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Frequently asked
questions (FAQs)
Is this the right website?
UK visa offices deal with the issue of visas to foreign nationals who want to
come to the UK. If you, or the person you are enquiring about, is already in
the UK, you should contact:
Border and Immigration Agency
Visiting the UK: Food and Plant Imports
Strict controls exist on bringing meat, milk, fish, shellfish, plants, and
their products, into the EU. On 1 January 2003 the import legislation in the UK
was revised, effectively banning personal imports of the aforementioned items
into the UK from countries outside of the EU. The new legislation is strictly
enforced by Customs and Excise at all ports of entry. Anyone found with illegal
products in their possession could be fined, or receive a custodial sentence.
Full details of the import allowances and restrictions issued by the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs can be found on
their website
Do I need a visa for the UK?
Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a visa before
travelling to the UK. Even if you are not a visa national, you may need an
entry clearance, depending on the reason for coming to the UK. Use the Do I
Need a Visa? questionnaire to find out if you need a visa.
You will also need a visa if you
* are stateless
* hold an non-national travel document
* hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK
How do I make an application for a visa to visit the United Kingdom?
To apply for visa an applicant should visit, or contact, our Visa Application
Centre. The Visa Application Centre is run and managed by VFS (Thailand) Ltd
and is located at:
Regent House, 2nd Floor
Lumpini
Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330
Telephone enquiries +66 2 800 8050
E-mail: info@ukvac-th.com
The Visa Application Centre is open Monday to Friday.
Submission of applications: 0830 hrs - 1530 hrs
Return of passports: 1030 hrs - 1630 hrs
In most cases applications are approved without the need for an interview. In
this case the passport, endorsed with the appropriate UK visa, will be returned
to the application centre. If a Visa Officer cannot make a decision based on
the document alone, VFS will contact the applicant to book an interview.
Why do I need to provide documents in support of an application?
UK immigration law requires the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that they
qualify for entry under the Immigration Rules. The Embassy aims to resolve the
majority of applications without an interview. If an applicant has not included
the required documents, the VFS official will point this out. It is then up to
the applicant to decide whether to submit their application.
What supporting documents are needed?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have read the
available information on the category of visa they want to apply for. On the
Visa Application Centre website we have provided a general list of the
documents to help the Visa Officer to consider the application. Everyone's
circumstances are different and it is up to the applicant to decide whether to
submit these documents, or different ones. Our list does not cover every single
eventuality, and producing all the documents will not guarantee a visa.
Applicants should make sure they include all supporting papers with their
applications, and not send, or fax us any papers separately. Where possible,
applications should submit original documents. We see large numbers of forged
documents, and it is easier for us to verify if an original document is
genuine, than a photocopied one. However, we recognise that some documents are
too valuable to submit with an application. In these cases applicants should
submit a good quality photocopy. Please don't send us credit cards, or original
airline tickets.
Will the Embassy accept documents which are not in English?
If an applicant wants to send us documents which are not in English, we advise
that they get them translated beforehand. It will help the Visa Officer to make
a decision if all supporting papers have been translated into English.
How long does an application take to process?
If an interview is not required, the passport should be returned to the
application centre within two-five working days. If we need to call an
applicant for interview, we aim to be able to provide appointments for
non-settlement applications within ten working days. Interviews for settlement
applications can take between ten and twelve weeks. Unfortunately there will
invariably be times - particularly at peak travel times - when we cannot reach
these standards with all applications. Applications are advised to provide
sufficient time for their applications to be processed and we recommended they
allow at least a month (for non-settlement) and 3 months (for settlement)
Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?
No, visas for the UK can be issued only at UK visa offices overseas. If your
friend/family member needs a visa, they must get it before they travel to the
UK. See Information for Sponsors for more information.
How do I sponsor an application?
If you wish to sponsor a visitor coming to the UK, you can find out more on the
Information for Sponsors page or in our Sponsors guidance note.
Do I need to send my visitor a sponsorship form?
You do not need to obtain a 'sponsorship declaration' from a solicitor or
Commissioner for Oaths. However, a letter from you detailing your occupation
and salary and, if you will be financing the visit, evidence of your ability to
do so, would be helpful.
How long will my visa be valid for?
The period for which your visa is valid is always shown on the visa placed in
your travel document. A standard visit visa is usually valid for six months,
but we also issue visit visas that are valid for 1, 2 or 5 years. All visit
visas can be used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a
maximum of 6 months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever
is shorter. If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and
how long you can stay can vary.
The visa will show the date from which it is valid. This is usually the date
that it is issued. However, if you do not plan to travel immediately, you can
ask for it to be post-dated for the start date to be deferred by up to three
months. You must tell the entry clearance officer this when you make your
application.
How much does a UK visa cost?
You must pay a fee, usually in local currency, to the visa office when you make
your application. A fee is charged to pay for the cost of processing your
application and it is not refundable. For up-to-date information on fees in
local currency, please use the Fees link on the left hand side of this page.
How long will my application take?
If no interview is required, your passport should be returned to the
application centre within 2-5 working days. If you need to attend interview we
aim to provide an interview within 15 working days.
Unfortunately there will invariably be times - particularly at peak travel
times- when we cannot reach these standards with all applications. Please help
us to provide you with the best possible service by allowing sufficient time
for your application to be processed. We recommend that you allow at least a
month (for non-settlement) and 3 months (for settlement).
Can fees be refunded?
Visa fees are non-refundable and any refund can only be made in the most
exceptional circumstances. Requests for a refund should be made in writing to:
Head of Visa Services, British Embassy, 14 Wireless Road ,Pathumwan, Bangkok
10330.
Where can I get more information?
Telephone VFS on +66 2 800 8050
The UK
Border Agency produces a range of Information leaflets, including
information on settling, studying and working in the UK. There is also
information on children and dependents joining you.
Visit any of the following websites:
British Embassy in Bangkok
UK Border Agency Visa Services
UK Border Agency Agency
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