United Kingdom entry requirements, by passport
What you need to get into United Kingdom depends on the passport in your hand. Find yours below: the visa or e-authorisation, how long you can stay, the official fee and the government page to apply on.
32 of 32 passports verified on official pages.
What each passport needs
| Passport | To get in | Stay | Document and fee | Apply | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Canada | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Mexico | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Brazil | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| United Kingdom | Own country | ||||
| Ireland | Free movement | Unlimited | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Germany | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| France | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Italy | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Spain | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Netherlands | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Switzerland | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Russia | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Türkiye | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Israel | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| United Arab Emirates | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Saudi Arabia | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| India | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| China (mainland) | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Hong Kong SAR | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Taiwan | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Japan | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| South Korea | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Singapore | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Malaysia | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Thailand | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Vietnam | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Philippines | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Indonesia | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| Australia | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| New Zealand | Travel authorisation before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)Official fee: GBP 20Apply: Most decisions arrive within minutes; GOV.UK says allow 3 working days | Official page | Verified |
| Nigeria | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
| South Africa | Visa needed before you fly | up to 6 months per visit | Standard Visitor visaOfficial fee: GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years)Apply: Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision | Official page | Verified |
Verified means NUM read it on a government page on 10–11 Oct 2026. Likely means a reputable source says it and one official page agreed. Not checked yet means NUM could not confirm it: use the official page. Fees are as published on that date and can change.
The rules everyone meets at the border
Passport
Must be valid for the whole of your stay (no 6-month rule). EU/EEA/Swiss visitors need a passport; national ID cards are accepted only with EU Settlement Scheme status or certain other permissions. Dual British nationals must travel on a British passport or a certificate of entitlement, because they cannot get an ETA. Safe standard: valid for your whole stay.
Arrival card
No arrival card for most visitors.
Border systems for every visitor
UK ETA: every visitor without a visa needs one, except British and Irish citizens and people who already hold UK permission (visa, eVisa, EUSS status). Fee GBP 20 since 8 Apr 2026. Valid 2 years or until the passport expires, multiple visits of up to 6 months. Strictly enforced by carriers since 25 Feb 2026. Covers the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. EU EES/ETIAS do not apply in the UK.
Onward ticket
Not a fixed rule, but you must be able to show you will leave at the end of your visit. Border Force can ask about return or onward plans.
Proof of funds
Visitors must be able to support themselves (and any dependants) during the trip without public funds. No set amount is published.
Travel insurance
Not required for entry. Most visitors are charged for NHS hospital treatment, so medical insurance is strongly advised.
Vaccinations
No vaccination certificates required for entry.
Cash to declare at customs
Declare cash of GBP 10,000 or more when entering or leaving Great Britain from outside the UK. For Northern Ireland, declare EUR 10,000 or more if travelling to or from a non-EU country.
Taxes, levies and fees
No national tourist tax. Edinburgh has charged a 5% visitor levy on paid overnight accommodation since 24 Jul 2026. Welsh councils may add a per-night visitor levy (earliest 1 Apr 2027, with one year's notice). The ETA fee (GBP 20) is the main entry cost for visa-exempt visitors.
Medicines, vapes and banned items
Declare goods over duty-free allowances, banned or restricted goods, and commercial goods. Personal imports of meat and dairy are restricted; check GOV.UK before packing food.
Travelling with children
Each child needs their own ETA or visa. If you do not appear to be the child's parent (e.g. different surname), carry proof: birth or adoption certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, or a letter of permission from the parent with contact details.
Work, study, working holiday and nomad visas
Every official route NUM found for United Kingdom. You apply directly with the government.
Work permits
People with a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor in an eligible (mainly higher-skilled) occupation
Stay: Up to 5 years per grant, extendable; route to settlement
Salary at least GBP 41,700 or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher (lower GBP 33,400 floor in some cases); English at B2 for new applicants since 8 Jan 2026; certificate of sponsorship
Official fee: GBP 819 (up to 3 years) / GBP 1,618 (over 3 years) from outside the UK, plus Immigration Health Surcharge GBP 1,035 a year
Qualified doctors, nurses and other health professionals with an NHS or approved employer offer
Stay: Up to 5 years
Sponsored job in an eligible health occupation
Official fee: GBP 324 (up to 3 years) / GBP 628 (over 3 years); no Immigration Health Surcharge
Leaders or potential leaders in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology, or winners of listed prestigious prizes
Stay: Up to 5 years at a time, extendable; settlement after 3 or 5 years
Endorsement from an approved body (or eligible prize); no job offer needed
Official fee: GBP 766 total (GBP 561 endorsement + GBP 205 visa), plus IHS GBP 1,035 a year
Graduates of an eligible top global university (top 100 list since 4 Nov 2025) within the last 5 years
Stay: 2 years (3 years for PhD); not extendable
Eligible degree, English at B2, personal savings; annual cap of 8,000 applications (year runs 1 Nov to 31 Oct)
Official fee: GBP 880, plus IHS
International students in the UK who completed an eligible degree on a Student visa (apply from inside the UK)
Stay: 2 years if applying by 31 Dec 2026; 18 months from 1 Jan 2027; 3 years for PhD
Successful completion reported by the university; must be in the UK
Official fee: GBP 937, plus IHS GBP 1,035 a year
Study
Age 16+ with an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor
Stay: Length of the course plus a short wrap-up period
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, funds for fees and living costs, English; apply up to 6 months before the course (3 months from inside the UK); dependants only on some courses
Official fee: GBP 558, plus IHS
Working holiday
Among our passports: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea (ages 18-35); Japan (18-30, no ballot); Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan (18-30, ballot). Indian nationals use the separate ballot-based India Young Professionals Scheme. Not open to EU nationals (UK-EU scheme still being negotiated).
Stay: Up to 24 months; Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders can extend by 12 months
GBP 2,530 savings; no dependent children; not previously on the scheme
Official fee: GBP 340 (YMS and India YPS), plus IHS GBP 776 a year
Digital nomad
The UK has no digital nomad or remote-work visa
Visitors may not work for UK clients or live in the UK through repeated visits. Long-term remote workers need a work route (e.g. Skilled Worker, Global Talent, HPI).
Long stay
Frequent visitors who need a visa
Stay: Valid 2, 5 or 10 years; max 6 months per visit
Same as Standard Visitor; no settlement path. There is no UK retirement visa.
Official fee: GBP 506 / 903 / 1,128
Family
Partners, children and some relatives of British citizens or settled people
Stay: Usually 2 years 9 months at a time, leading to settlement
Genuine relationship, financial and English requirements, adequate accommodation
Official fee: See the Home Office fee table (applications outside the UK)
Investor
Founders of an innovative, viable, scalable business endorsed by an approved body. The UK has no golden visa (Tier 1 Investor route closed in 2022).
Stay: 3 years, extendable; route to settlement
Endorsement (endorsing body fee GBP 1,000 plus GBP 500 per contact point meeting)
Official fee: GBP 1,357, plus IHS
Business
Visitors attending meetings, interviews, conferences, or doing permitted paid engagements
Stay: Up to 6 months
Only permitted activities; no work for a UK company or as self-employed in the UK
Official fee: Same as tourist
Transit
DATV for listed nationalities changing planes airside; Visitor in Transit for visa nationals passing border control and leaving within 48 hours
Stay: Airside only / up to 48 hours
Onward ticket; exemptions for holders of valid US, Canada, Australia or NZ visas, EEA/Swiss residence permits, Irish BC/BIVS visas, or an ETA
Official fee: DATV GBP 41.50; Visitor in Transit GBP 74.50
Tourist
Visa nationals need a Standard Visitor visa; visa-exempt nationals need an ETA; British and Irish citizens need neither
Stay: Up to 6 months per visit
Genuine visit, leave at the end, funds for the trip, no work
Official fee: Visa GBP 135 (6 months), GBP 506 / 903 / 1,128 (2 / 5 / 10 years); ETA GBP 20
What changed, and what is coming
- TBC · Proposed UK-EU 'youth experience' scheme (ages 18-30) under negotiation since the Dec 2025 Common Understanding; not agreed as of May 2026. Source
- 2027-04 · Confirmed Welsh councils can start charging a per-night visitor levy (from 1 Apr or 1 Oct each year, with a year's notice); accommodation providers must register by 31 Mar 2027. Source
- 2027-01-01 · Confirmed Graduate visa shortened from 2 years to 18 months for applications on or after 1 Jan 2027 (PhD stays 3 years). Source
- 2026-12-31 · Announced Temporary Shortage List for medium-skilled Skilled Worker roles due to expire unless the Migration Advisory Committee recommends keeping it. Source
- 2026-07-24 · In force Edinburgh visitor levy (5% of paid accommodation) took effect. Source
- 2026-04-16 · In force St Lucia and Nicaragua moved to the visa national list; transitional ETA arrangement ended for arrivals after 16 Apr 2026. Source
- 2026-04-08 · In force Fee rises: ETA GBP 16 to GBP 20, 6-month visitor visa GBP 127 to GBP 135, Skilled Worker (overseas, up to 3 years) GBP 769 to GBP 819. Not changed again in the 8 Oct 2026 fee table. Source
- 2026-02-25 · In force ETA strictly enforced: carriers deny boarding to visa-exempt visitors with no ETA or eVisa. Dual British nationals advised to carry a British passport or certificate of entitlement. Source
- 2026-01-08 · In force New Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants need English at B2 (was B1). Source
- 2025-11-04 · In force High Potential Individual route widened to graduates of the top 100 global universities, with an 8,000-a-year cap. Source
- 2025-04-09 · In force ETA fee rose from GBP 10 to GBP 16. Source
- 2025-04-02 · In force ETA required for European nationals (EU, EEA, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican). Source
- 2025-01-08 · In force ETA opened to and required for non-European visa-exempt nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.). Source
Your checklist, with the dates it is due
NUM builds it for your passport and your travel dates: the authorisation and when to apply, the arrival card and the day it opens, what to carry at the border, your own country's exit rules, and a calendar file for every deadline.
Every document here is issued by a government, and the official link is the only place to get it. Most arrival cards and many authorisations are free. NUM is not a visa service and cannot apply for anything. Rules change without notice: the official page always has the final word.