UK visa information
This page is for advice only: we recommend you do your own detailed research, as things change short notice. Information on this page may be no longer relevant or behind on sudden policy changes.
You can request a conference attendance visa support letter at the bottom of this page, via online form. Please note that you must be a conference participant to request a letter.
Who needs a visa to enter the UK?
Birmingham is in the United Kingdom, so UK visa rules apply to enter for the purposes of the conference. The UK government website has a useful tool to check if you need a visa.
- On this page, start with your nationality as shown on your passport
- In ‘What are you coming to the UK to do?’ select Work, academic visit or business
- In ‘How long are you planning to work in the UK for?’ select 6 months or less
USA, EU, EEA, Swiss nationals, along with several commonwealth countries, do not need a visa to enter the UK. However, you will still be asked to provide some documentation at the border. **
** note that this should be a passport, NOT European ID cards or driving licenses.
Documents for visa-free countries
On arrival, you may be asked to prove:
- you’re eligible for the activities you want to do - we can provide you with a letter to help with this, please request one via the online form.
- you’ve arranged accommodation for your stay - hotel or hostel booking confirmations
- you’ll leave at the end of your visit - flight tickets back
- you’re able to support yourself and your dependents during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you).
This is essentially the same information that you would need for applying to a visa, but you will not need to make an application, rather you will be asked to present these documents at the border.
You may need to see a Border Force officer rather than use the automatic ePassport gates.
Which visa is best to apply for?
The Standard Visitor UK Visa is the most appropriate for the purposes of attending the conference.
How do you go about applying?
There is a list of steps you will need to complete in order to obtain your visa to enter for the duration of the conference. It is a good idea to do this in good time, to allow time for waiting times, and the possibility of delays as the conference is happening during school holidays, or complications caused by world events.
contact: conference(at)theasa.org
Things to keep in mind when applying
Electronic visa waiver to enter the UK
You can apply for a visa waiver if you are a national of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. You must pay £30 for an EVW. You will need the following documents:
- your current passport
- an address in the UK where you will stay
- details of your journey, including departure and arrival dates and times
You will need to apply online between 3 months and 48 hours prior to arrival in the UK.
Are there any covid-related restrictions?
From 4am on Friday 18 March 2022, you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form when travelling to the UK from abroad. These changes apply whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
However, we advise to keep an eye on developments as things are always changing. You can stay up-to-date with covid news in the UK here.
Other public health requirements
You may need to take a Tuberculosis test within 6 months before travelling to the UK. Here is a list of countries the UK requires this from.
Where to apply
You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. You will then need to schedule an appointment at a visa application centre with all the relevant documentation and a copy of your application form.
When should you apply?
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before. We recommend you apply at least 50 days before you travel, allowing time for any delays caused by various factors. This may change as world events impact this, and local circumstances to your consulate: please make sure you check this.
Letter of invitation
We can provide you with a letter inviting you to the conference, outlining your role at the conference. It may be helpful to also obtain a letter from your home institution with similar details. The form is not automatic, it may take 24-72h (working days only) depending on the number of requests, as an administrator must issue the letter: so please allow time for this.
Travel document
- You must provide your current passport or other valid travel document with all applications and when travelling to the UK.
- Some passport holders may need to provide alternative evidence of their identity and nationality.
- Your passport must have at least 1 page blank if you use it to apply for a visa.
Photographs
Two passport-size (35x45 mm) photographs in colour, against a white background, no older than six months. Additional requirements are listed here.
Flight details
In order to prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
If travelling with children
You will need to show a legal document showing your relationship with the child - such as birth certificate or adoption papers.
Any other supporting documentation
It may help to provide other supporting documentation, additional paperwork such as details of previous conferences attended, - titles of papers and dates, locations of conferences - details of any awards you have received, details of publications in your name.
Proof of financial means
- You will need to provide details of any funding you have received from other sources (any funding received from the ASA will be proven through the letter of invitation)
- Documents of income status - a headed letter from your employer for example
- Bank statements (within last 3 months)
- Building society books (within last 3 months)
Proof of personal circumstances
- A letter from your education provider if you are a student
- Confirmation of legal residence if this is different to your nationality on your passport
- Documents of employment status - a headed letter from your employer for example
Proof of accommodation
Bear in mind you do not have to provide all of the documents below, just those that apply to you.
- You will need to provide details of any funding you have received from other sources
- Documents of income status - a headed letter from your employer for example
- Bank statements (within last 3 months)
- Building society books (within last 3 months)
- Governmental guide to documents page
- Standard Visitor Visa application page
- List of UK visa application centres
- More information on the standard visitor visa
- List of nationalities who do not need a visa, but need to provide documents at the border
- Electronic Visa Waiver application
- List of countries needing a Tuberculosis test
- Photograph requirements
- Government Covid guidance page
