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| Red Tape Visas; entry clearance; leave to enter Non-British/EEA (European Economic Area) nationals require leave to enter the UK and may require entry clearance (a visa) before travelling, depending on the reason for coming to the UK. Certain nationals, known as ‘visa nationals’, require a visa for all travel to the UK. You can apply for a visit visa from any UK visa issuing office overseas. Applications for other types of entry clearance should be made at the visa office in the country in which the applicant is normally and legally resident. A visa is usually valid for unlimited entries to the UK up to its expiry date. From 14 January 2006, all nationals of non-EEA member states who are travelling to the UK and intend to stay in the country for more than six months will require entry clearance. Entry clearance must be obtained before travelling to the UK. On arrival in the UK, non-visa nationals will need to satisfy an immigration officer that they qualify for entry under the Immigration Rules, including Work Permit holders. Those who hold a valid UK visa will not normally experience any difficulties on arrival at a UK port of entry, providing:
Visa requirements depend on individual circumstances – it is essential to check all requirements before planning a visit. The UK Visas website at www.ukvisas.gov.uk provides information on:
Guidance Notes are also available online for specific circumstances. The notes available include:
Diplomatic Service Procedures are the instructions that guide Entry Clearance Officers when handling visa applications and lay out the requirements for each type of visa. These are available at Visas indicate:
Applying for Visas Overseas visitors generally have to apply to the Entry Clearance Officer at the local British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission (UK Mission) in the country of residence. www.ukvisas.gov.uk has web links to British offices abroad. Applicants should apply for entry clearance at the UK Mission in the country where they are normally resident. If the person is only a temporary resident in the country in which they make the application, the UK visa office may reject the application or there may be a long delay before a decision is made. If the applicant needs to travel far to get to their nearest UK Mission it is advisable to contact the Mission in advance to ensure that he/she has all the necessary documentation with them. If required to attend an interview, the ECO will notify the applicant, either on the same day or within ten days. This may vary at each Mission. Since August 2003 new visa application forms have been in use replacing the old IM2 forms. All forms are available from overseas UK Missions that offer a visa service or from www.ukvisas.gov.uk There are four different types of visa application form:
The relevant form for a visiting international artist (who doesn’t intend to settle in the country) is the form VAF1. This form applies to Work Permit holders and those with employment not requiring a Work Permit. On receipt of the visa, the artist should check that all personal details, travel and date information are correct. A visa can be post-dated for up to three months. Host venues, festivals, agents and promoters in the UK may help visa applicants by writing to the relevant British Embassy or Consulate in advance of the individual’s application enclosing a copy of the invitation to the artist. You should also include information on the employment/engagements planned for the visit.
Entry Clearance Fees Details of required fees are listed at www.ukvisas.gov.uk and are payable in local currency. The applicant can ask at their local UK Mission for details. Fees that were correct at time of printing: Visiting (Six months or under) £63 Visa Refusal UK Visas states that almost 90% of applicants worldwide receive the visa they have applied for. If refused, a written explanation is given at the time. In some cases it is possible to appeal – this is explained at the time of refusal as is the appeal procedure. If previously refused a visa, an artist can apply again at any time, but may be refused again if reasons/circumstances are unchanged. There is no charge for an appeal against the refusal of a visa. The notice of appeal must be completed and returned within 28 days of receipt. Leave to Enter the UK The final decision regarding any individual’s entry into the UK is made at the port of entry by an immigration officer. An immigration officer is able to admit a person for a limited period and he/she can also impose conditions restricting or prohibiting employment in the UK. Any restrictions or time limits will be provided in writing and endorsed by the immigration officer in the person’s passport. For information about the ways in which immigration rules are applied, contact theBorder and Immigration Agency . The contact details for its main Public Enquiry Office (PEO) can be found on page 16. The BIA also maintains Public Enquiry Offices in Corydon, Birmingham, Liverpool and Glasgow. Admission at all four offices is by appointment only through a central telephone number: 0870 606 7766 Croydon Public Enquiry Office Birmingham Public Enquiry Office Liverpool Public Enquiry Office Glasgow Public Enquiry Office IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!! The Home Office is undertaking a public consultation regarding proposed changes to visitor visas for those entering the UK. This may include changes in the regulation regarding those entering the UK to attend cultural events including international producers and curators. If you would like to respond to the consultation please click to the link below. The deadline for responses is 10 March 2008. More information can be found at: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/proposalstostrengthenvisitorvisa
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Contents Contracts and employment - the legal aspects Artist’s contracts and written agreements Visas; entry clearance; leave to enter Police registration; CRB checks Insurance and medical services Fees for artists and performers Transporting equipment and ATA carnets Passenger airport security in the UK National Campaign for the Arts briefing paper: Changes to immigration policy and pricing National Campaign for the Arts briefing paper: Changes to immigration policy and pricing - June 2008
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