VAT19 - Visitors under the Approved Distinations Status MoU with China
This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance (visa) staff on the handling of visa applications made outside the UK for visit and transit visas. It is a live document under constant review and is for information only. Immigration Rules - Paragraphs 56G - 56J.
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VAT19.1 What are the requirements for a visitor under the ADS MoU?
Entry clearance is mandatory
The applicant must:
- meet the requirements for visitors set out in paragraph 41 (ii) - (xii); and
- is a national of the People's Republic of China; and
- is genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a limited period as stated, not exceeding 30 days; and
- intends to enter, leave and travel within the territory of the United Kingdom as a member of a tourist group under the ADS MoU.
VAT19.2 How long can a visitor stay under the ADS MoU?
A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor under the ADS Agreement may be admitted for a period not exceeding 30 days, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided they hold an ADS Agreement visit visa.
ADS tourists cannot be granted an extension of stay in the ordinary visitor category under the Rules, paragraph 44, nor are they permitted to switch into any other category of the Rules.
VAT19.3 What is the leave to enter?
VISIT - ADS Code 3 for a maximum period of 30 days and marked 'single' or 'dual' to indicate the number of entries to the UK for which it is valid.
In most cases the visa for ADS tourists will be valid for one entry to the UK during the period for which the visa is valid. However, in cases where the tour group's itinerary entails onward travel to Europe and then requires the group to re-enter the UK on their homeward journey, dual entry visas may be issued.