Can I reenter the UK on the visa-free regime?
My wife is a US citizen. She was given a 180-day private medical visa to the UK finishing on 24th August. She left the UK on 16th July after using 97 days of the visa. She wishes to reenter the UK on 23rd August making use of the 180-day visa-free entry scheme for US citizens, and leave on 26th August.
Is this possible? Will the private medical visa be cancelled and my wife allowed to enter under the 180-day visa-free scheme? (This would be fine.) Or, will she be obliged to enter on the private medical visa? (The treatment has been completed.) Additionally, will the fact that she has been entitled to be in the UK for 180 days on the private medical visa remove her right to visa-free entry?
Best Answer
This is addressed in Paragraph 20A of the rules, which says...
Leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom will usually lapse on the holder going to a country or territory outside the common travel area. However, under article 13 of the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000 such leave will not lapse where it was given for a period exceeding six months or where it was conferred by means of an entry clearance (other than a visit visa).
A private medical visa was a type of entry clearance, but it was also a type of visit visa. So your wife's leave will have lapsed unless her second visit is somehow related to her treatment (in which case she will need to show the IO a letter from the clinic).
It's ok to show the IO the entry clearance if he doesn't spot it, but she should present herself as a standard visitor.
Your references to the "180-day visa-free entry scheme" isn't quite right, it's a visa national scheme. Please read Under the VWP a visitor from USA can stay,6 months in any 12,when does the 12 months start?
Comments to your question have pointed out that the private medical treatment visa is now legacy. The current visitor rules (including those for Americans) are at Appendix V.
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Can I enter UK without visa?
Under the UK 's new points-based immigration system, you can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa. In most cases you can stay for up to 6 months. You may participate in a wide range of activities including business-related activities such as meetings, events and conferences.Which countries can enter UK without visa?
Nationals of countries/territories who do not need a visa to enter the UK: All EU countries, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, ...Can a visitor enter UK?
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.Can I enter UK with visa?
You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you're from. Check if you need a visa to come to the UK.Visa Free Countries Any National Can Travel To With A Valid Uk Visa
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