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 visa vignette changes

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

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

Getting a decision on your visa application

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 and/or 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. Usually, you would receive a 90 day visa vignette for the entry. However, from mid-July 2025 UKVI will stop issuing Student visa vignette stickers to main visa applicants.
  • Visas of less than 6 months: A visa vignette sticker would confirm the validity dates of your full visa permission with no access to the online eVisa system. However, from mid-July 2025 UKVI will stop issuing Student visa vignette stickers to main visa applicants.

Online eVisa guidance (visa longer than 6 months)

Some nationalities can enter using the automated eGates

The 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 before travel/entry. 

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 of your boarding passes or travel itinerary as evidence of entry to the UK (international check in purposes)

Guide to faster travel via an automated eGate

Important Student visa information

Remember, you cannot use Visitor permission for a programme of study that is longer than 6 months.

International students studying in the UK for over 6 months would 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.

You can only apply in the country where you usually live (as a legal resident) or in your country of nationality. You cannot apply for a Student visa if you are in another country as a visitor (e.g. if you are there on holidays).

If your visa decision is successful, you can travel to the UK from your Student visa start date to 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


If there’s an error in your visa documents:

If you notice an error in your visa vignette, you should contact your visa application centre (VAC) immediately to correct it before you come to the UK.

If you notice the error after you’ve arrived in the UK, you must inform our service and make an online error report to UKVI within 3 months of arrival.

How to check and report visa errors before travel

How to report your eVisa error after arrival

If you're still unsure, please contact us

 


Pre-sessional CAS guidance

  • A combined CAS can be issued to eligible students to cover the pre-sessional course and the main degree. 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 a pre-sessional course.

 

Pre-sessional Student visa documents

Student visa longer than 6 months (combined CAS): 

  • You will receive a UKVI visa decision email with instructions on how to get access to an online eVisa account. You will not get a visa vignette.
  • You should set up an online eVisa account and link this to your passport, before travel. You can create and send us your eVisa share code before your international check-in appointment.

 

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

  • Normally, you will receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport which acts as your visa. You will not be given access to an online eVisa account.
  • However, the visa document process may change for visa applicants applying from July 2025 onward. UKVI will stop issuing visa vignettes to certain visa applicants.
  • From July 2025 onward, you will receive a UKVI visa decision email with instructions on how to get access to an online eVisa account. A visa vignette will no longer be issued. You should set up an online eVisa account and link this to your passport, before travel. You can create and send us your eVisa share code before your international check-in appointment.

 

How to check your visa start and end date

Check your eVisa account is correct before you travel

Read our eVisa guidance


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.  


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

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