What does COVID-19 mean for your UK Visa & UK Travel Plans?

COVID-19 has changed many lives, and the plans we made for 2020. What does this mean for your UK visa & travel plans? We have created this handy FAQ page that will hopefully help you find the information you need.

Though the situation is changing rapidly, here is what we know right now:

The UK have not banned travel to/from Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Upon entry into the UK on/after June 8th, 2020 - you must quarantine for 10 days. Please see this additional guidance from the UK Home Office to find out what you need to do before you depart your country of origin. Our COVID-19 blog post also provides clear information on what you need to do before you arrive in the UK.

The Australian government has a travel ban in place. Anyone returning to Australia must self-isolate for 14 days upon return. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and want to travel outside of Australia, you need to apply for an exemption visa in order to leave the country.

The Canadian government recommends you avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice, and that anyone returning to Canada must submit to a COVID-19 test, as well as quarantine at a government approved hotel upon return. For more information, visit this link.

The New Zealand government recommends that you do not travel overseas at this time, and that anyone returning to NZ must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.

Frequently Asked COVID-19 Questions

Below, you will find a collection of frequently asked questions relating directly to COVID-19 and how that can/will affect your UK travel plans. Each FAQ also links to a blog post where you can find more in depth information on that question/topic.

My UK Entry Clearance (the sticker inside your passport) has expired, or is about to expire... What should I do?

You will need to apply for a Vignette Transfer - see our recent blog post for more information. The UKVI Vignette Transfer application fee is £154GBP. You need to go to another biometric appointment and your expiry date on your visa will not be extended. We highly recommend that you only make this decision if you know you will not be able to enter the UK during the validity of your entry clearance and the validity dates have expired. DO NOT enter the UK with expired entry clearance dates . The process for the Vignette Transfer is 15-20 business days once you have attended your biometric appointment. Restless World has a service to cater for vignette transfers if you need any help!

I want/need to travel to the UK. Are there restrictions I need to know about?

If you must travel to the UK, there are new border restrictions when you enter from February 15th, 2021 onwards. Also, you must check your country's travel advice to ensure you meet all requirements to exit your country. Australia has a travel ban in place that includes citizens departing the country. If you need to leave Australia, you must apply for an exemption visa.

I am currently in the UK, and my work visa is about to expire (or has already expired). What should I do?

I want to cancel my approved UK work visa due to COVID-19 and I have not entered the UK yet. What are my options?

My UK work visa is about to start/activate, should I still travel to the UK?

Still Not Sure What To Do?

If you require further guidance or advice, we highly recommend that you contact the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre at CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Please note: due to data protection regulations in the UK, the UKVI can only speak with the visa applicant/holder about their specific query.

Contact Us For More Information

If you have further questions, please email us again at covid19@restlessworld.com.au or call us toll free on 1300 95 75 95 or +61 429 389 226.