The Backpacker's Guide to the UK

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Visa Advice and Information for the UK

You cannot work in the UK without a passport and a current UK work visa or permit. You will need this prior to entering the UK for work.

The following gives general advice on visas for the UK. If you have any further queries contact Immigration or your own Embassy.

Those of you in the European Union are an easy group to inform. "Welcome to Britain & make yourselves at home!". No visa is required to work or visit on holiday.

For people who fit into any of the following three categories, you can apply for a working holiday visa. If you are planning only to holiday, then filling in a few forms on arrival will suffice.

Categories:

• You are a Commonwealth citizen

• You are a British Dependent Territories citizen

• You are a British Overseas citizen.

Once you have established that you are one of the above then move on to the next group of requirements.

• You only intend to take employment which will be incidental to your holiday.

• You are able to support & accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds.

• You have no children.

• You have means to pay your onward journey.

• You intend to leave the UK on completion of your holiday.

The next issue is what type of work can you take.

There are a few stipulations to be aware of: You may only take work that is incidental to your holiday.

• This means part-time or casual employment

• You can only take full-time work for half of your stay. (For working holidaymakers full-time work is more than 25 hours a week).

This may all sound strict but it will encourage you to make the most of your time here. Get out of London & explore the rest of the country. Pick up work as you move around so that you experience life in a variety of regions. This is a one off experience and after all, it is a holiday!

British Home Office (Immigration), 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon. Tel: 0208 686 0688