Leave to Enter in the UK: What It Means
If you’re planning to come to the UK, you may have seen the term Leave to Enter. It means permission to enter the UK, subject to the conditions that apply to your circumstances.
The steps you need to take depend on why you’re coming to the UK and your personal situation. You may need a visa before travelling, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee that you’ll be allowed to enter.
If you’re unsure which route applies, AHJ Immigration can help you understand your options and prepare an application within the scope of our adviser’s authorisation.
Which visa route may apply to you?
The right route depends on your reason for coming to the UK. We can help you understand the requirements and the information you may need to provide.
Visit Visas
Coming to the UK for a holiday, business visit or to see family and friends?
We can help you understand the visitor visa requirements and prepare information about your plans, finances and reasons for visiting.
Spouse and Partner Visas
If you want to join your partner or continue living together in the UK, you may need to meet requirements relating to your relationship, finances and accommodation.
We can help you understand what applies to your situation and prepare your supporting documents.
More about spouse and partner visas
Family and Dependant Visas
The requirements for family and dependant applications vary according to the applicant’s relationship, age and circumstances. We can help you identify the relevant route and understand what evidence may be needed.
Work and Business Visas
Work and business visa applications can involve specific eligibility and sponsorship requirements.
We can help you understand the application process for routes within our adviser’s authorised scope.
More about Skilled Worker visas
Student Visas
Student applications may require information about your course, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), finances and other eligibility requirements. We can help you understand the process and prepare your supporting documents.
Citizenship and Settlement
If you’re applying to settle in the UK or become a British citizen, the requirements depend on your immigration history and personal circumstances. We can help you understand the application process.
More about citizenship and settlement
What does Leave to Enter mean?
Leave to Enter is permission to enter the UK, subject to any conditions attached to that permission. In some cases, valid entry clearance, such as a visa, has effect as Leave to Enter when you arrive. In other situations, permission is decided at the UK border.
An ETA is different. It is permission to travel to the UK for eligible visitors and other specified travellers. It does not guarantee entry.
How AHJ Immigration can help
It can be difficult to know which application route to choose or what information to provide. We can help you work through the requirements and understand the next steps for your situation.
Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to help with:
- Understanding which application route may apply
- Preparing a document checklist
- Organising supporting information
- Preparing or checking an application within our adviser’s authorised scope
- Explaining what to expect after you apply
If your matter needs advice or work outside our authorised scope, we’ll explain this and discuss whether a referral to a solicitor is appropriate.
Not sure which visa route to choose?
Tell us a little about your circumstances. We’ll help you understand the right next step.
Ready to discuss your application?
Book a consultation to talk through your plans and find out how AHJ Immigration may be able to help.
Leave to Enter: FAQs
What does Leave to Enter mean?
Leave to Enter means permission to enter the UK, subject to the conditions that apply to you. It may be granted at the border or, in some cases, through valid entry clearance.
Is Leave to Enter the same as a visa?
They are related, but they do not always mean the same thing. A visa is a form of entry clearance. Depending on the circumstances, valid entry clearance may have effect as Leave to Enter when you arrive in the UK.
How long does Leave to Enter last?
The period and conditions depend on the permission granted for your route. Check your decision and immigration documents for the dates and conditions that apply to you.
What if I’m refused permission to enter the UK?
Read the decision carefully. Your options depend on the reasons for the decision and your circumstances. AHJ Immigration can explain whether we’re able to assist within our adviser’s authorised scope. If your matter needs a different level of advice, we’ll explain whether a solicitor referral may be appropriate.
Do I need an ETA if I already have a UK visa?
If you already have valid UK entry clearance or permission to enter or stay, you generally do not need an ETA. Requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances, so check the current guidance before you travel.
