Most foreign visitors travelling to the UK for business purposes must hold a visa or business visa waiver before they can enter the country.
One of the easiest ways to arrange a trip to the UK for business purposes is with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA for the UK). This visa waiver can be fully obtained online. However, this is not available to all travelers.
What type of UK visa do I need to travel for business?
The process of acquiring a UK business visa can be very simple. For many foreign nationals, it will soon be possible to apply for a UK eTA online. It is also possible for citizens of Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to visit the country with an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).
All other nationalities will need to visit a UK embassy or consulate. In most cases, those traveling to Britain on short business trips can enter the country on a standard travel visa.
Who needs a British business visa?
Visiting the UK with an eTA, EVW, or travel visa allows international business travelers to enter the country for multiple reasons.
Passengers entering the UK for business purposes can use their visa or visa waiver to:
What are the prerequisites for business travelers in the UK?
The UK Visitor Visa, EVW and UK eTA must be obtained before travelling to the UK. Applicants must, therefore, submit their information to the UK authorities before their trip to Great Britain.
In the case of UK eTA or EVW, applicants will need to acquire a visa waiver at least 2-3 business days before travel.
Alternatively, in the case of the travel visa, applicants can register no more than 3 months before their intended arrival date. Processing times for the regular entry visa can take up to 3 weeks.
Keep in mind that these travel authorizations do not allow the holder to work full-time in the UK. To take up employment or a permanent position with a UK-registered company, you will need to apply for a work visa instead.
Is it possible to extend a UK business visa?
A travel visa can be granted for periods of up to 6 months. However, to stay longer in the UK you must register for one of the visa types available to full-time workers.
On the one hand, the UK eTA will only allow short trips to Great Britain. However, this is expected to be a multiple-entry document that will allow business travelers to make multiple visits to the country during its validity period.
On the other hand, the EVW allows a single entry and must be acquired whenever a citizen participating in the program visits the United Kingdom. This can be used for a stay of up to 180 days in the country.