You will need:

• a visa application form (see below) which you have filled in correctly
• your passport or travel document
• one recent, passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be:
  • taken against a light coloured background
  • clear and of good quality and not framed or backed
  • printed on normal photographic paper, and
  • full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons
    Please note that we may not accept photographs which do not meet these specifications.
• the visa fee. This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying
• any supporting documents relevant to your application as suggested in the guidance notes (see Application forms and guidance)

Please make sure that:

• you have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form(s)
• signed and dated the form(s) where asked
• any supporting documents you show are originals or attested copies
• you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel, unless you are applying for settlement

Generally, you should apply for an entry clearance at the UK Mission in the country where you are normally and legally resident. This is particularly important if you are applying to come to stay in the UK for a long time, or for settlement. If you are staying only temporarily in the country where you apply, the visa office may not accept your application, or there may be a long delay before a decision on your application is made.

Some missions accept applications by post. The Do I Need a Visa? questionnaire should tell you which missions accept postal applications.

If you must travel a long distance to the visa office, contact us before you start your journey for any important information that may affect you.