Do I need a visa?
This page explains who needs immigration permission to travel and study in the UK. Students will receive a digital immigration status (eVisa). If you are unsure whether or not you need an immigration permission to enter or study in the UK, you can use the Check if you need a visa tool to find out.
Nationals of the UK and the Republic of Ireland
If you are a British or Irish citizen, you do not need a visa to enter or study in the UK.
EEA and Swiss nationals
You do not need a visa to study if:
- You are from the EEA or Switzerland and
- You hold Pre‑settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Family members may also qualify, see UKCISA’s guidance about family members of EEA nationals for details.
If you moved to the UK for the first time after 31 December 2020, you are now subject to immigration control and need the correct visa.
EU/EEA citizens can visit the UK for up to 6 months using an ETA, but this does not cover long‑term study.
Holders of more than one nationality
If you have more than one nationality, you can use whichever passport gives you the least restrictive entry.
If one of your nationalities is British, you must enter the UK using your British passport (unless you have a Certificate of Entitlement in another passport).
Those who already have immigration permission to stay in the UK
If you already hold UK immigration permission for another purpose (except a Student visa for a different institution), you can usually study at Queen Mary without applying for a new visa. See the Queen Mary Permission to Enrol web page.
Make sure:
- Your current permission allows study
- It will last long enough for you to complete your course
- It can be extended if needed
If you will need a Student visa later, Check if you will be eligible to apply for Student permission in the UK.
To apply for the Graduate Route after your course, you must have spent a minimum period in the UK with Student visa permission.
Visa nationals
You are a visa national if your citizenship appears on the UK’s visa national list Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list.
Visa nationals must apply for a visa before travelling, even for short visits.
Non-visa nationals
If your passport is not on the visa national list Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national, you are a non‑visa national.
- For study longer than 6 months: you must apply for a visa before travelling.
- For study up to 6 months: you may enter as a Visitor on arrival, but strict rules apply for studying as a Visitor.
Entering the UK via the Republic of Ireland
The UK and the Republic of Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA).
There is no immigration control when you arrive in the UK from Ireland, which may affect your immigration status.
Before travelling via Ireland, check UKCISA guidance to understand how your visa or study plans might be impacted. Travel via Northern Ireland is not affected, as it is part of the UK.
