New immigration rules for UK visitors of more than six months

From 13 November 2005, all nationals from non-EEA member states as listed below who wish to come to the UK for more than six months will need to obtain an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling.

The entry clearance, which will cost £85.00 will enable the traveller to stay for the full period without having to apply for a residence permit unless they wish to change or extend their stay.

The new entry clearance arrangements have been introduced in stages over a two year period. The first stage came into force on 13 November 2003 and involved ten nationalities (Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (but not BN(O)s), Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and United States.)

British Nationals (Overseas) and other categories of British nationals without the right of abode in the UK will continue to be able to travel without entry clearance and apply on arrival.

As with the first phase, there will be a "grace period" which will operate until 13 January 2006 during which time any passenger arriving at a UK port who qualifies for entry but who does not have the necessary entry clearance will be admitted.

The changes are being made because EU member states have agreed that documents giving permission to stay in any EU territory should be in a common format. The UK already issues common format residence permits (UKRP) to those in the UK applying for permission to stay. This change will make it easier and more convenient for travellers to be issued with a common format document.

List of countries affected: