If you are not a British citizen or a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, you may need an entry clearance before you travel to the UK. People from certain countries, known as visa nationals, need a visa to enter the UK for any reason. Certain other categories of travellers to the UK may need entry clearance only for some reasons: for example to live as the wife, husband or civil partner of a British citizen.

Entry clearance is the application process for visa nationals who wish to travel to the United Kingdom and for non - visa nationals who intend a longer stay or to settle in the UK. The entry clearance certificate, more commonly called a visa, is put into your passport or travel document.

An Entry Clearance (visa) Officer will decide if you qualify for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Entry Clearance Officers work according to the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules.

If you have a valid UK visa you will not normally be refused entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information, presented false documentation or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa. The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:

• the purpose of your travel;
• how long you can stay in the UK; and
• the latest date that you can enter the UK

Normally, you can enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.

Visit the Do I need a visa page on the UK Border Agency website for up to date information.