UK Visit Visa

[Aidanmccarthy]

Hi,
I would like to know why, if a US citizen does not require a UK Visa to visit for less than six months, is there an option to do so and what the purpose of applying for one would be. I would also like to know what the difference between a Visa and an entry clearance is.
Thanks for your help.

[Wanderer]

Hi,
I would like to know why, if a US citizen does not require a UK Visa to visit for less than six months, is there an option to do so and what the purpose of applying for one would be. I would also like to know what the difference between a Visa and an entry clearance is.
Thanks for your help.

They sort of do get a visa, kind of an automatic virtual one on entry. Theses things are usually reciprocated, so we get the same from the US and A.

A visa per se would be needed if someone had been caught breaking the terms of the visa-waiver, such as working on it, using it as a settlement visa, or having criminal convictions etc.

AIUI my bro would need a visa for the US, cos he is well dodgy, with four arrests and I think he'd need to tell the US Gov even this and formally apply for a visa.

[Christophe]

I would like to know why, if a US citizen does not require a UK Visa to visit for less than six months, is there an option to do so and what the purpose of applying for one would be.

People who have been denied entry to the UK before and/or are on a 'black list' or who think that they might be denied entry might want or need to apply for a visa.

And people whose purpose for visiting the UK does not fall into the category of 'visitor' would need to apply for a visa, even if they were staying for less than 6 months - e.g. people coming as students for a short study course; people intending to get married in the UK.

I would also like to know what the difference between a Visa and an entry clearance is.

Nothing really. But to quote the website of the newly renamed Border and Immigration Agency:

There are four types of entry clearance which are issued for granting permission for the holder to travel to or enter the United Kingdom:

• * a visa - required by a visa national, i.e., those nationals or citizens of the countries listed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules;
  * an entry certificate - issued to non-visa nationals;
  * the EEA Family Permit - issued to the family members of EEA nationals; and
  * an exempt vignette - issued to those people who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act 1971.