Can I get a UK Standard Visitor Visa at the border?
I'm a musician, and I'll be traveling to the UK in February 2019 to perform. I've done this previously (in 2018) on a Performer Visa. It looks like the regulations have since changed though. While I applied for my Performer Visa ahead of time, it was possible to just show up at the border with the necessary documentation and effectively apply right there. What I see now is that the Performer Visa has been rolled into the Standard Visitor Visa and that, so far as I can tell, one must apply for the SVV ahead of time. Does anyone know if you can get an SVV at the border?
I'll be traveling on a USA passport.
Best Answer
This UK Government page confirms that the Performer Visa is no longer available, and has been subsumed into the SVV. The same page also describes how to apply for the SVV via a link to another UK webpage. There is no mention of being able to secure the SVV on arrival. Both pages above say the processing time is about three weeks.
I conclude that the SVV is not available at entry.
Whether you need a visa at all will depend on your personal history, and (as Hanky Panky comments above) on what passport(s) you hold.
Pictures about "Can I get a UK Standard Visitor Visa at the border?"
Can you apply for a visitor visa from inside the UK?
If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. You must meet the eligibility requirements and only do permitted activities.How long does it take to get UK standard visitor visa?
Visit the UK Standard visitor visa applications are currently taking on average 6 weeks to process.Can I get a UK visa during Covid?
You can apply for a visit visa from any UK VAC . You should apply for all other UK visas from the country you're living in. If your VAC is closed due to coronavirus restrictions, you can apply online and select a VAC in another country worldwide to submit your application and biometrics.Can I apply for a UK visa from within the UK?
The immigration rules do not allow this. However during the Covid pandemic the Home Office introduced a temporary policy allowing applications to be made from within the UK where there is a gap of more than 28 days between the end date of your current Student visa and your new course start date.UPDATED - How to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa? | SIMPLE UK LAWS
More answers regarding can I get a UK Standard Visitor Visa at the border?
Answer 2
You may be able to perform on a Standard visitor visa (which you cannot get at the border), but there are strict guidelines on how and what. At page 3:
The Visit (standard) route is open to:
? Entertainers, artists and musicians who want to:
– give performances as individuals or as part of a group;
– take part in competitions or auditions;
– make personal appearances and take part in promotional activities;
– attend workshops and give talks about their work;
– take part in one or more cultural events or festivals on the list of permit free festivals in Appendix 5 to Appendix V: Immigration Rules for Visitors.
If that doesn't fit, the category would be Tier 5 Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa.
You must apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Creative and sporting) visa if:
- you’ve been offered work in the UK as a sports person or creative worker
- you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
- you meet the other eligibility requirements
You’ll still need to apply for this visa if you’re travelling to the UK from the Republic of Ireland and you’re from outside the EEA and Switzerland.
A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industry, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: cottonbro, Nicola Barts, Nicola Barts, Nicola Barts