UK Entry clearance for visitors
UK Entry clearance for work permit holders
UK Entry clearance for the dependants of work permit holders
UK Entry clearance for Sole Representatives, Investors, Entrepreneurs and their dependants

UK Entry clearance for visitors

If it is the case that you want to enter the UK as a visitor, either on a business trip or pleasure, what you will need to ask yourself is: Do I need to get a visa in advance?

Generally, those who are travelling on passports issued by Western countries it is not necessary for them to have a visa before entering the UK as a visitor – they will just simply fly (or sail) to the UK and will be granted a visit visa at the port of entry. Those citizens of the countries listed below (generally referred to as visa nationals); will need to obtain a visa before travelling and should apply entry clearance at a British Embassy or Consulate in their country of citizenship or usual residence:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, People's Rep. of, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Republic of, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (Dem. People's Rep), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Authority, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia & Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (service & emergency passports only), Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

NB It has been known for this list to change from time to time. You would be wise to confirm details with your local consulate before travelling.
In order to make a visa (entry clearance) application at a British Embassy or Consulate, you will need to present the following:

Form VAF1 - download from the UK government website.
2 recent photographs (passport photo size).
The relevant fee.
Your Passport (which should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry).

UK Entry clearance for work permit holders

If you are intending to enter the UK as on a work permit for more than six months, you HAVE TO apply for entry clearance. You will not require entry clearance only if you are a non-visa national and intend to work in the UK for less than six months. The majority of work permit holders will need to obtain a visa before travelling and should apply for entry clearance at a British Embassy or Consulate in your country of nationality or usual residence:

In order to make an entry clearance application at a British Embassy or Consulate, you will have to present the following documents:

Form VAF1 - download from the UK government website.
2 recent photographs (passport photo size).
The relevant fee.
Your original work permit.
Your Passport (which should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry)
A letter from your employer confirming your appointment.
A medical certificate.

UK Entry clearance for the dependants of work permit holders

There are certain requirements for a spouse of a person present and settled in the UK which need to be fulfilled in order to be able to come to the UK holding a spouse visa. This matter is often usually quite simple and straightforward, but in fact you have to be vary careful regarding the nature of the documentation and information that need to be submitted along with the entry clearance application form.It would help greatly to have the following:

Marriage certificate itself some times mentions the presence of the two parties to marriage.
Marriage Pictures.

You’ll need to present the same completed form, photographs and fees as above, alongside your passport at a British Embassy or Consulate in your country of nationality or usual residence. You will also need to provide sufficient proof of your relationship to the main applicant, i.e. by providing a marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.

UK Entry clearance for Sole Representatives, Investors, Entrepreneurs and their dependants

If you intend to enter the UK as a Sole Representative, Investor or Entrepreneur then you’ll need to apply for entry clearance at a British Embassy or Consulate in your country of nationality or usual residence. You will have to submit the following documents:

Form VAF1 - download from the UK government website which you have filled in correctly. You can include any dependants under 16 years old, who are included in your passport and travelling with you, on your form. Older dependants should fill in separate forms.
Your passport or travel document.
Two recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) colour photographs of yourself.
The applicable visa fee.

Some facts of your investment portfolio which shows that you intend to invest no less than £750, 000 of your capital in United Kingdom Government bonds or in share capital or loan capital in active and trading United Kingdom registered companies other than property companies.