Can I visit the UK as a tourist before my Student Visa starts?

Can I visit the UK as a tourist before my Student Visa starts? - Back view of unrecognizable man walking towards ancient monument Great Sphinx of Giza

I planned a trip to Europe the month before my student visa starts but wanted to stop in the UK for 2 weeks before I continue traveling through Europe. Would I be allowed to enter the UK as a tourist for 2 weeks, leave the UK to go to France (etc.) and the enter later on my Student Visa?



Best Answer

This is permitted. However, if you are required to speak to a border officer when you arrive, they may be concerned that you are intending to start your studies early. You should bring with you an itinerary for your travels, and your tickets to France. In general, proof of onward travel isn't required when entering the UK as a visitor, but in your case it would be helpful, since the border officer might want some evidence that you will leave before starting your studies. There's no need to present this information unless you are asked for it.




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Can I enter the UK before my student visa starts?

You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either: up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less. up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months.

How many days before we can travel to UK on student visa?

Up to one week before if your course lasts six months or fewer. Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months. Students offered a place in a short-term course in the UK, such as an English language course or training course. Three months before your date of travel to the UK.

Can I travel to the UK while waiting for a visa?

Because your pending immigration application will be treated as withdrawn, you will be refused entry to the UK unless you are allowed to re-enter the UK with a different type of leave (i.e. because you have made another immigration application before returning to the UK) or your existing leave has not yet expired and ...

Can I travel a day before my visa starts?

No you can't travel before the visa date, you will waste money cos you can book the ticket but at the time of check in , the counter person will check your passport and visa, if dates not matching they won't allow you to board and won't issue you a boarding pass. Your ticket money will go waste.



Update on uk visa application process




More answers regarding can I visit the UK as a tourist before my Student Visa starts?

Answer 2

Yes. There’s nothing in the rules forbidding what you intend doing.

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