-Student Services

Current Students

Contacts

 

Student Services Helpdesk

 

 

Visa advice: Non-UK visas

Please send enquiries through our online Student Services Helpdesk. You will need to:

An adviser will reply with further information or to make an appointment.

We can:

We can't:

________________________________________________________________

General advice

Do I need a visa for the country I am travelling to?

Visas are issued by the UK embassy or consulate of the country that you wish to visit. You will need to check the embassy's website or contact the embassy to see whether you require a visa.

If you do require a visa you should start making visa enquiries at the relevant embassy as early as possible. The application process can be lengthy. The average processing time is three weeks but this can often be longer during busy vacation periods, for example, Christmas, Easter and the summer. It is also important to note that most embassies require you to have 3-6 months visa/leave to remain in the UK still remaining in your passport at the end of your trip.

To apply for a visa you will need an application form. Most embassies now have application forms that can be downloaded from their website. It is important to note that application procedures differ between embassies. Some embassies allow you to post applications to them whilst others require you to visit the embassy in London in person. If the embassy does require you to go in person, you will need to arrive around 2 hours before the embassy opening time as many embassies have a limit on the maximum number of applications which they will accept in one day. You will usually be required to pay a fee for the visa. The cost of the visa and the processing time also varies between embassies.

Which visa do I need?

This will depend on your purpose for travelling - each country will have different visa categories depending on whether you are going to work, study or visit.

If you are going to work or study, your host organisation may be able to advise you about which visa you will need. The embassy or consulate's website will also be able to help.

If you are unsure, contact the International Student Advice Team using the Student Services Helpdesk.

The Schengen Agreement

If you plan to travel to more than one of the countries listed below and you are travelling for less than three months as a tourist (not working), the Schengen Agreement allows you to use one visa to enter all of the signatory states. These are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

You should apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy of the country which:
(a) you will spend the longest amount of time in (your main destination), or
(b) you will visit first, if you will be spending about the same amount of time in each Schengen country that you visit.

What Documents will I need to provide?

Documents you need to provide can also differ between embassies and you will find a list of documents required on your application form for the relevant embassy. Generally you will need:

  1. Photographs
  2. Completed application form (available on the embassy's website)
  3. Passport
  4. Proof of purpose of the visit. Invitation letter from friends, conference organisers, job offers, plus bookings and reservations for accommodation or tours
  5. Evidence of sufficient finances to complete your trip. You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. This can be in the form of recent bank statements etc. Cash is not accepted as proof
  6. Visa fee
  7. 'To Whom it may Concern' letter, to prove that you are a student of the University, can be collected from 4W Student Services Centre. You can get this letter by going to Registration-On-Line. Please allow 6 working days for this.
  8. Medical Insurance (this can be obtained when purchasing travel insurance. Both Endsleigh and the Post Office offer travel insurance for international students in the UK).

Re-entering the UK

Do you need to seek advice about re-entering the UK after your trip? There is no need to seek advice if you meet the following 3 requirements:

  1. the last time you were given permission to stay in the UK it was for a period of more than six months; and
  2. you will re-enter the UK before the validity of that entry clearance runs out (often 3 or 6 months before the expiry date); and
  3. your circumstances have not changed since you got that stamp or entered the UK with the entry clearance.

If you do not meet the 3 requirements, please seek advice from the International Student Adviser before travelling outside the UK.

ALL students should carry the following documentation in their hand luggage when returning to the UK:

If asked, you will also have to satisfy the immigration officer that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.