HOW TO APPLY FOR A UK VISA
All the information you need on obtaining a UK visa is found on the Border Agency website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Do you need a visa?
If you are a national of one of the countries on this list - www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals - you will need a UK visa.
The application process
Go to How To Apply at the left of the ukvisas.gov.uk home page, and then click on Visa Application Centres Overseas to find out how and where to apply in your country.
In most countries you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). VACs are not involved in the visa issuing process itself which is carried out by British diplomatic staff at our overseas missions (Embassies, High Commissions etc).
Some countries will only accept applications made on-line. To find out if you can apply for your visa on-line please visit www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk. At the end of this process you may also be able to make an appointment on-line to go to the VAC in person with your completed form printed off after you have made your on-line application, supporting documents, the visa fee, and give biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph). Biometrics are mandatory for all applicants, except children aged under 5.
If you cannot apply on-line, you will need to complete a paper Visa Application Form . This, along with guidance notes, are found on the UK visas website www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs/. People attending the Rotary convention are classed as Business Visitors.
Visitors with a good history of travel to and from the UK in recent years would be eligible to apply for a Long Term Premium Visa for 1, 2, 5 or 10 years and thus save having to apply every six months.
Applications must be submitted with supporting documents, normally: evidence of links to Rotary; financial documents, ie bank statements etc to show you can support yourself financially whilst in the UK; letter of invitation from Rotary. The list of supporting documents you require is found on the UK visas website. It cannot be stressed enough how important supporting evidence is. You should know your Rotary International ID number, your Rotary Club number and your District number.
Apply in good time for your visa – in busy periods at the Embassy it could take longer than normal to process. The visa can be post-dated for up to three months in advance, which means you should apply in March 2009.
All the information you need on obtaining a UK visa is found on the Border Agency website
