Visa nationals
Visa nationals will need to apply for a Visitor visa before travelling to the UK.
If they are a visa national, they will need to apply for a visa before they come to the UK by following the steps:
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the application fees which is currently £115 for a 6 month Visitor visa.
- Provide documents to show the reason for your visit (see Documents needed below).
Non-visa nationals nationals
If they are a non-visa national, they do not have to apply for a visa before they travel to the UK - they can request entry as a visitor upon arrival.
If they request to enter as a visitor upon arrival, they still might need to present all the documents to support their application to a Border Force Officer when they arrive in the UK.
If they are a non-visa national from a specific country who can use the e-gates, they should still have these documents ready in case they are asked to present them. See Use of the e-gates and Documents needed in the sections below.
As a non-visa national, it will be mandatory to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to be able to enter the UK.
Check if you need an ETA.
Documents needed
Documents needed with a Visitor visa application or to show the Border Force Officer when entering the UK as a visitor:
- It is recommended to give copies of your passport and visa to help with your family/friend’s application
- A letter from you inviting them to visit. For example, if they are attending your graduation you can request a graduation ceremony invitation visa letter. You can do this via your Student Information pages.
- Your Brookes attendance letter (if you haven't yet enrolled on your course, then you can use your CAS and unconditional offer letter instead)
- Evidence that they have enough money to support themselves during their visit
- Proof that they have arranged accommodation
- Proof that they can pay for a return or onward journey and they will leave the UK at the end of their visit
- When someone is applying for a Standard Visitor Visa it is a good idea to include evidence of their continuing connections with their home country. For example, evidence of other close family, rent agreements or property ownership, and any study or employment. This is because the UKVI can refuse Visitor visa applications if they think the person applying may not go back home and they can do this without asking for more evidence and there is no way to review or appeal the decision.
- Please see the Home Office’s guidance for supporting documents for full details of what they should provide with your application.
Use of the e-gates
Non-visa nationals of the EU country, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA have the option of entering the UK via the e-gates if they have a biometric passport. If they enter this way, they automatically receive leave to enter the UK for 6 months as a visitor. They will not receive a stamp.
If they are from any of the countries listed above but do not have a biometric passport, they will need to see a Border Force Officer to enter the UK as a Visitor (see previous section).
More information
Visit the Gov.UK website for information about applying for Visitor visas:
