UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Decides visa, settlement and citizenship applications and manages eVisas for people coming to or living in the UK.
Home » Visas and immigration » Check if you need a UK visa
Check if you need a UK visa
The official tool tells you whether you need a visa, an ETA or nothing, based on your nationality and the reason for your trip or move.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: check if you need a UK visa www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: all visas and immigration www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: family visas www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: Student visa www.gov.uk/student-visa | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Answer the questions in the official visa checker.
- If you are moving to live or work, you will almost always need a visa (work, family, student...).
- Apply only through GOV.UK. The fee and the immigration health surcharge are paid there.
What you need
- Your passport or travel document: the checker asks for your nationality as shown on it.
- The reason for your trip and how long you plan to stay.
- If you are joining a partner or relative: their UK immigration status.
Common mistakes
- Coming as a visitor and planning to stay: visitor permission does not let you live or work here.
- Forgetting the transit question: if you pass through UK border control on the way somewhere else, you may still need a visa or ETA.
More in Visas and immigration
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test for visa applicants
- Immigration health surcharge (IHS)
- eVisa: view and prove your immigration status
- Update your UKVI account details
- Graduate visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Global Talent visa
- Claim asylum in the UK
- EU Settlement Scheme
- Indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
- Become a British citizen