What happens once a general visitor arrives in the United Kingdom?

This page explains what will happen when your general visitor comes to the United Kingdom and what documents will help when your visitor reaches immigration control.

The immigration officer will need to be satisfied that your general visitor qualifies for entry as a visitor by checking that all the requirements of the immigration rules are met.

General visitor's documents

If your general visitor is a non-visa national and does not already have entry clearance it will help if he/she has:

• a return ticket; and
• a letter of sponsorship.

Sponsor's documents

It is advisable that you meet your general visitor at the airport and bring evidence to support your claim. For example, if you have agreed to help pay for the visit, you should bring evidence that you can do so.