Return ticket and bank statements: are these the most important criterion for passing the UK border check? How to prepare well in advance?

Return ticket and bank statements: are these the most important criterion for passing the UK border check? How to prepare well in advance? - Woman correcting information in paper with pen

For a visa-requiring national who has obtained UK visa and is on an 8-day trip to the UK, what are the most important documents and criteria that can speed up the border control?

Is it true that those who have already obtained a visa (entry clearance), even though visa-requiring nationals in the first place, will have a less formal and less detailed interview at the border upon entry to the UK?

In general, what are the most important things that the IO would like to see?

  • Paid return ticket
  • Paid hotel booking
  • Bank statements

Are these enough?



Best Answer

Bank statements will be overkill. IOs know that all of the documentation for your situation at home has already been scrutinized before the visa was issued, and they don't have time to start second-guessing that.

The single most important factor to smoothen the landing interview as a visa-bearing tourist is to act and look like a tourist. If you can explain with confidence when and how you're going to leave, where you're staying, how you will get there, what your plans for the visit are, and so forth, most of the potential trouble is already overcome.

Tourists will generally be expected to have some paperwork with them regarding their return tickets, accommodation bookings, and so forth. There's no need for accommodation to be pre-paid if you have the means to pay on arrival; either cash or an international credit card will do.

If your purpose is something else than tourism, having your story straight is still the most important factor. In that case, it may or may not be natural for you to have something that documents your purpose -- but that will depend on what that purpose is.




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Do you need a return ticket when entering UK?

A return ticket is not mandatory to enter the UK. Sufficient funds is an elastic concept - there is no set figure so don't ask. It will be what the immigration guy thinks you will need for your stay having asked you what you are doing, where you are staying etc.

What tests are required when returning to UK?

From 4am, Tuesday 7 December all people aged 12 years and over must also take a PCR or LFD COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad. People who qualify as fully vaccinated must quarantine and take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after they arrive in England. Lateral flow tests will not be accepted.

Which bank statement is required for UK visa?

You must submit 6 months of bank statements that clearly show your monthly salary and financial commitments. There must not be any large deposits of cash other than your salary. Total savings must be at least twice your proposed UK trip expenses.

Does UK check travel history?

Yes. Travel history is an important factor in the UK visa decision. Travel history shows that the applicant is a genuine visitor and has complied with the immigration laws of the countries previously visited. Previous travel to the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Schengen countries is extremely important.



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Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Anete Lusina, Ono Kosuki, Torsten Dettlaff, Karolina Grabowska