left on your old passport will not be added to your new one.

When you do not need a new passport

You do not need to get a new passport if you:

change your address or contact details

get a new job

change your appearance slightly - for example, dye your hair or grow a beard

change your marital status (divorce, marry or form a civil partnership) but keep your name

change your title, for example, doctor or professor

become a national of another country as well as the UK

emigrate

How long it takes

Allow up to 10 weeks to get your passport. It takes longer to apply by post than online.

You may be able to get a passport urgently if you need to travel sooner.

Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one (your old passport).

Apply online

You can apply for a new passport online. It costs £75.50.

Start now

Apply using a paper application form

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s taking longer to process paper applications than online applications. Use the online service to get your passport.

You can get a paper application form by either:

going to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service

calling the Passport Adviceline

It costs £85.

Fill in and sign your passport application using the name that you want to see printed on your passport.

Countersignatures

You must get a countersignature if your appearance has changed and you cannot be recognised from your existing passport.

You do not need a countersignature if you’re changing your name or adding a title.

Unexpired visas

Unexpired visas in your old passport may become invalid if you change your name. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country that issued the visa.

If you have a non-British passport

If you have dual citizenship (‘dual nationality’) and have a non-British passport, the name on your non-British passport must match the name and gender you want on your British passport.

If it’s different, change the details on your non-British passport before you apply for a new British passport.

Marriage or civil partnership change

You can get a new passport in your new name either before or after the ceremony.

The name on your passport (a new passport in your new name) must match the one you use when you book your travel.

Get a new passport after the ceremony

Send your marriage or civil partnership certificate when you apply for a passport in your new name - this includes double-barrelled names.

Get a new passport before the ceremony

You can apply for a passport in your new name up to 3 months before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony (the ceremony).

Your old passport will be cancelled. Your new passport (a passport in your new name) is ‘post-dated’ - you cannot use it (a passport in your new name) before the ceremony.

Some countries will not issue visas for post-dated passports - check with the country’s embassy or consulate.

You must send a ‘passports for newly weds and civil partners’ form with your documents. It must be signed by the religious minister or registrar who will conduct the ceremony.

Divorce or returning to a previous surname

When you apply, you also need to send:

your birth certificate

a statement signed by you saying you’ve gone back to a previous surname (for example your maiden name) ‘for all purposes’ - that is, you will not use your married or civil partnership name at all

a document that shows you’re using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council)

your decree absolute or final order showing both names

a marriage or civil partnership certificate showing both names - if you do not have it you can order a copy

Gender change

Send one of the following when you apply for a passport:

a Gender Recognition Certificate

a new birth or adoption certificate showing your acquired gender

a letter from your doctor or medical consultant confirming your change of gender is likely to be permanent

If you’re sending a letter from your doctor or medical consultant and you’re changing your name, you’ll also need to supply both of the following:

evidence of your change of name (such as a deed poll)

evidence that you’re using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council)

Read the information about passports for transgender and transsexual people if you need help.

Titles and small changes to forenames

You can:

change the spelling of your name slightly - for example, Jane to Jayne

change the order of your forenames

remove middle names

Send 2 documents that show you’re using your new name. These can include a:

letter from a local council or government department

driving licence

bank statement

baptism or confirmation certificate

Titles you can use on your passport

You can include:

professional titles - for example, doctor, judge, minister of religion, professor, QC, or JP if you’re a magistrate

honours or military decorations

Put the details in the ‘other title’ box of your application and send evidence of your title.

Your title will be on the ‘observations’ page of your passport - it will not be part of your name (your new name), except if it’s a title of nobility, for example knight, dame or a lord.

Other name changes

You can change your name on your passport with one of the following documents:

a deed poll

a statutory declaration

an affidavit

Send it (an affidavit) with both:

proof of any previous name changes you’ve made

evidence that you’re using your new name (for example a payslip or a letter from your local council)


Entering the UK

Overview

If you’re travelling to England, what you need to do depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive. If you have been in a country or territory on the:

green list - you must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before day 2

amber list - you must quarantine in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests

red list - you must quarantine in a hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests

You cannot currently enter the UK if you’ve been in or through a country on the red list unless you’re British, Irish or you have the right to live in the UK.

You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated.

Find out which list the country you’ve been in is on and what you need to do.

Find out what to do if you’re:

travelling to Scotland

travelling to Wales

travelling to Northern Ireland

Before you leave for the UK

You’ll need to:

provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 3 days before you leave for the UK

complete a passenger locator form

Find out more about what you’ll need to do before you leave for the UK because of COVID-19.

Your passport or identity card will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you’re allowed to come into the country (the UK). It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.

What you can bring with you

What you can bring with you depends on where you’re travelling from. You must declare to customs:

anything over your duty-free allowance

banned or restricted goods in the UK

goods that you plan to sell

more than €10,000 (or its equivalent) in cash, if you’re coming from outside the EU

You and your baggage may be checked for anything you must declare.

COVID-19 restrictions in the UK

COVID-19 restrictions currently apply in England. Find out about the:

rules in Scotland

rules in Wales

rules in Northern Ireland

Before you leave for the UK

Everyone travelling to the UK must:

book at least one coronavirus (COVID-19) test for after you arrive

provide your contact details by completing the online passenger locator form

follow the testing and quarantine rules in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

You’ll be committing a criminal offence if you do not have proof of a negative test or you have not completed the passenger locator form. You may be fined. You may not be allowed to board. If you are not British or Irish, you may not be allowed to enter the UK.

COVID-19 testing and quarantine in England

What you need to do depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive. If you have been in a country or territory on the:

green list - you must book a COVID-19 test to take after you arrive

amber list - you must book 2 COVID-19 tests to take after you arrive and quarantine in the place you’re staying

red list - you must book a hotel quarantine package, which includes 2 COVID-19 tests

Find out which list the country you’ve been in is on and what you need to do.

You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated.

You might be exempt from some or all COVID-19 travel and entry requirements because of your job. Check if your job means you’re exempt.

Children aged 4 and under do not need to take any COVID-19 travel tests after they arrive in England.

If you’re travelling from a country on the amber list, you may be able to end your quarantine early by booking a third coronavirus test through Test to Release.

COVID-19 testing and quarantine in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Check the rules and exemptions for quarantine and COVID-19 tests:

if you’re travelling to Scotland

if you’re travelling to Wales

If you’re travelling to Northern Ireland

Complete the passenger locator form

You need to provide your journey and contact details in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. You must do this (Complete) by completing the online passenger locator form.

You’ll need to show your completed passenger locator form (the passenger locator form) when you check in to travel or board your plane, train or ferry.

You’ll also need to show proof that you’ve completed the form (the passenger locator form) when you arrive at the UK border.

Provide a negative COVID-19 test to travel to the UK

You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to the UK - even if you’re a UK citizen.

If your test result is positive you must not travel. You must follow the local COVID-19 rules and guidance.

The test (a negative COVID-19 test) must be taken in the 3 days before you depart. The results must be in English, French or Spanish.

You’ll need to show the test results when you check in to travel or board your plane, train or ferry. You may also be asked to show them when you arrive.

You could be fined £500 when you arrive at the border (the UK border) if you cannot provide proof that you have had a negative COVID-19 test.

Find out more about providing a COVID-19 test result, including exemptions and acceptable types of test.

When you do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test

You do not need a test if you’re travelling:

within the UK, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey

from Ireland

from Ascension, Falkland Islands, St Helena and Myanmar

Children under 11 do not need a test.

There are other reasons you might not need a test, for example:

you have a job on the ‘exempt jobs’ list

you’re travelling to the UK for medical reasons

you’re travelling from a country where you cannot access testing facilities

Read the guidance about:

taking a COVID-19 test before you travel to England

taking a COVID-19 test before you travel to Scotland

You must still follow the rules for quarantining when you arrive in the UK.

You’re from an EEA country or Switzerland

You can enter the UK with either a passport or national identity card issued by an EEA country or Switzerland that should be valid for the whole of your stay.

From 1 October 2021, you will not be able to use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK unless you:

have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

have an EU Settlement Scheme (the EU Settlement Scheme) family permit

have a Frontier Worker permit

are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

are a Swiss Service Provider

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK after 1 January 2021.

You’re not from an EEA country

You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from.

Check if you need a visa to enter the UK.

You may also need a visa if you’re ‘transiting’ or travelling through the UK, for example you’re changing flights at a UK airport.

Applying for a visa

You must apply for your visa before you arrive in the UK.

Travelling with children

You may be asked at the border to prove the relationship between yourself and any children travelling with you, if you do not seem to be the parent, for example if you have a different surname.

You can prove this with:

a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child

divorce or marriage certificates if you’re the parent but have a different surname from the child

a letter from the child’s (the child) parent giving permission for the child to travel with you and providing contact details, if you’re not the parent

Before you board

Your ‘carrier’ (for example airline or transport provider) will check your passport and other travel documents. They’ll send this information electronically to Border Force.

You can ask to see the information about you that’s been sent by carriers.

At border control

You must wear a face covering at the airport, port or station you’re arriving into and follow social distancing rules.

You’ll need to show:

your passport or identity card

your proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test

your passenger locator form

You must:

have your passport or identity card ready - remove it (your passport or identity card) from a holder or wallet if you use one

remove your face covering or sunglasses, if you’re wearing them

move through passport control together if you’re in a family

You will have to wait longer than usual at border control because of COVID-19.

Showing your passenger locator form

You need to show proof that you’ve completed a passenger locator form (your passenger locator form) when you arrive at the UK border. The government will use the form (your passenger locator form) to contact you if someone you’ve travelled with develops COVID-19 symptoms.

When you submit the form (your passenger locator form) you’ll receive a confirmation email with a document attached. At border control you must show either a:

printed copy of the document (a document)

downloaded copy of document (a document) on your phone

Border Force officers will scan the QR code at the top of this document (a document) to check you have completed the form (your passenger locator form) successfully.

It is a criminal offence to provide false or deliberately misleading information when filling out your passenger locator form. You could be fined up to £10,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both, if you do not provide accurate details about the countries you have visited in the 10 days before you arrived in the UK.

You may also need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test at the border. You could be fined up to £500 if you cannot show proof when asked.

Arriving by bus or coach

You have to leave the bus when you arrive at border control.

Make sure you:

are ready to get off the bus when you arrive

have your travel documents ready

Read the guidance for school parties and groups coming to the UK by coach.

If you’re from an EEA country or Switzerland

You can use the UK/EEA channel to get your passport or identity card checked - this is usually faster than the other channels.

The EEA (EEA) includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

You can use automatic ePassport gates at some airports if your passport has a ‘chip’ on it and you’re 12 or over. If you’re between 12 and 17, you must be accompanied by an adult.

These gates (automatic ePassport gates at some airports) use facial recognition technology to check your identity against the photo in your passport.

If you’re from a non-EEA country

Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You’ll usually be asked why you’re coming to the UK.

You can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates (automatic ePassport gates at some airports) if you’re from:

Australia

Canada

Japan

New Zealand

Singapore

South Korea

United States

When you cannot use an ePassport gate

You must see a border control officer and get a stamp in your passport if you are entering the UK:

with a Tier 5 Creative or Sporting certificate of sponsorship for up to 3 months (and you want to enter without a visa)

on a permitted paid engagement

You cannot get a stamp if you use the ePassport gates (automatic ePassport gates at some airports). Without a stamp you will not be allowed to carry out the activities you came to the UK to do.

Registered Travellers

You can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates (automatic ePassport gates at some airports).

Travelling with a UK biometric residence permit

You’ll have a biometric residence permit if your fingerprints were taken when you applied.

Your fingerprints will be checked at border control - they’ll be checked against the ones stored on your visa document.

If you’re refused entry

You’ll be told in writing:

why you’ve been refused entry to the UK

if you can appeal against the decision

when you will be removed from the UK

You’ll usually have to leave the UK immediately.

You may be allowed into the UK temporarily (usually for up to a week) but your passport will be taken from you and you must report to immigration officers at set times.

Baggage checks

You must co-operate if you’re stopped and asked about your baggage.

If you break the rules your goods and any vehicle you use to transport them may be seized.

If your baggage is checked

Your baggage is usually checked in front of you.

Customs officers keep a record of:

all baggage they (Customs officers) open and check

any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check

If your things are damaged

You may be offered compensation if your baggage or belongings are damaged during a customs check.

Making a complaint

You can:

ask for the duty manager if you want to complain about a customs check while you’re at the border

send your complaint to Border Force if you want to complain later

Layovers and transiting through a UK airport

Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called ‘transiting’. Some travellers call it a ‘layover’.

There are 2 types of transiting:

‘airside’ - you do not pass through UK border control before you leave on your connecting journey

‘landside’ - you do pass through UK border control, but come back through it (UK border control) and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours)

Find out if you need a UK visa for your layover.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and quarantine

Before you travel you need to:

provide your contact details by completing the online passenger locator form

provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test

Check the rules for transiting.

Quarantining when you arrive in the UK

green list - you do not need to quarantine but you must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2

amber list - you must quarantine in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests

red list - you must quarantine in a hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests

You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated.

Find out which list the country you’ve been in is on and what you need to do.

You may be fined if you do not quarantine in the place you’re staying or in a managed quarantine hotel when you need to. You can be prosecuted if you do not pay on time.

Some people are exempt from some or all COVID-19 travel and entry requirements because of their jobs. Check if your job means you’re exempt.

Quarantine rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Find out what to do and whether you’re exempt if you’re:

travelling to Scotland

travelling to Wales

travelling to Northern Ireland

Ending quarantine early through Test to Release

You may be able to end quarantine early through the ‘Test to Release’ scheme (Test to Release) if you pay for a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

You must still take the 2 COVID-19 tests you booked before you travelled. Find out more about the tests you must book and take.

You cannot use the Test to Release scheme (Test to Release) if you’ve been in or through a country on the red list in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

This guidance is for England. Find out what to do if you’re:

travelling to Scotland

travelling to Wales

travelling to Northern Ireland

When you can take the private COVID-19 test (a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test)

The earliest you can take a test is 5 days after you arrive in England. For example, if you arrive on a Monday, you can take a test from the following Saturday.

When you can stop quarantining

If the test is negative you can stop quarantining as soon as you get the result.

If the test is positive you need to quarantine for another 10 days. Count the 10 days starting from the day you took the test, or from when you first had symptoms if that is earlier.

If you’re living or staying with someone in the UK they should also self-isolate for 10 days, starting from the day you took the test.

If the test is inconclusive you also need to quarantine for another 10 days. You can stop quarantining if you take another test with an eligible private provider and the result is negative.

You may be fined up to £10,000 if you do not quarantine when you need to. You can be prosecuted if you do not pay the fine on time.

What you’ll need

Before arriving in England, you’ll need to:

book a test with an eligible private provider

say that you’ll be using the Test to Release scheme on the passenger locator form

You cannot take a test through NHS Test and Trace to shorten your quarantine period. You must continue to quarantine if the result from an NHS Test and Trace test is negative.

If you did not book the test (a test) before you arrived in England, you can book one after you arrive. You will need to complete another passenger locator form to opt into the scheme (scheme).


Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application

Applying from inside the UK

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application if you’re applying from inside the UK.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can currently only pay for a faster decision on certain visas.

To get a decision within 5 working days

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘priority service’ when you apply. It costs £500 in addition to the application fee.

A decision will be made within 5 working days of your UK Visa and Citizen Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment.

To get a decision by the end of the next working day

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘super priority service’ when you apply. It costs £800 in addition to the application fee.

A decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your appointment, if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your appointment, if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get an email followed by a decision letter (either in the post or by email).

If your application is approved, the email (an email followed by a decision letter) will let you know the outcome. If your application is refused, the outcome will not be mentioned in the email (an email followed by a decision letter).

When you might wait longer for a decision

You might wait longer for a decision if you need to provide more information. You’ll be told how and when to provide it.

When you’ll get your biometric residence permit

You’ll usually receive your biometric residence permit (BRP) within 7 to 10 days of your decision. If it does not arrive, you can report your missing BRP online.

Your BRP (your biometric residence permit (BRP)) will be sent to the address you gave in your application. You need to update your address before your application is approved if you want it (your biometric residence permit (BRP)) sent elsewhere.

Eligible visas when applying from inside the UK

You can apply for a faster decision on certain visa applications or applications to settle in the UK.

These tables list the eligible applications and whether you can pay to get a faster decision:

within 5 working days

by the end of the next working day

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there’s a limit on how many people can apply for a faster decision. If you are not offered the option to apply for a faster decision, you can still complete a standard application.

Eligible visa applications

| Decision available within 5 working days | Decision available by the end of the next working day

Child student visa | Yes | Yes

Global Talent visa | Yes | Yes

Health and Care Worker visa | Yes | Yes

Innovator visa | Yes | Yes

Intra-company visas | Yes | Yes

Investor visa (Tier 1) | Yes | No

Minister of Religion visa (T2) | Yes | Yes

Skilled Worker visa | Yes | Yes

Sportsperson visa (T2) | Yes | Yes

Start-up visa | Yes | Yes

Student visa | Yes | Yes

Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) | Yes | Yes

Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) | Yes | Yes

Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5) | Yes | Yes

Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5) | Yes | Yes

Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5) | Yes | Yes

Temporary Worker - Seasonal Worker visa (T5) | Yes | Yes

Applying as the dependent child or partner on a work, student, global talent, start up or innovator visa | Yes | Yes

Applying as the dependent child or partner on an investor visa | Yes | No

Applying on the basis of family life as a partner, parent or dependent child or on the basis of private life in the UK (through form FLR(FP) or form FLR(M)) | No | Yes

Applying for human rights claims, leave outside the rules and other routes through form FLR(HRO) | No | Yes

Applying for other routes through form FLR(IR) | No | Yes

Eligible applications to settle in the UK

Application to settle on the basis of UK Ancestry (through form SET(O)) | No | Yes

Application to settle as a former member of HM Forces (through form SET(AF)) | No | Yes

Application to settle as a child under 18 (through form SET(F)) | No | Yes

Application to settle if you’ve been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as ‘long residence’) | No | Yes

Application to settle if you work, establish a business or invest in the UK (through form SET(O)) | Yes | Yes

Application to settle as the dependent child or partner if you work, establish a business or invest in the UK | Yes | Yes

Application to settle as the partner of a person, or parent of a child, who is present and settled in the UK (through form SET(M)) | No | Yes

Applying from outside the UK

Whether you can apply for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application depends on which country you’re applying from.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can only pay for a faster decision through some visa application centres. Check with the visa application centre you’re applying through.

They (the visa application centre you’re applying through)’ll let you know if you can apply to get a decision:

within 5 working days (‘priority service’)

by the end of the next working day (‘super priority service’)

They (the visa application centre you’re applying through)’ll also tell you what will happen after you’ve applied.

If you’re applying from Europe, Africa or some Middle Eastern countries

To find out if you can get a faster decision through your visa application centre, select the country you’re applying from on the TLScontact list (and the right centre, if there’s more than one). Then check the ‘Added Value Services’ section of the page for that centre to see if the option (apply) is available.

The Middle Eastern countries on this list (the TLScontact list) (the TLScontact list) are:

Jordan

Israel

If you’re applying from somewhere else

To find out if you can get a faster decision through your visa application centre, select the country you’re applying from on the VFS global website. Then check the ‘premium services’ page for your nearest centre to see if the option (apply) is available.

If you cannot find the information, you can email VFS.


Standard Visitor visa

Overview

You can come to the UK as a Standard Visitor:

for tourism, for example on a holiday or to see your family and friends

for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting

to do a short course of study

to take part in research or an exchange programme as an academic

for medical reasons, for example to receive private medical treatment

You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and what you plan to do in the UK.

Check if you need to apply for a UK visa.

Your application will not be accepted and you will not get a refund if you have the right of abode in the UK (for example you’re a British citizen). You need to apply for a certificate of entitlement instead.

What you can and cannot do

You can visit the UK to do certain activities, for example visiting friends and family or attending a conference.

You cannot:

do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person

live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits

claim public funds (benefits)

do a course of study that lasts longer than 6 months

marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. You’ll need a Marriage Visitor visa instead

Read the guidance for more information about what you can and cannot do with a Standard Visitor visa.

Eligibility

You’ll need to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements, for example that you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit.

How long you can stay

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months (£95 fee).

You might be able to stay for longer if:

you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment - up to 11 months (£190 fee)

you’re an academic and meet the eligibility requirements - you, your spouse or partner and your children may be able to stay for up to 12 months (£190 fee)

If you’re staying in the UK for longer than 6 months, you must collect your biometric residence permit when you arrive. You may also have to take a tuberculosis test as part of your application depending on where you come from.

If you need to visit the UK regularly

You can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years if you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

If you’re under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.

When to apply and how long it takes

If you need a visa, you must apply online before you come to the UK.

As part of your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to prove your identity and provide your documents.

Allow time to attend your appointment (an appointment at a visa application centre), as the visa application centre (a visa application centre) could be in another country.

The visa application centre (a visa application centre) may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

Fees

A Standard Visitor visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

2 years - £361

5 years - £655

10 years - £822

Extending your stay as a visitor

You cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa to another type of visa.

You can only extend your stay for specific reasons, for example needing further private medical treatment.

If you want a visa to do something other than visiting, for example work or longer-term study, you’ll need to leave the UK and make a new application.

What you can do in the UK

You can visit the UK to do different activities. You must meet the eligibility requirements for the things you want to do.

If you’re visiting for tourism or leisure

You can visit the UK to:

spend time with friends and family

take a holiday

do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course

volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity

take part in a school exchange programme

If you’re visiting on business

You can visit the UK for many different business reasons, including attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs or negotiating contracts.

You can do certain business activities with UK employees of the company you work for overseas, for example provide training or share knowledge on internal projects.

Check the Visitor Rules for the full list of business activities you can do as a Standard Visitor and any additional eligibility requirements.

If you’re being paid by a UK organisation to visit as an expert in your profession, you should apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement visa.

If you’re visiting to study

You can visit the UK to study for up to 6 months at an accredited institution, this includes English language courses.

You can also do:

a short piece of research that’s relevant to your course overseas

an ‘elective’ - an optional additional placement, if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, or dentistry

If you want to study longer you’ll need to apply for a:

Student visa (if your course is run by a licensed sponsor)

Short-term study visa (for English Language courses up to 11 months)

If you’re visiting as an academic

If you’re from an academic institution overseas, you can:

take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK (the UK) counterparts

carry out your own research during a sabbatical

If you’re a senior doctor or dentist you can also:

take part in research

teach (as long as it is not a permanent teaching post)

undertake clinical practice (as long as it’s not a permanent position)

If you’re visiting for medical reasons

You can visit the UK if you want to have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility.

You can also visit to donate an organ to a family member or close friend. This includes being assessed for suitability as a donor match.

If you’re passing through the UK to another country

You can pass through the UK to another country as a Standard Visitor.

If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, then you may apply for a Transit visa instead.

Eligibility

You must show that:

you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit

you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home

you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)

you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)

you have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules

If you’re applying to study for up to 6 months

You must prove one of the following:

you’ve been accepted onto a course of no more than 6 months provided by an accredited UK institution (this cannot be an academy or state-funded school)

you’re at least 16 years old and have been accepted by a UK higher education institution to take part in research that’s relevant to the course you’re studying overseas

you’re at least 16 years old and are doing an ‘elective’ (an optional additional placement) as part of an overseas medicine, veterinary medicine and science, or dentistry course

You must already be enrolled on a course that is the equivalent of a UK degree, before applying to do research or a placement in the UK.

To study or research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. If you do need one, you’ll need to get your ATAS certificate before starting your study or research.

If you’re applying as an academic

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months if you’re applying as an academic. You must prove you’re:

highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example you have a PhD

currently working in that field of expertise (your field of expertise) at an academic institution overseas

visiting for a formal exchange or to carry out research

not filling a permanent teaching post

To research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. If you do need one, you’ll need to get your ATAS certificate (an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate) before starting your research.

If you’re applying to visit for private medical treatment

You must prove that you:

have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK

have made arrangements for consultations or treatment

have enough money or funding to pay for your treatment

will leave the UK once your treatment is completed, or when your visa expires

are not a danger to public health if you have an infectious disease, such as leprosy

If you’re applying as an organ donor

You can only visit the UK to donate organs to:

a family member who you’re genetically related to (for example your sibling or parent)

someone you have a close personal relationship with (for example your spouse or friend)

You must prove that the person you’re donating an organ to is legally allowed to be in the UK.

If you’re applying for a long-term Standard Visitor visa

You must prove that you’ll only ever be coming to the UK to visit and that you plan to leave at the end of each visit.

You may be given a visa for a shorter period than requested if you do not do this (prove). You will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or your application is refused.

Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.

Documents you'll need

You must provide a passport or travel document. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and contain a blank page for your visa.

You’ll be told what other documents and information to provide when you apply online.

You must provide certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

You’ll need to provide the following information:

the dates you’re planning to travel to the UK

details of where you’ll be staying during your visit

how much you think your trip will cost

your current home address and how long you’ve lived there

your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)

how much you earn in a year (if you have an income)

details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed

You might also need to provide:

details of your travel history for the past 10 years

your employer’s address and telephone number

your partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number

the name and address of anyone paying for your trip

the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK

Providing documents for certain activities

You must provide specific documents if you’re applying to visit the UK to:

do research as part of an overseas study course

have private medical treatment

be an organ donor

take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Read the full list of supporting documents for more information.

If you're under 18

You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and:

you’ve made suitable arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK

you have written consent from your parent or guardian to travel to the UK (if travelling alone)

you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey

you have enough money to support yourself without working or getting help from public funds, or you have family and friends that can support you

Travelling alone

You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone over the age of 18).

Your parent or guardian will need to provide their (your parent or guardian):

written consent for you to travel to the UK

full contact details

They (your parent or guardian)’ll also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including:

the name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with

an address where you will be living

details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you and

their (your parent or guardian) written consent for you to stay with that person (the person who’ll be looking after you) while you’re in the UK (the UK)

If you’re not staying with a close relative

Your parent, guardian or school must tell the relevant local authority about your visit if you’re both of the following:

under 16 (or under 18 if you have a disability)

going to be looked after for more than 28 days by someone who is not a close relative (called ‘private foster care’)

You should provide a reply from the local authority if you have one.

The same rules apply to education exchange visits that last for more than 28 days, unless:

you’re part of a group that is travelling and staying together, for example a school group

you’re accompanied by an adult, for example a teacher

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read the guidance for more information.

Travelling with an adult

When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone over the age of 18), you’ll need to identify them in your visa application.

If the person you’re travelling with (an adult (someone over the age of 18)) is not your parent, you’ll need to provide specific information about them (an adult (someone over the age of 18)) in your application (your visa application).

You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application. Their names will appear on your visa.

The adult (an adult (someone over the age of 18)) can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.

If you arrive in the UK without the person named in your visa, you’ll need to show that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and accommodation arrangements.

Apply from outside the UK

If you need a visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK.

Check what documents you’ll need to apply.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at your appointment.

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it (your form). Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

Apply with family members

Each family member must make their own application and pay the fee.

You can apply on behalf of your partner and child, if they cannot apply for themselves.

They (your partner and child) must attend their (your partner and child) own appointment at a visa application centre.

How long it takes to get a decision

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application (your application) has not been processed yet.

Extend your stay

You may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK as a visitor is no more than 6 months.

For example if you have been in the UK as a visitor for 3 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 3 more months.

Read the guidance to find out if you can extend your visit.

You must apply while you’re still in the UK and before your current visa expires.

If you want to extend your stay for longer than 6 months

You can only apply to extend your stay as a visitor for over 6 months if you’re:

a patient receiving medical treatment

an academic and you still meet the eligibility requirements

a graduate doing a clinical attachment or retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test

If you did not need a visa for the first 6 months of your visit, you’ll need to apply for permission to stay longer and pay the fee.

If you’re receiving private medical treatment in the UK

You can apply to extend your stay for a further 6 months if you:

have paid for any treatment you’ve already had in the UK

can and will pay the further costs of your treatment

continue to meet the eligibility requirements

You must also get a medical practitioner or NHS consultant who’s registered in the UK to provide:

proof of arrangements for your private medical consultation or treatment

a letter saying how long your treatment (your private medical consultation or treatment) is likely to take

details of the progress of your treatment (your private medical consultation or treatment), if it (your private medical consultation or treatment)’s already started

If you’re an academic

If you want to extend your stay as an academic visiting the UK, you must prove you:

are highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example you have a PhD or higher

were working in that field of expertise (your field of expertise) at an academic institution overseas prior to your arrival in the UK

are visiting for a formal exchange or to carry out research

are not filling a permanent teaching post

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months in total.

Before you extend your stay, check if you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. You may need one if you’re researching certain subjects at postgraduate level or above.

If you’re retaking the PLAB test

You can extend your stay in the UK to retake the PLAB test.

You must provide written confirmation from the General Medical Council that you are sitting the test (the PLAB test).

You can stay up to 6 months to retake the test (the PLAB test).

If you’ve passed the PLAB test and want to do a clinical attachment

If you’re successful in the PLAB test, you can apply to extend your stay to do an unpaid clinical attachment. You must not treat patients.

You must provide written confirmation of your clinical attachment offer and confirm you’ve not done one in the UK before.

You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total.

Apply to extend your stay as a visitor

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form (your form) if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

Fees

It costs:

£993 to extend this visa

an extra £800 if you use the super priority service

You must also pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.


Visa to pass through the UK in transit

Overview

You might need a visa to pass through the UK in transit (on your way to another country).

Check if you need one before you apply.

To get a transit visa you must prove that:

you’ll be in transit to another country, with enough funds and the intention to travel on

you can enter that country (another country)

the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit

You do not need a transit visa if you:

have an EEA family permit

have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

have a Home Office travel document, for example you’re a refugee or stateless person

have a Standard Visitor visa

have a Marriage Visitor visa

Types of transit visa

The visa you need depends on whether you’re going through UK border control when you arrive in the UK.

Your airline can tell you if you’ll go through border control (UK border control).

You’re not going through UK border control

Apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) if you’ll be changing flights in the UK and will not be going through UK border control.

You’re going through UK border control

Apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you’ll be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours.

You’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if:

you need to stay longer in the UK

you can prove you need to frequently pass through the UK over a longer period

Fees

Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) - £35

Visitor in Transit visa - £64

The cost may vary slightly depending on which country you’re in.

Direct Airside Transit visa

You might need a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) if you:

will be changing flights in the UK on your way to another country

will not go through UK border control

You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. Check if you need to apply for a visa.

You do not need one if you have a valid:

EEA family permit

EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Standard Visitor visa

Marriage Visitor visa

You must apply for another type of visitor visa if you’re travelling to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Documents you need

To apply for a DATV, you must have a current passport or other valid travel document.

You need to provide evidence that you’re allowed to enter the country you’re travelling to, such as a:

residence permit

green card

valid visa

If you’re not a resident or national of the country you’re travelling to, you may need to explain why you’re going there. You may need to provide details of where you’re staying.

You must also provide evidence that your onward journey is booked or confirmed, such as:

a flight booking email

printed tickets

confirmation from a travel agent

Bring your visa and documents with you when you travel through the UK.

Apply

You must apply online for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in - check with your visa application centre.

Apply now

Visitor in Transit visa

You might need a Visitor in Transit visa if you’re:

going through UK border control, for example to check in your luggage for a connecting flight

leaving the UK within 48 hours

not working or studying while in the UK

If you will not be going through UK border control, check if you need a Direct Airside Transit visa instead.

You do not need a transit visa if you have a valid:

EEA family permit

EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Standard Visitor visa

Marriage Visitor visa

You need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you’re staying in the UK for more than 48 hours.

Travel to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland

You might need to apply for a visitor visa to travel through the UK to get to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland.

You’ll usually need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa unless you’re exempt.

You do not need a UK visitor visa if:

you have a valid visa for the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

you have a valid Irish biometric visa (marked ‘BC’ or ‘BC BIVS’ in the ‘Remarks’ section)

If you need to pass through the UK regularly

You can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you need to pass through the UK in transit regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit and your visa can last for 2, 5 or 10 years.

Documents you need

To apply for a Visitor in Transit visa, you must have a current passport or other valid travel document.

residence permit

green card

valid visa

a flight booking email

printed tickets

confirmation from a travel agent

Your onward flight (your onward journey) must be within 48 hours of your arrival in the UK.

Apply

You must apply online for a Visitor in Transit visa.

Apply now