Travelling to the UK with a visa

Check your visa documents are correct before travel to the UK. Documents differ depending on visa type and length. Visa holders (6 months+) need to have access to a UKVI online account to send us a eVisa share code.

UKVI News - Future visa document change

Student visa application made outside the UK (entry clearance):

  • UKVI will change the visa process for main student applicants starting mid-July 2025. These applicants will receive a visa decision email and online eVisa access, without a visa vignette (student visas 6 months+).
  • Student dependants will continue to receive a visa vignette in addition to the email and eVisa access (student visas 6 months+). They must leave their passport at the VAC during processing and collect documents after the decision.

Important Student visa document information

Pre-sessional Student visa documents:

  • Student visa longer than 6 months (combined CAS): 

A UKVI visa decision letter is issued by email to the applicant with information on how to get access to an online eVisa account. You should try to set up the online evisa account before travel. Send us your share code before your international check-in appointment.

  • Student visa length of 6 months or less (single CAS): 

Only a visa vignette sticker is issued in the passport confirming visa validity dates and details (entry clearance). No visa decision letter is issued with no access to an online eVisa account

Pre-sessional CAS guidance:

Combined CAS will only be issued to eligible students. For a combined CAS (pre-sessional + degree), the only condition allowed on your offer is the English language requirement. 

Otherwise, a single CAS would be issued for the pre-sessional course only.


International students studying in the UK for over 6 months need to get a Student visa (entry clearance). A CAS is required, and you must meet all visa requirements by date of application, which vary based on where you can apply from. Remember, you cannot use Visitor permission for a programme of study that is longer than 6 months.

You will need to make a student visa application from your country of nationality or country of legal/ordinary residence and wait for a visa decision. 

If successful, you can travel to the UK from your Student visa start date and get ready for your studies. 

You should create an online UKVI account to get access to your eVisa record. Your visa decision will give you instructions on how to do this. You must check your visa decision and online eVisa record details are shown correctly with no errors. 

Please note, if you try to enter the UK before your Student visa start date, you won't be able to study and:

  • You will be required to leave the UK (you must leave the Common Travel Area (CTA), which includes Ireland)
  • You will need to re-enter the UK on or after your Student visa start date to activate your Student permission

Check what visa you need


Visa holders (6 months+) need to send us a eVisa share code

Travel from your visa start date and not before

Check your visa documents before travel to the UK (visa vignette sticker or visa decision/eVisa)

When you arrive at a UK port or airport, you may meet with an immigration officer or be able to use a eGate. An officer or the automated eGate will check your passport and immigration/visa permission before allowing entry to the UK.  

Remember, you can only travel to the UK from the visa start date on your visa vignette sticker or your visa decision letter/eVisa. 

Depending on your visa route, you may be given either:

  • a sticker (called a vignette) that goes in your passport - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre
  • visa decision letter and access to an online record of your immigration status (‘eVisa’)

The vignette or online eVisa immigration status information will show:

  • what you’ve been granted (for example, a Student visa)
  • the dates your visa is valid (start date and end date)
  • the conditions of your visa

Visa documents may vary, depending on visa length

  • Student visas of longer than 6 months: A UKVI visa decision letter is issued by email to the applicant with information on how to get access to an online eVisa account.
  • Visas of less than 6 months: A visa vignette sticker would confirm the validity dates of your visa permission. There would be no visa decision letter issued for this visa length and no access to the online eVisa system.

Online eVisa guidance (visa longer than 6 months)

Getting a decision on your visa application

Using an automated eGate (for EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and United States nationals) 

UK automated eGates can be used by nationals of: 

  • the European Economic Area (this includes EU countries)
  • Switzerland
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • the United States 

If you have a visa for longer than 6 months and have got access to your online eVisa record, you must make sure your current passport is linked to your account correctly. 

You need to scan your passport and face using the automated eGates to verify identity. You can only enter the UK from your visa start date only and not before. 

You should keep a copy/photo of your boarding passes or travel itinerary as evidence of entry to the UK (for international check in purposes)

Guide to faster travel via an automated eGate

If travelling to the UK via the Republic of Ireland

The UK and the Republic of Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). If you enter the Republic of Ireland and then transit onward to the UK, you will not pass through UK immigration control checks.

If you have been granted a UK visa as Student or Visitor before travelling to the UK you will not need to worry about not going through UK border control: your visa permission will be valid if you enter the UK within its validity dates. You should keep evidence of your travel itinerary as it is relevant for completing your 'international check in' with the University.  

UKCISA guidance: Enter the UK via Republic of Ireland

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