UNITED KINGDOM
APPLY FOR YOUR VISA
The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020.
If you were not residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, and you do not have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you must meet specific requirements to work or study in the UK. You will also have to pass the relevant checks, including UK criminal record checks.
Starting from April 2, 2025, Italian and EU citizens will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK for stays of up to 6 months. The ETA allows you to participate in activities such as tourism, visiting family and friends, short-term studies, and business activities (e.g., events and conferences). For stays exceeding 6 months, or for long-term work and studies, a traditional visa remains necessary.
The status of Irish citizens continues to be protected under the provisions of the Common Travel Area. Therefore, Irish citizens do not require an ETA or a visa to enter the UK (except in very limited circumstances).
Note: In this guide, the term 'EU citizens' includes citizens of the European Union, EEA, and Switzerland.
Visas and Immigration
Study in the UK
Short-term study visas and visas for longer courses, degrees and independent schools.
EU, EEA and SWISS citizens
Family permits and frontier work permit
Ukrainians and their families
Visa Ukraine Family Scheme, Visa Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
Live permanently in the UK
Methods of setting in the UK and pathways for British citizenship.
Italian citizenshipStarting from 2025, Italian citizens (as well as all European citizens) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study stays of up to 6 months. A traditional visa will continue to be required for stays longer than 6 months, extended study periods, work, and permanent residence.
Permanent residents of the UK
If a citizen has a "permanently resident" visa in the UK they do not need an additional visa as long as they return to the UK witin 2 years since the last departure.
Holders of diplomatic passports
Holders of diplomatic and special passaports do not require a visa for official visits, sightseeing or transit.
Non-nationals travel document holders and refugees
If the passenger is in possession of a UK-issued refugee travel document, he or she does not need a visa. If the passenger is in possession of another non-national or refugee travel document, he or she needs a visa to enter the UK.
Countries that require a visa
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Congo, Congo Democratic Republic, Cyprus, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Moldova, Mongolia, Burma, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
MAIN STEPS FOR REQUEST
1 Step
Book the appointment in person, by phone or online.
2 Step
Go to the office with the Passport valid for at least 6 months, permit or residence card valid temporary or unlimited if non-EU citizen and identity card.
3 Step
In the office, highly qualified staff will provide all the necessary information to initiate the visa application.
4 Step
After the application for a visa is submitted, an additional documentation is required concerning the applicant, which will be translated, certified and sent to the immigration authorities in charge.
5 Step
The applicant must issue biometrics and wait for the final outcome of the visa application.