Can a general visitor appeal if refused permission to enter the UK?

This page explains what you can do if your general visitor is refused permission to enter the UK.

If we refuse your general visitor's application, the entry clearance officer or the immigration officer will tell him/her in a detailed, written refusal notice. We will not tell you (the sponsor) our decision.

Your general visitor can appeal against a decision to refuse entry clearance, but only if he/she is visiting a close member of his/her family. For more information, see the visa services website.

There are rules to explain exactly which members of the family qualify for this right of appeal. The entry clearance officer or immigration officer will tell your general visitor if he/she qualifies.

If your general visitor travels to the UK without entry clearance and is refused permission to enter, we recommend that he/she applies for entry clearance before attempting to travel to the UK again.