Travelling to the UK with a visa

Before you travel to the UK, you will need to set up your UKVI account and access your eVisa. You should also check that your visa details are correct, and report any errors if necessary.

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 UKVI visa decision letter and digital eVisa record. 

When your visa is granted, you will receive

  • visa decision letter, usually by email
  • access to an online record of your immigration status (UKVI ‘eVisa’ account)

Your visa decision letter and/or your online eVisa immigration status 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

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)

Automated eGates guide

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 details:

It is important that you check your visa carefully as soon as you receive it.

UKCISA guidance: Receiving your visa decision and what you must check

If you notice an error in your visa details, you need to report this online.

How to report your eVisa error after arrival

If your visa conditions (e.g. work permission) are wrong, you must also inform us, as your Student visa sponsor:

Contact the Student Immigration Service

 


If you do not receive a stamp when you enter the UK (for example, if you have entered via the Republic of Ireland or if you use an eGate), you should keep evidence of your boarding pass or travel itinerary as it is relevant for completing your 'international check in' with the University.  


Complete International Check-in when you arrive

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