Tourism & short stay

Current policies in this category for United Kingdom. Each policy page holds the rules in force today plus every recorded version and before/after comparison.

United Kingdom overview

Policies in this category

Tourism & short stay

UK EU Settlement Scheme Updated to Allow Certain Children and Primary Carers to Retain Pre-Settled Status for Education

Applicants wishing to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) using a paper application form must now first contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre (EUSRC) to obtain the form. Paper applications can only be made after receiving confirmation from the EUSRC. All paper application forms and supporting documents must be sent to the Home Office by post to EU Settlement Scheme, PO Box 2076, Liverpool L69 3PG. Email submissions for applications are no longer permitted unless specifically instructed by the Resolution Centre. When sending by post, applicants must write their full name on the outside of the envelope and include a covering note with their full name, address, date of birth, and a list of enclosed documents. Recorded delivery is recommended.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom1 versionUpdated 8 Oct 2026

Tourism & short stay

UK Visas and Immigration Clarifies Travel Restriction Before Visa Approval

UKVI has added a specific clarification stating that applicants should not book travel to the UK until they have received a decision on their visa. The guidance also states that UKVI will not reimburse travel costs or other expenses if an application is refused or takes longer than expected. The update does not otherwise change the application process. Applicants must continue to submit the required application, pay the relevant fee and healthcare surcharge where applicable, provide required biometrics and identity documents, and meet the requirements of their particular immigration route.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom2 versionsUpdated 9 Sept 2026

Tourism & short stay

Guidance on Government Travel to the UK Updated, Including Diplomatic Visa Arrangement for India and 'Other Diplomatic T

An "Employee, official or representative of a recognised international organisation" is now explicitly listed as a category for individuals travelling to the UK for government purposes. These individuals may receive certain rights and exemptions, including exemption from UK immigration control, based on specific agreements between the international organisation and the UK government.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom1 versionUpdated 12 Aug 2026

Recent changes in this category

United KingdomPermanent ResidenceEffectiveEffective 8 Oct 2026

UK EU Settlement Scheme Updated to Allow Certain Children and Primary Carers to Retain Pre-Settled Status for Education

What changed

On 8 October 2026, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) updated its guidance for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This amendment permits certain children, along with their primary carers, to retain their pre-settled status to ensure they can complete their education within the UK. The change is effective immediately and reflects updates to the broader Immigration Rules, providing continuity for specific educational circumstances under the EUSS.

Published 8 Oct 2026Effective 8 Oct 2026UK Visas and Immigration β€” News & communications

United KingdomEntry RulesPublishedEffective 9 Sept 2026

UKVI Clarifies Travel Restriction Before Visa Approval for Overseas Applicants

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) updated its guidance called 'Living in the UK: applying from overseas' on 9 September 2026. The update clearly states that applicants must not travel to the UK before their visa application is approved. This is a vital rule for all overseas visa applicants to the UK.

Published 9 Sept 2026Effective 9 Sept 2026UK Visas and Immigration β€” News & communications

United KingdomProcessing TimesEffectiveEffective 9 Sept 2026

UK Visas and Immigration Clarifies Travel Restrictions and Reimbursement Policy for Visa Applicants

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) changed its advice called 'Visa processing times: applications outside the UK' on 9 September 2026. The new advice tells visa applicants not to book travel to the UK until they have a decision on their application. UKVI also confirmed it will not pay back any travel costs or expenses if an application is refused or is delayed.

Published 9 Sept 2026Effective 9 Sept 2026UK Visas and Immigration β€” News & communications

United KingdomVisitor VisasEffectiveEffective 26 Aug 2026

Guidance on Government Travel to the UK Updated, Including Diplomatic Visa Arrangement for India and 'Other Diplomatic Travel' Section

What changed

From 26 August 2026, the UK government's travel advice for official visitors has changed. It now includes a specific group: employees, officials, or representatives of recognised international organisations. These individuals might not need to follow UK immigration rules, based on agreements with the UK government. At the same time, the advice for 'Other diplomatic travel' is now clearer. People whose travel reasons are not clearly listed, even if they have diplomatic passports, must ask for permission to enter the UK. They usually need a Standard Visitor visa if they are not exempt.

Published 12 Aug 2026Effective 26 Aug 2026UK Visas and Immigration β€” News & communications