Visas for the United Kingdom

If you plan to travel, take up a short-term job offer, or make a more permanent move to the UK, you’ll need to consider applying for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), depending on your nationality. Visa processes and availability vary, so it’s key to know which one fits your situation before booking your flight.

The UK uses a points-based immigration system that applies equally to both EU and non-EU nationals. Irish nationals can continue to visit, live, and work freely in the UK. If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can still visit the UK for up to six months, but since April 2025, you’ll need an ETA for visits. Planning to work, study, or stay longer means applying for the appropriate visa.

The official GOV.UK website provides the most up-to-date information on UK visas and immigration. Your local embassy or consulate can also offer guidance on the latest requirements for your nationality.

Work Visas in the UK 
Embassies and Consulates in the UK

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Electronic Travel Authorisation in the United Kingdom is now required for most visitors who don’t need a visa for short stays. Nearly all travellers to the UK – including Europeans, Americans, Canadians, and Australians – must have an ETA before arrival. This digital permission system has replaced previous visa-free arrangements for many nationalities.

The ETA allows visits of up to six months for tourism, business, short-term study, or medical treatment. Gulf Cooperation Council nationals were the first to use ETAs, followed by other non-European countries and European nationals from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

An ETA grants permission to travel but doesn’t guarantee entry. You’ll still need to meet a Border Force officer on arrival, who’ll decide if you can enter the UK. The system speeds up border processing while maintaining security.

Applying for an ETA is straightforward through the UK ETA app or online via GOV.UK. Processing typically takes less than three days. Once approved, your ETA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips during this period, staying up to six months each time.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Apply For An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Visitor/tourist visas for the United Kingdom

Visitor and tourist visas for the United Kingdom are for those planning short-term stays for tourism, business, short-term study, or medical treatment. The requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Visa-free entry and Electronic Travel Authorisation

Most visitors can enter the UK for up to six months without a traditional visa, but an ETA is required for most nationalities. Irish citizens remain exempt from both visa and ETA requirements and can enter freely.

Citizens of EU, EEA, and Switzerland can visit for up to six months with an ETA and can still use ePassport gates at UK borders for faster entry. You cannot use EU, EEA, or Swiss national ID cards to enter the UK unless you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, hold a frontier worker permit or meet other specific conditions.

Standard visitor visas

A standard visitor visa is required for nationals who aren’t eligible for an ETA and need a full visa instead. This allows visits of up to six months for tourism, short-term study, business, or medical treatment.

To obtain a visitor visa, you’ll need to show you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit – providing proof of onward travel and demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay. You cannot work, access public funds, or get married while in the UK on a visitor visa.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Check If You Need a UK Visa
• GOV.UK – Standard Visitor Visa

Student visas for the United Kingdom

Student visas in the United Kingdom come in different forms depending on your course length. Short-term courses lasting up to six months may be covered by a standard visitor visa or ETA. Longer-term courses require a student visa.

If you’re 16 or over and have been accepted into an academic programme by a licensed student sponsor, you can apply for a student visa. You’ll need enough money to support yourself and must demonstrate English language proficiency. Parental consent is required if you’re under 18.

Student visa validity depends on the course length. Degree-level courses typically allow for five years in the UK; shorter courses allow up to two years. Recent policy changes have tightened compliance requirements for universities sponsoring international students.

Student visa holders may work part-time, depending on their studies and whether work takes place during or outside semester time. Student visas generally limit weekly working hours. After graduation, you can apply for a Graduate visa, which currently allows two years in the UK (three years for PhD graduates).

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Student Visa
• GOV.UK – Graduate Visa

Family visas for the United Kingdom

Family visas for the United Kingdom allow you to join family members for more than six months. Family members can include spouses, partners, children, parents, or other relatives. The application process has become more stringent under recent immigration reforms.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Family Visas

Applying for a visa for the United Kingdom

Before moving to the UK, you’ll need to determine the appropriate visa for your situation and understand the application requirements. It’s best to apply well before your intended travel date, as processing times can be unpredictable, and delays may arise.

The visa application process varies depending on your home country, so research the specific requirements for your nationality. For certain UK visas, you’ll need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and facial images) at a visa application centre.

Additional requirements may apply depending on your nationality and visa type. Work visa applications may require proof of tuberculosis screening and English language proficiency. All documents must be in English or Welsh or accompanied by certified translations. Ensure all documents are complete and clearly presented, as missing information can delay applications.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Visas and Immigration

Permanent residence in the United Kingdom

Permanent residence in the United Kingdom requires applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Currently, you must have lived legally in the UK for five years before you can apply, depending on your visa category.

Being a permanent resident means you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK and are free from immigration control. You can live and work without restrictions. Those with ILR have ‘settled status’, which is a step towards naturalisation as a British citizen.

Under current rules, you must generally have lived in the UK continuously for five years to qualify for ILR, although spouses of British citizens can apply after three years. You cannot have been outside the UK for longer than six months at any time during the relevant period. It’s beneficial to demonstrate strong ties to the UK – for example, owning property or running a business.

Permanent residents who only spend short periods in the UK may risk losing their ILR status. To avoid this, consider applying for British citizenship as soon as possible, usually a year after being granted ILR status.

EU Settlement Scheme

If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss national living in or moving to the UK, check whether you need a visa or work permit using the GOV.UK ‘Brexit checker’ for personalised immigration information.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals and their families to continue living in the UK with the same rights they had pre-Brexit. This generally applies if you were already living in the UK by 31 December 2020. The new UK–EU Strategic Partnership announced in May 2025 introduces additional cooperation measures, including a potential youth mobility scheme for 18-to-30-year-olds.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – EU Settlement Scheme 
• GOV.UK – Indefinite Leave To Remain

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.