can uk passport holders travel to usa

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Visa from UK to USA: Do you need one?

British citizens are under an American visa waiver program . If you have a British passport, you don’t need a US Visa; instead, you can apply for a US ESTA .

The ESTA permits qualifying nationalities to enter the US for tourism or business. Any traveler eligible for the ESTA can enter the US by air or sea. Plus, this document is very easy to get if you apply online with us!

What is an ESTA, and what other documents do I need to visit the USA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an electronic system that helps to determine eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows travelers to visit the US without obtaining a visa. This document is for Multiple Entry purposes and allows travelers to stay in the US for 90 days Per Entry , and it remains valid for 2 years after issued .

You need the following items to apply for the ESTA online:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States.
• An active email address.
• Your debit/credit card for payments.

What can I do with a US ESTA?

You might be asking yourself what you can and can't do if traveling to the USA with the ESTA as a UK citizen.

The following travel purposes do meet the requirements of the ESTA:

• Tourism (on vacation to the USA)
• Visiting friends or family who currently live there
• Visiting clients or suppliers for business purposes
• Undergoing medical treatment
• Attending business meetings, negotiations, or conferences

The following travel purposes do not meet the requirements of the ESTA:

• Entering into employment service with an American employer
• Studying in the United States
• Investing in or starting a company
• Performing journalism-related activities

Working in the USA with an ESTA is allowed , provided the traveler does not enter into direct employment with an American company and works for a foreign entity. The traveler can be paid for their work performed in the USA, as long as the paying party is located outside of the USA. This way, it qualifies as a business trip and meets the requirements of the ESTA. A good example of this would be someone who is working remotely during their trip or is on a business trip supported by a UK employer.

How to apply for a US ESTA as a UK Citizen

To apply for an ESTA, you will need your applicant photo and a scan of the passport personal details section .

The form we provide is broken down into three easy steps and won't take you longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1. Complete your application form online.

Step 2. Fill in all the required information and upload your additional documents (if required). Our visa experts will be available to guide you in making the process for your ESTA as simple as possible.

Step 3 . Once we have your personal details, passport information, contact details, and security information, we will process your ESTA. You just have to choose the processing time that best suits your needs and pay for the service with your credit or debit card. See fees and processing options below.

Once you complete all three steps, just submit your application and wait for it to arrive via email. Your ESTA can be ready in as fast as 2 hours when you choose our services, perfect for anyone in a rush.

UK To USA visa fees

If you order an ESTA with us, the price of your Electronic System for Travel Authorization will depend on the processing time you choose and your budget. The ESTA isn’t free, but it’s inexpensive. Check the options below:

ESTA - 2 Years, multiple entry

Standard Processing , ready in 24 hours and costs USD $40.49 - The most economic option available and most accessible to everyone if you are planning your trip in advance.

Rush Processing , a quicker option available with a waiting time of just 12 hours for USD $58.49

Super Rush Processing , available in 4 hours for USD $78.99 - The fastest option available for anyone in a bit of a rush to obtain the ESTA.

The ESTA comes with a Government fee of USD $21.00 and all of our processing fees include both the government fee and our service charges.

Where do I find more information?

Feel free to contact our customer service team or chat with us via WhatsApp if you still have questions about obtaining your ESTA, or you can always check our US visa page for more detailed information.

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Rules for travelling to the USA from the UK explained: tests, vaccines and more

By Sarah James

The US eased travel restrictions for visitors from the UK in November 2021, with rules around testing eased in June 2022. Find out what all this means for your trip.

Can I travel to the USA?

Yes. Since November 2021, international travellers from the UK have been able to visit the USA. Between November 2021 and May 2023, this was on the condition that travellers were fully vaccinated. We were on the first flight out in early November 2021, so have first-hand experience of the process.

What Covid tests do I need to travel to the USA?

As of June 2022, the requirement for air travellers to show proof of a negative test to enter the USA has been dropped.

"We are able to take this step because of the tremendous progress we've made in our fight against the virus. We have made lifesaving vaccines and treatments widely available and these tools are working to prevent serious illness and death, and are effective against the prevalent variants circulating in the US and around the world," a senior official said in a statement.

Do I need to be vaccinated to go to the USA?

At the time of writing (2 May 2023), yes – most international air travellers need to show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the USA. Any vaccine approved for use by the World Health Organisation or by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be accepted, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and others. The final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days before travelling.

From 11 May 2023, the US will end the vaccination requirements for interntational travellers. This is when the coronavirus public health emergency ends.

Can unvaccinated people travel to the USA?

Until 11 May, to enter the USA unvaccinated you must have been granted an exception or be a US Citizen, US National, or US Lawful Permanent Resident. You can find out if you qualify as an exception to the rules by reading the list outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

After 11 May, you don't need to be vaccinated to travel to the USA.

Do I need to wear a face mask in the USA?

Rules on wearing masks differ in each state and in different settings, so it's important to check before you travel, however there are currently no states requiring people to wear masks in public spaces. You may be required to wear a mask in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities.

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Global Entry for UK Citizens

How to apply for global entry:.

Citizens of the United Kingdom are eligible for Global Entry. UK citizens are eligible for Global Entry, but must first apply with the UK Home Office before submitting a Global Entry application.  UK citizens will apply through  GOV.UK  and pay a £42 processing fee. If the applicant passes the UK vetting, they will receive a “UK Access Code,” which applicants will enter when applying for Global Entry through CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website . The non-refundable application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is $100 and applications must be made online. Once the application is approved, a CBP officer will conduct a scheduled interview with the applicant and then make a final eligibility determination.

Application Process:

• Apply Online with the GOV.UK:  Complete an online application, pay the £42 processing fee, and obtain a "UK Access Code."
• Apply Online with CBP: Complete a TTP  online application and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.
• Schedule an Interview: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your TTP account instructing you to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers . If you are unable to schedule an in-person interview, you may opt to use the Enrollment On Arrival (EoA) option that is immediately available while entering the U.S. from an international country.  No appointment is required for the EoA process. Additional information regarding EoA is available on the Enrollment on Arrival website . 
• Interview Determines Your Eligibility: A U.S. Customs Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect biometric information, for example, scan your fingerprints.
• Provide Identification: Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

Other Benefits:

Once a citizen of the United Kingdom is enrolled in Global Entry, he/she will also be eligible to participate in TSA Precheck. Visit the TSA Precheck program website for more information.

Travel Requirements:

All United Kingdom Global Entry members must have a valid passport and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a valid visa.  Global Entry members who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents must maintain updated visa information with CBP.  If a Global Entry member obtains a new visa, or obtains a new petition for a work visa, the member must notify CBP in-person at a Global Entry enrollment center.  A member must visit an enrollment center to have CBP add visa and/or update visa information. If the visa information is incomplete or not properly updated with CBP, the Global Entry kiosk may incorrectly calculate the member’s Class of admission and admission date. A member must visit an enrollment center in-person to add or update visa information.

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Are you a british citizen wanting to live and work in the usa.

• September 5, 2023

Are you a British citizen wanting to live and work in the USA?

The USA remains a land of opportunity with great appeal for British workers. Whether you want to relocate for an existing job, carry out a fixed-term assignment in the US or to set up or expand a business in the US market – prospects abound.

But before you purchase your ticket and jump on the plane, you will first need to make sure you hold the relevant permission to enter and work in the US.

If you’re a British citizen wanting to live and work in USA, you will need to consider which US visa options are available to you based on your reason for travel and how long you would like to stay.

Do you need a US visa as a British citizen?

The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits eligible citizens of 38 countries to travel to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a US visa. The UK is one of the countries that participates in the VWP, meaning British citizens may be able to travel to the US visa-free, provided they obtain ESTA authorization .

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online screening system operated by US authorities. Applicants complete the online form , and the answers are used to determine eligibility for travel under the VWP.

You cannot travel to the US under ESTA if your reason for travel is for gainful employment or to take up permanent residence. You can only undertake certain permissible activities while in the US under ESTA, such as attending a business meeting; anything beyond these allowable activities will require the relevant visa to be granted.

In addition, ESTA authorization only allows stays in the US for up to 90 days per visit. You cannot intend to remain their permanently if you the country enter visa-free. Again, if you wish to stay longer, you would need to apply for an appropriate visa.

As such, for a British citizen wanting to live and work in USA on either a temporary or more long-term basis, ESTA would generally not be suitable, although it is advisable to take professional guidance on your specific circumstances.

Likewise, the B visa – while it permits business-related activity – also does not allow employment, and a work or family visa would be needed.

The type of visa you will need will depend on whether you are planning to travel to the United States on a temporary basis, in which case you would look at the nonimmigrant visa classifications, or whether you are looking to settle permanently, which are the immigrant visas.

How long can a UK citizen stay in the US?

British citizens can stay in the US with ESTA authorization for up to 90 days per visit. To be able to remain in the US for longer than 90 days, the traveller would need to apply for the relevant US visa.

US nonimmigrant visas for temporary stay

As a British citizen wanting to live and work in USA on a temporary basis, you will need a nonimmigrant visa. Some of the main options here include:

• E-1 & E-2 visas for the treaty trader or investor
• L-1A & L-1B visas for intra-company transfers
• H-1B visas for speciality occupation workers
• O-1A & O-1B visas for those possessing extraordinary ability or achievement
• F or M visas for study
• I visa for journalists, bloggers, production teams and other media professionals on assignment

Treaty trader or investor visas

If you are travelling to the USA to either engage in trade or invest in a business, you should consider the E-1 or E-2 treaty trader or investor visas.

These are nonimmigrant work visas for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation, including the UK, and will allow treaty traders and investors to enter the US for the purpose of carrying out “substantial trade” or investing a “substantial amount” of capital.

For those of you who already have established trade links with the United States, to qualify for a treaty trader visa over 50% of your international trade must be with America.

If you are instead looking to invest in a US business, typically the minimum figure for a treaty investor visa is US$100,000, although in exceptional cases amounts as low as US$50,000 may be considered.

Visas for intra-company transfers

If you are currently employed in the UK but have been asked to transfer to an affiliated office in the United States, you will need to consider an L-1 visa .

The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant work visa for an employee of an international company who is being temporarily transferred to a parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary of the same company in the USA.

The L-1A visa is for those of you in a managerial or executive role, while the L-1B visa is for employees with specialised knowledge about the organisation in which you work, for example, about the products and/or procedures.

To qualify for this type of visa you must have worked for your employer in your current role for at least a year out of the previous three, as well as have an offer to work in a similar capacity for a branch of the same company, organisation or employer in the United States.

Visas for workers in speciality occupations

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa for graduate level workers wanting to undertake a job role in a speciality occupation that requires theoretical or technical expertise.

Any professional level job that requires you to have a bachelors degree or higher can potentially qualify as a specialty occupation. That said, you may be able to show degree equivalence through work experience and/or other qualifications.

To qualify you will need to have been offered a speciality occupation job to work in the United States, where your US sponsor will first petition the US Citizen and Immigration Services on your behalf.

Extraordinary ability & achievement visas

This visa category is for those of you who are recognised for your extraordinary ability, or have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement, in one of several fields.

The O-1A visa is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics, where you have risen to the top of your field.

The O-1B visa is either for those with an extraordinary ability in the arts, or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry and you possess a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered.

To qualify for either type of visa, you must have national or international acclaim in your field, and be coming to the US to continue work in this area.

Immigrant visas

There are several ways to qualify for permanent residence in the United States, not least through family, employment or by investment, although you would need at least US $500,000 to put into a US venture to get a green card as an investor.

In many cases, where you have close family ties in the US, the easiest path to permanent residence can be to have a relative sponsor you. This could be a spouse , for example, although they must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Alternatively, if you are a British citizen wanting to live and work in USA on a long-term basis but you have no family-ties, you can apply for a green card under various different employment-based routes.

This includes individuals with extraordinary abilities in specific fields such as the sciences or arts, distinguished academics or researchers, as well as multinational managers and executives.

It also encompasses skilled workers, professionals and other workers, although typically a petition for a green card under any one of these categories must be supported by an offer of a job, as well as an approved labor certification to show that there are no qualified Americans available to fill that position.

Although a green card will grant you what’s known as permanent lawful residence, it will not allow you stay in the United States indefinitely. You will need to renew your green card every ten years.

However, you may be able to apply for US citizenship after a set number of years as a lawful permanent resident.

What are ‘dual intent’ visas?

In some cases nonimmigrant work visas can provide a pathway to permanent residence. These are known as dual intent visas. Both the L and O visas, for example, are dual intent visas.

A dual intent visa will allow you to lawfully enter the United States on a time-limited basis, albeit with immigrant intent. This means that you can apply for a green card while in the US under a temporary work visa.

Alternatively, if you are only looking to extend your stay in the United States for a further temporary period, you again may be able to do this without returning to the UK.

Are you admissible?

The visa-specific criteria for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas must be satisfied for you to be eligible to travel to the United States, whether this be on a temporary or permanent basis.

Additionally, to gain entry clearance to the US you must also not fall foul of the general grounds of inadmissibility. These include, but are not limited to, where you have been convicted of certain crimes or where you have a serious communicable illness. If you are concerned about a past conviction or other potential reason for inadmissibility, speak to our experts about applying for a waiver of inadmissibility to accompany your visa application.

Need assistance?

NNU Immigration are US attorneys specializing in visa and nationality applications for the USA. Operating from London, our team advise British citizens on their options to move to the US, whatever their circumstances – whether starting a US business, relocating for a job or to join family. For expert advice on your options to live and work in the USA, contact us.

Can UK citizens work in the USA FAQs

How easy is it to move to usa from uk.

There will be a lot to plan and organize if you want to make the move fro the UK to the USA. One of the more demanding aspects will be your visa application, which involves selecting the most appriproatei visa for your circumstnaes, complilign anf filing your application, attending the visa interbiew anf waiting for the decision.

How long does it take to get a US work visa from UK?

Visa processing times vary by category and also by Embassy or Consulate where you are applying from. In some cases, processing can be a matter of months, while others can take years.

Does a UK citizen need a visa for USA?

Wheteher you need a vUS visa as a British passport holder will depend on factor ssuch as tour reason for trval and your planned length of stay. If you are simply vsiting the USA as a tourist, you may be eligible for visa-free travel, which requires you to apply for ESTA before traveling.

This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.

Nita Upadhye

Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law ( AILA ) and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with both US and UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

Nita successfully acts for corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, actors, and athletes from across the globe, providing expert guidance on all aspects of US visa and nationality applications, and talent mobility to the USA.

Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader , immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Nita Upadhye https://www.nnuimmigration.com/author/nita/ The I-129S Form: A Complete Guide
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• Last updated September 5, 2023

By Nita Nicole Upadhye

Nita Nicole Upadhye is the Founder & Principal Attorney at NNU Immigration. A recognized leader in the field of US immigration law, Nita successfully acts for individuals and companies from across the globe, providing expert guidance on all aspects of US visa and nationality applications.

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US Passport Holders Can Now Use ePassport Gates at UK Airports

US passport holders, be prepared for a less-hectic and more speedy UK immigration process. As of Monday, US passport holders, along with those from six other countries, can use automated ePassport gates on arrival to the UK, where available.

The seven countries include:

• New Zealand
• South Korea
• United States

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said of the news: "This is fantastic news for passengers. A good border experience is a great way to show the UK is open for business and we encourage the Government to continue to prioritise it."

These passengers can now avoid potential wait times at immigration by inserting their passport into the machines, having their photograph taken and then entering the country automatically without any human interaction. The ePassport gate process usually takes just seconds, rather than the hour-plus long waits some passengers may be used to, especially at Heathrow . Best of all, there's no registration required, though travelers who are under 12 aren't permitted to use the ePassport gates.

There are currently 264 ePassport gates at the following UK locations, in addition to juxtaposed controls:

• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Cardiff Airport (CWL)
• East Midlands Airport (EMA)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• Gatwick Airport (LGW; North and South Terminals)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)
• Heathrow Airport (LHR; Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5)
• London City Airport (LCY)
• Luton Airport (LTN)
• Manchester Airport (MAN; Terminals 1, 2 and 3)
• Newcastle Airport (NCL)
• Stansted Airport (STN)

As of Monday, the UK has also done away with paper landing cards. Regardless if you have access to ePassport gates, you'll no longer have to complete personal details by hand each time you enter the United Kingdom. The Immigration Service Union told The Independent that it's disappointed this change has been made so suddenly, and that it may "weaken the UK borders."

While passengers from these seven additional countries should expect a much quicker entry, those passport holders who already use the ePassport gates may experience longer wait times than usual as the number of eligible passengers using this service increases sharply. This may be especially apparent at Heathrow Terminals 3 and 5, which receive a large number of North American flights, and therefore passport holders. Around 52 million passengers already use the service each year.

EU nationals will remain eligible to continue using these gates once the UK leaves the European Union.

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Visa Traveler

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Can a US green card holder travel to UK without visa: A comprehensive guide

Updated: September 8, 2023

As a US green card holder, you may wonder if you can travel to the UK without a visa. The question often comes up: can a US green card holder travel to UK without visa?  

In this article, you will learn whether US green card holders require visas to travel to the UK. If a visa is required, we will discuss the application process and necessary documentation.

Can a US green card holder travel to UK without visa?

A US green card is not sufficient to travel to the UK. Those with a passport that allows visa-free entry into the UK do not require a visa. Those with a passport that requires a visa for the UK, must obtain a UK visa prior to the trip.

That being said, your green card allows you to transit via any airport in the UK. As a lawful permanent resident of the US, you do not require a UK transit visa for airside transit within the UK. 

If you need to leave the airport, you may be able to do so by requesting a 24-hour entry. In order to obtain a 24-hour entry at an airport in the UK, you must be traveling to or from the US and your next flight out from the UK must be within 24 hours.

At the immigration check at the UK airport, you must present your US permanent resident status and onward boarding pass. This 24-hour entry is only available at Heathrow Airport in London. 

UK visa requirements for US green card holders

As a US green card holder, the visa requirements for traveling to the UK depend on your nationality. If you hold a passport from a country that doesn’t require a visa for the UK, you do not need a visa for tourism and visiting friends and family. You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa.

If you hold a passport that requires a visa for the UK, then you will have to apply for a UK visa from the US prior to your trip to the UK

There are many  VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders , but unfortunately, the UK is not one of them. You must apply for a UK visitor visa.

UK visa application for US green card holders

You can apply for your UK visa from anywhere. But I recommend applying for your UK visa from the US. As a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will have strong ties with the US. Your chances of approval are higher and the visa processing is quicker if you apply from the US.

UK visa application is a multi-step process. You will have to fill out an online application form first. At the end of your online application, you will have to schedule a biometrics appointment at one of your nearest Application Support Centers (ASC).

You must carry your passport and ASC appointment confirmation letter for your biometric appointment. Your biometrics are taken and your ASC appointment letter will be stamped.

After your ASC appointment, you must mail your passport, application form, additional documents and a UPS return shipping label to the UK consulate in New York via VFS Global.

The processing time for UK visas in the US is about 15 working days. The processing time is 5 working days if you opt for priority processing for a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i visit uk with green card.

A US green card is not sufficient to visit the UK. You would need a passport that grants you visa-free entry into the UK or you must apply for a UK visa prior to your trip.

If your passport requires a visa for the UK, you will have to plan your UK trip much early. You must start with the UK visa process first. On successful visa application, you can plan further such as booking your flight tickets, hotels, etc. 

Can US permanent residents travel to UK?

US permanent residents are nothing but US green card holders. Whether you require a visa for the UK depends on your passport.

Your US permanent resident card is not sufficient to travel to the UK especially if your passport requires a visa for the UK. Such lawful permanent residents of the US must apply for a UK visa prior to the UK trip.

Can U.S. Citizens travel to UK without visa?

Yes. US citizens can travel to the UK without a visa. US passport holders can enter and stay in the UK for up to 180 days without a visa for purposes of tourism or visiting family or friends.

Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival. You must also carry proof of return or onward ticket.

How long does it take to get a UK visa for green card holders?

The processing time for the UK visitor visa in the US is up to 15 working days. Depending on the complexity of the application and the time of the year, the processing can take even longer.

If you opt for priority processing for a fee, you may be able to get a result in just 5 working days. 

The processing time is not guaranteed so you must apply for your UK visa well in advance to void any delays.

US green card holders may require a visa to travel to the UK depending on their nationality. If you hold a passport that requires a visa for the UK, then you must apply for a UK visa prior to your trip.

UK visa application is a multi-step process. You will have to fill out an online application, attend a biometric appointment and mail your passport to the UK consulate.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Ireland considers terminating visa-free entry for SA passport holders

Ireland is considering revoking its visa-free travel attangements with South Africa.

South African passport holders have eased entry to over 100 countries. However, this may change if Ireland excludes SA from its visa-abolition agreements.

Ultimately, this is bad news for South African passport holders, who stand to lose a  visa-free destination .

IRELAND VISA-FREE TRAVEL

In 2009, the United Kingdom introduced visa-requirements for South African passport holders.

It cited raised safety issues resulting from the misuse of South African passports.

The Republic of Ireland, however, did not end its visa-free entry scheme for South Africa.

Nonetheless, the privilege might end soon if Ireland revokes the visa-free entry arrangement.

VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Schengenvisainfo  reports that Ireland will discuss ending its visa-free travel scheme with South Africa.

Ireland’s ministers will discuss axing the arrangement so Ireland can tighten up immigration.

Ireland’s Department of Justice says 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland on South African passports this year.

ASYLUM SEEKERS ENTER IRELAND

The scrapping of visa-free travel for South Africans comes after alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals entering Ireland, seeking protection. 

According to the  Irish Times  nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are using South African passports to enter the country.

IRELAND TO SCRAP VISA-FREE ENTRY SCHEME

Ireland will consider implementing visa requirements for South African nationals to reduce the number of people applying for protection and asylum.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee stated that over 80% of international protection applicants entered the country through Northern Ireland.

This number represents over three percent of the country’s total asylum applicants in 2024.

CHOOSING IRELAND OVER UK

Meanwhile,  The Guardian  reports that the increase in asylum seekers heading to Ireland proves that Britain’s Rwanda plan is already working.

Britain’s prime minister says that the new Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act is already deterring migrants.

Irish deputy prime minister, Micheál Martin, said the threat of deportation to Rwanda led to people coming to the Republic of Ireland.

The post Ireland considers terminating visa-free entry for SA passport holders appeared first on SAPeople - Worldwide South African News .

Update April 12, 2024

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Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to EU countries that are not in the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in each of these countries without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in these countries.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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