Everyone who attempts to cross any United Kingdom border, including that of Scotland, must have travel documents. The individual must have his original travel documents with him to show. A national of a European Union (EU) nation, a European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland may use a national passport for entry into the country. In lieu of a national passport, an individual from one of these countries may present a 1951 Convention travel document issued for refugees. Another alternate for any EEA national is a national identity card.
If you are not a national of one of these countries, more documentation is required in addition to travel documents.
These are rather common forms that are also referred to as landing cards. In essence they are an initial visa for your stay. If you are only passing through an airport in Scotland, for instance, you may not need to complete this document. It is required for all individuals who will stay in the United Kingdom.
Typical information for these forms includes: name, both present and birth names; details of your birth, including date; information regarding your occupation, including whether you are traveling on business; and your contact information during the course of your stay in the United Kingdom. It also requires your signature to make it legally binding.
In addition to these forms there may be further questioning. If so, it is standard that a translator will be provided.
Depending on the details of your visit, you may require a specific visa. These visas are required for stays that do not fit under the landing card criteria. It is important to know in advance if your visit requires one of these official visas because you must apply for one while you are outside of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Visa-national citizens require this specific entry clearance based on their nationality. There is a list of these nations on the UK Border Agency website. There are also some other criteria that can result in an individual being classified as a visa-national. These can be found online as well. The only exception for requirement among visa-nationals is in the case of transit through the United Kingdom without the intention of staying. In some cases of transit, specific clearance is required.
Non-visa nationals require entry clearance only when they will be in the country longer than six months.
