Click to read the terms of our advice service.
Watch the Home Office's video on 'How to apply for a UK ETA'
Non-visa nationals entering the UK as a visitor
If your nationality is not on the visa national list, you are considered a non-visa national and you will not need to apply for a visitor visa before you travel. This includes EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
If your nationality is on that list, you must apply for your visa in advance.
Non-visa nationals do still need immigration permission to come to the UK and you will be entering as a visitor when you pass through border control. You may be asked questions at the border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do. Note that work is prohibited (with the exception of students on medical electives) and you cannot extend your stay past 6 months.
Non-visa nationals can choose to apply in advance instead and you may wish to do so if you have previously been refused entry to the UK.
Before you travel
You do not need to apply for a visa, but you may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This depends on your nationality and when you are travelling to the UK. Check here to see if your nationality is on the list and when you need to apply, summarised below.
| Who needs to apply for an ETA before travelling? | |
|---|---|
| From now | Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates |
| Travel on or after 8 January 2025 - you can apply from 27 November 2024 |
Except Europeans, anyone considered a non-visa national. Check your nationality here: Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK |
| Travel on or after 2 April 2025 - you can apply from 5 March 2025 |
Everyone considered a non-visa national, including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Check your nationality here: Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK |
You do not need to make any sort of visa application in advance but you should carry the following documents in your hand luggage in case you are asked to present them at Border Control:
- University of Exeter Visitor visa letter: The letter will be provided by the following team:
- One Semester Study Abroad students - Study Abroad team. This is your acceptance letter from the Inbound team.
- PhD students attending viva - the Doctoral College.
- Students returning for January or May exams - your Hub.
- Visiting Postgraduate Research students - the CAS team. You will also need a letter from your home university confirming the details of your programme of study in your country.
- International Summer School students - International Summer School team.
- ATAS certificate: Only required for certain science-related postgraduate subject areas – it will be stated on your offer letter. You must apply for your ATAS certificate at least 4-6 weeks before you plan to travel to the UK. You cannot start your study at Exeter without it. You should familiarise yourself with our in-depth ATAS information before you apply.
- Bank statement: We recommend that you pack a recent bank statement or other proof of funding (for example a letter confirming that your expenses are covered) in case the Border Force Officer wishes to see it, but it is rare that this is requested.
Entering the UK
If your nationality qualifies to enter via an eGate at an airport, you can join that queue and you will not see a Border Force Officer. You will scan your passport and will automatically be classed as entering the UK as a Visitor. Your passport will not be stamped.*
If your nationality does not allow you to enter via the eGate or these are not available at your port of entry, you will need to join the queue to see a UK Border Force Officer. On reaching the UK Border Force Officer, you will need to present your passport. You may also be asked to present the documents listed above. Your passport may be stamped with a date stamp but this is not essential.*
*You should keep evidence of your travel to the UK (e.g. boarding pass or flight, train or ferry ticket) as this will need to be presented to the University when you register on your programme to confirm the date your immigration permission starts.
You will go through one of the above immigration processes regardless of the way in which you enter the UK, including travel by air, ferry, train or car.
Travelling via the Republic of Ireland e.g. Dublin
If you are travelling via the Republic of Ireland, you may want to consider applying for a Visitor visa in advance. The Republic of Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area with the UK (note that Northern Ireland is separate and is a part of the UK). If you enter the UK via Ireland, you will receive an Irish immigration entry stamp and you are unlikely to go through immigration control again between Ireland and the UK.
Your Irish entry stamp is valid only for 3 months, and you may need to leave the UK and re-enter at a UK port if you need more time for your studies.
University registration
On arrival at the University, you will need to present your passport at International Student Clearance before you can register. You will also need to present evidence of your travel to the UK, for example the stamp in your passport or your boarding pass or flight, train or ferry ticket. You will receive instructions on where to go for this before you arrive.
Travelling during your studies
You are permitted to travel in and out of the UK during the 6 months after you first entered the UK, but you should ensure you do not exceed the 6 month period. Once you have registered, you will be able to generate a Student Status Letter which you can carry with you to evidence your course dates when you travel.
Travelling before/after your studies
As long as your total time in the UK is less than 6 months, it is fine to come to the UK as a tourist before the start of your studies or remain as a tourist after you finish your course.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact the trained immigration advisers in International Student Advice.