What documents do I need to enter the United Kingdom as a general visitor?
This page explains what documents you should have when coming to the United Kingdom as a general visitor.
They are:
- a letter from your employer granting leave of absence from your job for a specified period. The letter should also say how long you have been employed by that employer, in what job(s) and should indicate when you are expected back at work;
- if you are self-employed, evidence of your business activities and financial standing;
- evidence of any property you own in your home country;
- if you are a student, a letter from your school or college stating which course you are on, its start and finish dates and the dates of the holiday period during which you intend to visit the United Kingdom;
- it will also help if you can show that you have family or social ties and responsibilities to return to;
- evidence of any firm travel plans you have made;
- bank statements going back over a period of several months; and
- evidence of savings available to you.
You should check before you travel to see if you need a visa. If you regularly visit the United Kingdom for business you can apply for a multiple-entry visa as a visitor that is valid for two, five or 10 years. For more information on visas see the visa services website.