United Kingdom business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Visa Policy of The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has a visa policy designed by His Majesty’s government to regulate the entry and exit of foreigners. The visa requirements of visitors to the UK, Crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, or even those seeking to work or study in any of these regions, are determined based on the visa policy. The body responsible for all aspects of border control and immigration is the Home Office which derives its authority from the Immigration Act (1971).

The Immigration Act (1971) is the basic law that regulates immigration in the UK. This law empowers the SSHD to make rules and regulate the entry and stay of foreigners in the UK. It also designates categories of visitors based on their nationality, education, skill, level, etc. These rules are subject to frequent changes, so travelers must study them before applying or coming to the UK.

The visa policy also covers the Common Travel Area, which the United Kingdom shares with the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, and shares some similarities with the visa laws of British Overseas Territories. Before the 31st of January 2020, citizens from European Union countries were allowed freedom of entry and exit from the UK but all that changed after Brexit when the UK left the European Union. Now persons of EU nationality can still enter the UK visa-free, but they must apply for and secure an Electronic Travel Authorization.

Lastly, you should know that the visa policy of the UK categorizes foreign nationals into two broad groups; Visa Exempt visitors and non-visa-exempt visitors. Those from visa-exempt countries do not require visas to enter the UK but an entry permit which may be an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or an Electronic Visa Waiver (ETW). As for nationals in the non-visa-exempt group, they need visas to enter the UK.

Key Information About UK Online Travel Documents

Before traveling to the United Kingdom in an online entry pass, you should take note of the following

Be Sure Of Your Eligibility: Always be certain of your eligibility before submitting your. ETAs are for persons from selected visa free countries while EVW is strictly for persons from Gulf countries. If you submit your application despite being ineligible, your application will be denied.

Avoid Illegal Routes: There are dozens of illegal routes and into the UK especially from the Southern Coast. You are advised to avoid these routes because they are hazardous and dangerous. Only use approved routes to enter the UK for your own safety.

Use The Same Passport: Always use the same Passport you used for the application, not a different one. The UK border control agents will demand to see your visa before letting you in; since what you have is an ETA or EVW they will generate it using the number on your passport. If you travel with a different passport you will not be allowed into the country. If your passport will soon expire, apply for a new one before submitting your application for ETA or EVW.

Extra Documentation For Minors: The UK government has very strict regulations for traveling minors and they have zero tolerance for child trafficking. Do not be surprised if you are asked many questions at the entry port or asked to provide documents to prove that the child you are traveling with is yours or you are their legal guardian. To prove legal guardianship you must show a parental consent form duly notarized and signed by the child's parents. If the child is yours, you must provide valid birth certificates for you and the child.

Don't Overstay: Never stay beyond the maximum days allowed under the ETA and EVW arrangements.  ETA and EVW holders can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 6 months at a time but spending a day longer will be treated as a violation. There are different fines and sanctions for illegal immigrants so be conscious of time.

Don't Work: You are not allowed to work in the UK with an ETA or EVW. Only persons with work visas are allowed to work.  Business visitors are free to transact business during their time in the country but cannot engage in any Employment that will earn them direct pay.

These are important Caveats to bear in mind as you prepare for your trip to the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom Visa Online – Get your United Kingdom E Visa with VisaHQ

Do you have plans to travel to United Kingdom? If you do, you will need a visa or an entry permit to enter the country, and you can get an online visa by submitting your application through VisaHQ.

How to obtain an ETA/ EVW with VisaHQ?

Obtaining your Electronic Travel Authorization or Electronic Visa Waiver via VisaHQ has always been challenging. We have made the process seamless, and you can complete the application from the comfort of your home. All you need is to follow these simple steps highlighted below.

Fill out The Form: The first phase is to complete the application form on VisaHQ and choose the online travel permit you want (ETA or EVW). This will take only a few minutes, but please be careful with your entries and cross-check for errors.

Upload & Attach The Necessary Documents: You must attach the required documents, including your valid passport and any other documents before you can apply. Once you are done, submit the form, and this action will trigger a confirmation notification sent to your email.

Get Your ETA/EVW: Your ETA or EVW will be forwarded to your inbox after the UK Home Office approves it— endeavor to print it out and travel with the copy for reference and passport validation.

As you can see, our application process is relatively straightforward and will only take a few minutes of your time. We also have support staff to help you with any difficulties or answer your inquiries. So please navigate to the application page now or contact our customer representatives for support.

Why Use VisaHQ?

For two decades, VisaHQ has been the number one online platform for online visas, and we are proud of the first-class service we render our clients. Suppose you are looking to visit the UK for a short visit and would need an Electronic Travel Authorization or Electronic Visa Waiver (depending on your nationality). In that case, there are more than enough reasons to do so through VisaHQ. 

Here is why you should use VisaHQ

• We use encrypted software to protect your personal information and documents.
• We offer professional services tailored to meet your needs
• We have been in business since 2003 and going strong
• 100% positive user experience with our website and navigation tools
• The seamless application process for online visa applications
• Round-the-clock customer support
• We offer application status tracking so you know when yours has been approved
• Only digital uploads, so there is no need to handle physical copies of your documents

Traveling to the UK as a visa-exempt visitor is made easy with VisaHQ. Our service is designed to make your travel adventure as stress-free as possible. Our representatives will also be on hand to answer your question and provide extra support if necessary.