Although the United Kingdom is not a member of the European Union, it does have special travel regulations for those who hail from a country that is part of the EEA, or European Economic Area. Additionally, citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States and other countries have their own requirements. If you are worried about the requirements for a traveler in your group, check with the United Kingdom's embassy in your home country. An official there can answer all your questions.
Travelers from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States will need to furnish a passport for their legal entry into the United Kingdom. They are then entitled to a six-month stay with no work permission. Border officials are very scrupulous, and if they think you intend to work during your time, you can encounter difficulties.
Students coming to the United Kingdom will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa, otherwise known as student-class visa. Additionally, students will need to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves as well as any dependents. Depending on where in the United Kingdom you are traveling, you will have to prove via bank statements as well as a sworn statement that you have a specific amount per month for every month you will be studying. These amounts vary depending on your location. Tier 4 Visa can provide detailed financial amounts.
The European Economic Area designates any resident of the European Union, European Community and European Free Trade Association. Citizens of a nation belonging to any of these groups have the right to visit and reside legally in the United Kingdom with no additional paperwork.
In the fall of 2009, the United Kingdom prefers online visa applications. Applications are in English language only at the time of writing.You can save your application and return to it over a seven-day period by entering in your unique visa application number. UKvisas can answer additional questions on the visa application process.
A legal passport must be furnished for identification purposes by anyone traveling in the United Kingdom. European Economic Area citizens can alternately show a national identification card in lieu of a passport. A valid passport is necessary to obtain a visa for entry.
