Can I leave the UK and come back in, on a Tourist visa?
I am a United States citizen with a 6-month Tourist visa to the UK (a stamp in my passport). Additionally, in 2013 I spent about two months in the UK on tourist visas, split between two separate occasions (one month in April-May, and one in August-September). My passport was stamped in December of 2013, and I have two other stamps from those previous visits (so three total, now)
My original intended departure date from the UK was March 1, but that is no longer the case, as I plan to stay out the duration of my visa.
My question is, can I leave the UK (to travel in Europe for a week, for example) and come back in with this visa? Will they re-stamp me, or see that my existing stamp is still valid? Will it be a problem that I've been coming-and-going in the UK relatively frequently? Are there any other concerns I should be aware of?
Best Answer
Per the UK Home Office, as a US passport holder you don't need a visa to travel in the UK as a tourist. What you actually have is not a visa -- you're just given leave to stay for 6 months, and when you leave and return you'll be given another leave to stay when you pass immigration control.
For holders of passports for which visas are required, whether they need a new visa to re-enter the country depends on whether the original visa was single- or multiple-entry, as well as the validity period.
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How soon can I re enter the UK on tourist visa?
Applying for the UK Visitor Visa You can only apply for the UK Visitor Visa 3 months before you travel to the UK. Things you need to proof; You have to show that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.How many times can you enter the UK on a tourist visa?
You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. If you're under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.Can I leave and reenter the UK?
With Student permission, you can leave and re-enter the UK as often as you wish before the end date of your course. On re-entering, you will need to show the Border Force Officer some evidence, so you should carry all of the following in your hand luggage: Your passport, and your BRP if you have one.Can I enter multiple times on a UK visitor visa?
If you need a visa, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you arrive in the UK. Your visa will be multiple entry, so you can leave during breaks and return to the UK using the same visa as long as it is valid.GOODNEWS! Update on UK Visas. Changes to Visa Processing Times for Work, Study and Visit Visa
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