The International Office
Advice online
Travel abroad & re-admission to the UK
This guidance applies to non-EEA nationals only
Do I need a visa for the country I am travelling to?
Visas are issued by the embassy of the country that you wish to visit. You will need to contact the embassy to see whether you require one or not. You can do this by entering the website of the embassy concerned or by visiting http://www.embassyworld.com
If you do require a visa you should start making visa enquiries at the relevant embassy as early as possible, as 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.
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, 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 and Sweden.
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 from between embassies and you will find a list of documents required on your application form for the relevant embassy. Generally you will need:
- Photographs
- Completed application form
- Passport
- Proof of purpose of the visit. Invitation letter from friends, conference organisers plus bookings and reservations for accommodation or tours.
- 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
- Visa fee
- 'To Whom it may Concern' letter, issued by the Registry Enquiries Office, Wessex House 2.12c, to prove that you are a student of the University.You can get this letter by going to Registration-On-Line. Please allow 6 working days for this.
- Medical Insurance
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:
- the last time you were given permission to stay in the UK it was for a period of more than six months; and
- 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
- 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:
- your passport or travel document; and
- an up to date letter of registration from the Registry Enquiries Office, Wessex House 2.12c, confirming that you are still a full-time student enrolled on a course at a recognised institution. You can get this letter by going to Registration-On-Line. Please allow 6 working days for this, and
- evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependants (eg your last three months of bank statements, or a letter from your sponsor confirming that they are continuing to sponsor you).
If asked, you will also have to satisfy the immigration officer that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.