Applying for a visa to enter the UK Current information
From 25 February 2026, all applicants for a United Kingdom visa will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) only. Visa stickers (vignettes) in passports will no longer be issued from this date. Until today, a transitional arrangement was in place under which visas were issued both as a physical vignette in the passport and as a digital eVisa.
The eVisa is stored digitally in the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) system, accessible online and electronically verifiable by airlines and at the UK border. A key advantage is that applicants no longer need to leave their passport at the Visa Application Centre during the standard processing period. Applicants must ensure that their eVisa is linked to their current valid passport within their UKVI account.
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From 25 February 2026, all applicants for a United Kingdom visa will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) only. Visa stickers (vignettes) in passports will no longer be issued from this date. Until today, a transitional arrangement was in place under which visas were issued both as a physical vignette in the passport and as a digital eVisa.
The eVisa is stored digitally in the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) system, accessible online and electronically verifiable by airlines and at the UK border. A key advantage is that applicants no longer need to leave their passport at the Visa Application Centre during the standard processing period. Applicants must ensure that their eVisa is linked to their current valid passport within their UKVI account.
From 25 February 2026, you may not receive a visa sticker if you make a successful application for a visit visa or certain other visa types.
Instead, you will need to access your eVisa through your UKVI account to view the permission you have been granted before travelling to the UK.
You will be informed how to access your eVisa and whether a visa sticker will be issued.
New Entry Requirement for EU Citizens: ETA for the UK Mandatory Since April 2, 2024
As of April 2, 2024, it is mandatory for all EU citizens to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom. This requirement applies to both tourist and business visits. The ETA application must be completed online and is a prerequisite for entry into the UK.
The ETA was introduced with a consular fee of £10. However, starting April 9, 2025, this fee will increase to £16.
For more information on how to apply for the ETA and detailed requirements, please visit our website under the section “Visa for the UK”.
We recommend all travelers to familiarize themselves with the new entry requirements well in advance to avoid any delays.
General information on entry and UK visa
Tourist Visa - General Visitor
You intend to travel as a tourist or to visit family or friends.
Please click here to apply for your visaVISA UK - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Different types of visas for Great Britain
Business Visa
You intend to travel to the UK for short business visits. This includes meetings, visit trade fairs and deliver goods for example as a lorry driver.
Please click here to apply for your visaETA United Kingdom
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the United Kingdom (UK) is a new entry requirement that is being introduced gradually. It requires travelers from (partially) visa-free countries who wish to visit the UK to obtain prior electronic approval, similar to the ESTA program in the USA. This authorization is required for tourist, business or transit travel. For travelers from EU countries, including Germany, the electronic entry authorization requirement will come into effect on 2 April 2025.
Apply for ETA United KingdomStudent Visitor Visa
You can apply for a Student visitor visa if you are undertaking a short course of study in the UK. You will not be allowed to work.
Please click here to apply for your visaTransit Visa
You can apply if you wish to travel over the UK to your next destination.
Please click here to apply for your visaTIER 2 - Skilled Workers
You can apply if you are a skilled worker and your company is sending you to the UK branch, sports persons and religious workers can also apply (You will require a certificate of sponsorship COS to qualify).
Please click here to apply for your visaTIER 4 - Student
You can apply if you intend to undertake long term studies in the UK, some work is also permitted ( You will require a confirmation of Acceptance For Studies (CAS) ).
Please click here to apply for your visaTIER 5 - Temporary Worker
You can apply for this visa if you intend to work on a temporary basis in the UK as a sports person, entertainer, charity worker or working holidaymaker (You will require a certificate of sponsorship COS to qualify unless you are applying for the youth mobility scheme).
Please click here to apply for your visaSettlement Visa
You wish to enter the UK for an indefinite period to join or accompany a family member.
Please click here to apply for your visaEEA Family Visa
The EEA family permit is for dependents of EU nationals for example spouses, partners, children and dependent parents.
Please click here to apply for your visaVan Der Elst Visa
For this visa you must be resident and working in the EU for an EU employer, you are allowed to temporarily provide a service in the UK on behalf of your EU employer without the need to obtain a work permit.
Please click here to apply for your visaAll information provided is based on information from the respective Consulates. We are unable to provide a guarantee for the Consulate fees and processing times as they may vary. The consulates reserve the right to update provisions at short notice and in some cases invite the applicant for a personal interview . Additionally the respective consulates will determine whether a visa is approved. If you send our form by mail, your order is considered to be granted withput a signature.