Do you need a replacement 30 day visa?

This week the government announced a new concession for those visa applicants outside of the UK affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.

In normal circumstances, applicants successfully applying for leave to enter the UK for more than six months receive a multiple entry 30 day vignette (sticker) in their passport/travel document. This is their ‘travel window’ for entering the United Kingdom.

However, during these unprecedented times, many UK visa applicants have found their ability to travel to the United Kingdom within their travel window blocked.

The Home Office’s new scheme has been introduced to enable those affected to request a replacement visa, with revised validity dates, free of charge. This concession will run until the end of the year.

To make a request for a replacement 30 day visa, an individual must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre. They will need to include their name, nationality, date of birth and the GWF reference number assigned to their visa application. The email should mention ‘REPLACEMENT 30 DAY VISA’ in the subject line.

Once the UK’s overseas visa application centres reopen, they will be tasked with issuing the replacement visas.

Collection of Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

A secondary effect of a UK visa applicant not being able to readily enter the United Kingdom at this time is their inability to collect their BRP within ten days of their intended arrival.

Prior to the restrictions associated with coronavirus, if an applicant failed to collect their BRP they may have been subject to sanctions such as a financial penalty or cancellation of leave. However, while coronavirus measures are in place, the government has announced visa applicants will not be penalised for being unable collect their BRP. 

Should you have any questions regarding visa entry into the UK, or how this latest immigration news will affect you, contact one of Smith Stone Walters’ team of specialists today.