If you are not a British citizen or a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, you may need an entry clearance before you travel to the UK. People from certain countries, known as visa nationals, need a visa to enter the UK for any reason. Certain other categories of travellers to the UK may need entry clearance only for some reasons: for example to live as the wife, husband or civil partner of a British citizen.

Entry clearance is the application process for visa nationals who wish to travel to the United Kingdom and for non - visa nationals who intend a longer stay or to settle in the UK. The entry clearance certificate, more commonly called a visa, is put into your passport or travel document.

An Entry Clearance (visa) Officer will decide if you qualify for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Entry Clearance Officers work according to the requirements of the UK Immigration rules .

If you have a valid UK visa you will not normally be refused entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information, presented false documentation or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.

The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:

the purpose of your travel;
how long you can stay in the UK; and
the latest date that you can enter the UK.
Normally, you can enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.

Visit the Do I need a visa page on the UKvisas website for up to date information.

Citizens of Uzbekistan must hold a valid visa for entry to the United Kingdom before they travel.

The United Kingdom aims to operate a firm, fast and fair immigration policy and the requirements for entry to the UK are set out in the Immigration Rules. Our aim is to facilitate travel from Uzbekistan to the UK consistent with the Immigration Rules.

Non resident Afghanistan nationals should note:

The British Embassy Kabul does not have the facility to process any applications for entry clearance (visas).

Afghan nationals are reminded that they do need visas to visit or transit the UK. Applications to visit the UK should be made on the UKvisas Non-Settlement form (VAF1 Oct 2007) and applications to transit the UK should be made on the Direct Airside Transit Visa form (VAF3 Oct 2007)

The addresses of the nearest British offices open for entry clearance are below. We would strongly advise applicants to contact the relevant office before travelling to make sure everything is in order.

British Embassy
PO Box 65
DUBAI
United Arab Emirates
Tel: 00 971 4 309 4447
e-mail: Visamail.Dubai@fco.gov.uk
website:http://www.britain-uae.org/
Opening hours: 0730 – 1100 (Sat – Wed)

British High Commission
Chanakyapuri
NEW DELHI 10021
India
Tel: 00 91 11 24100017 - 22
e-mail: visqry.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk
website: www.ukinindia.com

The British High Commission in New Delhi's application process has been outsourced, and all applications must be made to VFS offices in India . The addresses are on the High Commission website. The offices are open from 0800 - 1200 and 1300 – 1600 (Monday to Friday).

The British High Commission in Islamabad can only provide a very limited visa service. You should visit the High Commission's website to check whether you meet the criteria to apply for a visa. All applications should be made to Gerry's/FedEx offices in Pakistan. The addresses are on the British High Commission's website: www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/pakistan.