Cases of Coronavirus are on the rise today the latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, the number at 11.11 am on March 26, 2020, stand at 9,529 confirmed cases in England.
Here are some frequently asked questions, to help support you:-Â
What is a visitor visa?
A foreigner wishing to holiday in the UK would apply for a visa to visit (means an entry clearance for the purpose of a visit under section 33 of the Immigration Act 1971. It is normally a vignette in the holder’s passport but may be issued in electronic form. It includes entry clearances for visitors that were issued under paragraphs 40-56, 56D-56J, 56N-56Z, 75A-75M of these Rules and Appendix V) the UK or to visit UK family and friends, do business, take part in sports or creative events, or receive private medical treatment.
I have Coronavirus as a visit visa holder, how long can I stay in the UK?
A visitor (persons specified in Appendix 2 to Appendix V: Visitors who need a visa for the United Kingdom for a visit or for any other purposes where seeking entry for six months or less) that are travelling to the UK for the first time would normally be offered a single entry visit visa. This is typically only for six months, and then they are required to leave the UK.
There are more extended visit visas, and business travellers can be offered up to 24 months visit visas, while there have been many that have also been offered visit visas for up to 120 months.
What are my rights if I have not left the UK because I have Coronavirus?
The most important declaration a frequent visit visa holder will be expected to practise when in the UK is an expressed “declaration to return to their country, at the end of the visit.”
If you have Coronavirus and your visa is expiring, you ought to seek legal advice on how you can apply for further leave in the UK on Medical Grounds, outside of the rules.
What are my rights as a visitor seeking NHS Treatment because I have Coronavirus?
Visitors are not allowed NHS Treatment in the UK because ofÂ
- The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (2004 No 1433)
- The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989 as amended (1989 No 364)
- The Health and Personal Social Services (Provision of Health Services to Persons not Ordinarily Resident) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (2005 No 551)
- or The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations (2011 No 1556).Â
What are my rights if as a visitor not from EEA, I have Coronavirus?
Therefore Visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must ensure that you’re covered for healthcare through personal medical or travel insurance for the duration of your visit. You’ll need to pay the full estimated cost in advance if the treatment you need is non-urgent. Otherwise, the treatment will not be provided.Â
If you’re a non-EEA national and you fail to pay for NHS treatment when a charge applies, any future immigration application you make may be denied. This is still current notice from www.nhs.UKÂ
What are my rights as a visitor that does not have health insurance and need treatment for Coronavirus?
You ought to apply for healthcare over or pay for the treatment received to ensure that you have not breached the conditions of your stay in the UK.
What are my rights as a visitor in the UK, if IÂ overstay because of Coronavirus?
As defined to “mean the visitor has stayed in the UK beyond the time limit attached to the last period of leave granted (including any extension of that leave, or under sections 3C or 3D of the Immigration Act 1971)”.
What are my rights if the Home Office has only sent an email allowing me to stay under March 31 because of the Coronavirus?
Even though the Home Office has a dedicated helpline, there is no change to the law no discretionary policy by the Home Office. The current notice given is the reference to Chinese nationals in the UK as China was first affected by the Coronavirus.   Â
What penalties can I, as a visitor expect for overstaying under current law?Â
You may be refused a re-entry visit visa if you have applied during the “ban time period in V 3.10 (which time period is relevant will depend on the manner in which the applicant left the UK).”
What are the typical ban time periods, under current law?
V 3.10 The duration of a re-entry ban is as follows:
- 12 months and you left voluntarily, at your own expense there is no banÂ
- Â Two years and you left voluntarily, and you left at public expense, you could face Within six months of being given notice of liability for the removal or when they no longer had a pending appeal or administrative review, whichever is later
- Five years and left voluntarily at public expense, you could more than six months after being given notice of liability for the removal or when they no longer had a pending appeal or administrative review, whichever is later.
- Five years and you left or was removed from the UK as a condition of a caution issued in accordance with section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (and providing that any condition prohibiting their return to the UK has itself expired)
- Ten years and was deported from the UK or was removed from the UK at public expense
- Ten years and used deception in an application for entry clearance (including a visit visa).
V 3.11 Where more than one breach of the UK’s immigration laws has occurred, only the breach which leads to the longest period of absence from the UK will be relevant.
What are my rights if Coronavirus has affected my country, and I can not return what are my immigration rights in the UK?Â
Due to travel restrictions because of Coronavirus, some individuals may be facing uncertainty in relation to the expiry date of their current visa or leave to remain in the United Kingdom. The Home Office understands that in many cases, this is because of circumstances outside of your control.
Has the Government changed the law to visitors in the UK because of Coronavirus?
Subject to the below guidance, most people in the UK whose immigration status is affected by the coronavirus outbreak will get an automatic extension of their visa until March 31 2020.
Read the guide below to find out if your visa will be automatically extended or if you need to contact the Home Office’s dedicated coronavirus immigration helpline to discuss your circumstances and arrange an extension.
What are my rights as a visitor, my leave expires between January 24, 2020, and May 31 2020, will the Home Office allow me to stay in the UK?
The general position is that your leave will be extended to May 31, 2020, if you cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). However, you will only receive an email confirmation of this from the Home Office, and this is not a formal visa.
What are my rights as a visitor is I cannot return after March 31, 2020, and to stay in the UK long-term?
It is your responsibility as a visitor to ensure that you have notified the Home Office of your reasons for overstaying your visa conditions, if you are still in the UK after March 31 2020, you ought to seek legal representation to stay in the UK longer.Â
What are my rights as a visitor from a country that has shut its border because of Coronavirus, and I am in the UK?
The general advice is that you ought to apply to the Home Office for further leave and supply evidence of when you were expected to leave and detailed explanation of why you were unable to leave. It is important to seek legal advice and representation for further applications to the Home Office.
Which countries have been affected by Coronavirus? Â
This is not a complete list:-
Albania – March 22, Albania suspended all commercial flights to and from the country, allowing only flag carrier Air Albania to fly to Turkey and operate humanitarian flights.
Algeria – March 19 the Government had previously halted flights with Morocco, Spain, France and China.
Angola – March 21 the authorities have suspended all flights in and out of its borders.Â
Antigua and Barbuda – March 12 Authorities advised foreign nationals who have travelled to China, Italy, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Singapore in the previous 28 days will not be allowed to enter the country. Diplomats were exempted. Any cruise ship with suspected cases may also be blocked from docking.
Argentina – March 15 the authorities closed its borders to all non-residents for at least two weeks, and all flights from the United States and Europe would be cancelled starting March 16.
Armenia – March 22 the authorities started lockdown.
Australia – March 18 the Government announced that the country’s borders would close to all visitors, except for citizens and permanent residents and their close family members.
Austria – March 22 the authority suspended foreign travellers from outside the Schengen area are prohibited from entering Austria until further notice. With few exceptions, much of the country’s land borders with Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland and Italy are blocked.
Bahrain – March 18 the authorities announced a reduction in the number of incoming flights until further notice, and visas were suspended on-arrival scheme.
Bangladesh – March 31 the Government suspended flights to all European destinations except the United Kingdom. The flight ban came into effect on March 16 and will remain in place until March 31.
Belize – March 19 the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all non-essential travel overseas at least until March 29. This includes Great Britain but does not apply to Northern Ireland. It also includes all travel by cruise ship. This decision was taken on the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team to combat COVID-19 and in view of the imposition of new restrictions on entry by many countries and the ongoing reduction in international flight services.
Bolivia – March 18, the Government banned travel from Europe’s Schengen zone, the UK, Ireland and Iran. Previously, it had barred travellers from Spain, China, South Korea and Italy. The country has also implemented strict border measures, including medical screenings. The measures will remain in place until March 31, the Government said.
Brazil – March 19 the Government announced the restricted entry of foreign visitors at land borders with Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Suriname and French Guiana. This followed a similar restriction at the Venezuelan border. The presidential chief of staff’s office said the restriction will last for 15 days. They will not apply to foreigners with permanent residence in Brazil, diplomats and international agency officials, as well as trucks transporting goods.
Bulgaria – March 15, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport said it would ban incoming flights from Italy and Spain as of midnight (22:00 GMT) on March 17. Rosen Jeliazkov also said Bulgarians who wanted to return home from these countries would have March 16 and 17 to do so and would face a 14-day quarantine.
Cambodia – March 17 the authorities banned all foreigners travelling from Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Iran and the US were banned from entering CambodiaÂ
Canada – March 16, the Government announced it was closing its borders and denying entry to anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. There are exceptions for immediate family members of Canadian citizens, aeroplane crew members, diplomats and US citizens.
Chile – In March announced that it will shut its borders to non-resident foreigners starting for an undetermined period. Any citizen returning from high-risk areas must quarantine for 14 days.
China – March 24 announced that a lockdown would be lifted on more than 50 million people in central Hubei province where the Coronavirus first emerged late last year. Hubei province ordered a shutdown in January but has been gradually easing the rules and permitting people to move about within Hubei and return to work.
People who wish to travel in or out of Hubei or Wuhan will be able to as long as they have a “green” health code issued by authorities.
Colombia – March 16 all land, air and sea borders will remain shut until May 30. This includes its border with Venezuela where thousands of migrants and refugees cross daily. Colombia will also halt domestic flights from March 25.
Congo (Republic) – March 13 the authorities closed its borders.
Costa Rica – March 18 after declaring a state of emergency, Costa Rica announced it would close all borders to foreigners starting on Croatia.
Croatian – March 12, the Government announced a series of restrictions on international border crossings. Foreign arrivals from hard-hit countries, such as Italy and China, are required to spend 14 days in quarantine facilities. Authorities also implemented health monitoring for passengers from many countries affected by the virus, including Spain, the US and Sweden.Â
Cyprus – March 15, Nicos Anastasiades, president of the Republic of Cyprus, said the country will shut its borders for 15 days to all but Cypriots, Europeans working on the island and people with special permits.
The Czech Republic – March 12 the country would close its borders to travellers from Germany and Austria and ban the entry of foreigners from other high-risk countries. Czechs were prohibited from travelling to those countries, and to and from other countries deemed risky, effective from Saturday (23:00 GMT on Friday).
Denmark – March 13, Denmark said it would temporarily close its borders to non-citizens.
The Dominican Republic – March 16 the Government suspend all flights from Europe and the arrival of all cruise ships for a month.
Djibouti – March 15, Djibouti said it was suspending all international flights.
Ecuador – March 16, the authorities announced the closure of its borders, including to citizens and residents, for 21 days.
Ethiopia – March 23, the Ethiopian Government announced that it would shut its land borders to nearly all human traffic as part of efforts to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
Egypt – March 19, authorities all air traffic at its airports from until March 31, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on March 16.
El Salvador – March 16 the authorities shut down its airport on to all commercial flights. On March 11, it had banned entry to all foreigners, excluding accredited diplomats and legal residents of the country. Those allowed to enter were subject to a possible 30-day quarantine.
Finland – March 19, Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo said Finland would start heavily restricting traffic over its borders.
France – March 16 President Emmanuel Macron announced that France’s borders would be closed from March 17.
Gambia – March 23 to close its borders with neighbouring Senegal for 21 days as part of measures to stem the spread of the Coronavirus, local media reported on Monday.
Georgia, – March 20 imposed a ban on all foreign citizens entering the country and closed its borders.
Germany, – March 16, Germany said it would temporarily introduce border controls on its frontiers with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark from March 16. The entry restrictions were expanded to include flights from Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland, the interior ministry said on March 18. The new entry restrictions also apply to sea transport from Denmark, an interior ministry spokesman said.
Ghana – March 22, Ghana banned entry to anyone who has been to a country with more than 200 coronavirus cases in the previous 14 days, unless they were official residents or Ghanaian nationals.
Greece – March 29 banned all flights that were still operating to and from Italy it had said it would ban road and sea routes, as well as flights to Albania and North Macedonia, and ban flights to and from Spain to stem the spread of the Coronavirus. Only cargo and citizens who live in Greece will be allowed to travel to and from Albania and North Macedonia, authorities said.
Grenada – March 17 banned all non-resident arrivals and suspended all flights from March 16 to 30 except for cargo. It also banned cruise ships from docking. On March 17, the country also announced it was suspending all deportation flights from the US.
Guyana – March 18, all airports were partially closed for 14 days. The closure mainly affects international passenger flights, local media reported.
Haiti – March 19, Haiti’s Government declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, closing the borders of the nation and imposing a curfew after authorities detected the first two cases of infection. It has also suspended all international flights, except for those coming from the US, and it closed its border with the Dominican Republic.
Hungary – March 16 closed its borders for international passengers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told Parliament.
India – March 18, suspended issuing visas to citizens of France, Spain and Germany until further notice. Such restrictions were already in place for citizens of China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea – the five countries worst hit by the outbreak.
Iraq – March 10 the Government announced countrywide lockdown it imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic until April 11.
Italy – March 10 the Government announced a lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. The restrictions will run until April 3.
Jamaica – March 10 the Government has imposed travel restrictions on travellers from Iran, China, South Korea, Italy, Singapore, Germany, Spain, France and the UK, local media reported. The Government also said anyone arriving from countries where there is community spread will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Japan – March 17 the authorities announced an entry ban to travellers who have been in China, Iran or Italy in the 14 days before arrival.
Jordan – March 17 closed border crossings with Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank and its seaports to shipping from Egypt. The Government banned travel to Lebanon and Syria and also barred entry to travellers from France, Germany and Spain. The measures included reducing airline service by half to Egypt.
Kazakhstan – Â President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency on March 15. This stoped entry to the country for everyone except returning citizens, diplomats and those invited by the Government. Kazakhs are also barred from leaving the country.
Kenya – March 15, the Government of Kenya announced that travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported coronavirus cases will be banned, effective from 48 hours of March 15. These restrictions will be in place for a period of 30 days.
Kuwait – March 13 the Authorities banned all commercial passenger flights to and from Kuwait.
Kyrgyzstan – March 17 said it would ban entry to all foreigners.
Latvia – March 13 declared a state of emergency is in place from the moment it was approved until April 14. During this period of time, authorities will do their best to limit the spread of Covid-19.
Lebanon – March 12 the Lebanese Government announced the suspension of flights from Italy, Iran, China and South Korea.
Libya – March 15, Libyan Authorities announced that due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic all air, ground and Libyan maritime borders would close on March 16 for three weeks (with potential extension).
Lithuania – March 16 shut its borders to nearly all foreigners. Lithuanian citizens were also banned from leaving the country, except for business trips. The ban, which has exceptions for truck drivers, diplomats and people passing through the country on their way home, will be in force until March 30.
Madagascar – March 20, authorities announced there will be no commercial passenger flights to and from Europe for 30 days. Travellers arriving from affected countries must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Malaysia – March 16 shut its borders to travellers and restricted internal movement until March 31.
Maldives – March 29 the Government banned entry to travellers from China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia and the UK, as well as to those coming from specific regions in Germany, France and South Korea. All direct flights to China, South Korea and Italy have also been suspended.
Mali – March 19, suspended flights from countries affected by the virus starting on except for cargo flights.
Mexico – March 20 agreed with the US to restrict non-essential travel over their shared border, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, placing limitations on one of the world’s busiest borders. The restrictions will be reviewed after 30 days, Pompeo said at a White House news briefing.
Moldova – March 17 the Government shut its borders and suspended all international flights.
Morocco – March 14, the authorities have halted flights to and from 25 countries, extending an earlier ban that covered China, Spain, Italy, France and Algeria.
Nepal – March 14, all foreign nationals who enter Nepal must remain in self-quarantine for 14 days, according to the country’s Department of Immigration. All these measures are in place until April 30.
Netherlands – March 19 the Dutch Government announced that entry restrictions will be tightened for non-EU citizens who wish to travel to the Netherlands.
New Zealand – March 19, New Zealand closed its borders to all non-citizens or non-permanent residents.
Nigeria – March 18, the Government announced it was restricting entry into the country for travellers from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, the US, Norway, the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Those coming from high-risk countries are asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
Norway – March 14, announced its ports and airports shut down, although exemptions will be made for Norwegians returning from abroad as well as for goods.
Oman – March 18 government suspended tourist visas from all countries and banned cruise ships from docking.
Pakistan – March 21 the Government suspended all international flights until April 4.Â
Panama – March 25, the Government announced that the country banned all international flights and on March 25 Panama suspended all domestic passenger flights from both local and international airports.
Paragua – March 14, Paraguay suspended flights from Europe until at least March 31. It has also restricted traffic across Friendship Bridge, which connects the country with Brazil, to authorised cargo traffic.
Peru – March 16, the Government declared a state of emergency, Peru announced it would shut down its border for at least 15 days starting on March 16. The measure includes the cancellation of all commercial international flights into the country.
Philippines – March 12 the Government announced A month-long lockdown on Luzon – the largest Philippine island home to nearly 60 million people – are in place, while domestic and international flights have been cancelled until April 14.
Poland – March 13, Poland said it would ban foreigners from entering the country from March 15 and impose a 14-day quarantine on its citizens returning home. Those with a residence permit in Poland would also be allowed to enter, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said.
Portugal – March 24 Flights from outside the EU, are suspended, excluding the UK, USA, Canada, Venezuela, South Africa and Portuguese speaking countries. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that travel restrictions on the land border with Spain should guarantee that free movement of goods continues. These travel restrictions should also protect the rights of workers, but that “there must be a restriction (on travelling) for the purposes of tourism or leisure”.
Qatar – March 15, Qatar said it would ban inbound flights, except for cargo and transit flights, starting from March 18. The entry ban does not apply to Qatari citizens.
Romania – March 21 the Government barred most foreigners from entering the country on and tightened restrictions on movement inside the country.
Russia – March 27 the Government has ordered the civil aviation authority to suspend all regular and charter flights to and from Russia from.
Rwanda – March 22 closed its borders completely, except for goods and cargo and returning citizens, authorities said.
Saint Lucia – March 17 imposed restrictions on travellers arriving from France, Germany, Spain, the UK, China, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Singapore, according to local media.
Saudi Arabia – March 15, Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights for two weeks.
Serbia – March 19, Serbia closed its airport and said it would shut all road and rail borders other than to freight traffic, as well as halt all internal passenger transport, in a bid to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Singapore – March 15, “all-new visitors with recent travel history to France, Germany, Italy and Spain within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into or transit through Singapore”, according to officials.
Slovenia – March 11 the Government announced border crossings with Italy and began making health checks at those remaining open. Passenger train transport between the two countries was also cancelled.
Somalia – March 19 has banned all international flights until March 29.
South Africa – March 20 postpone all non-essential foreign travel. South African Airways announced on it would suspend international flights until May 31.
South Korea – March 23, calling on its citizens to cancel or postpone their trips abroad over the spread of the new Coronavirus. The Foreign Ministry said that the special travel advisory applies to all countries except those that are already under higher alerts that call for the withdrawal of citizens or are subject to a travel ban.
Spain – March 22 will restrict entry for most foreigners at air and seaports for the next 30 days to help stem its coronavirus epidemic, the Interior Ministry said on. The ban – starting at midnight – comes a few days after Spain imposed restrictions on its land borders with France and Portugal, after European Union leaders agreed to close the bloc’s external borders for 30 days.
Sri Lanka – March 22, the Sri Lankan government imposed an indefinite ban on all passenger flights and ships. A government statement said all passenger flights and ships will not be allowed to enter the Indian Ocean island until the situation returns to normalcy.
Sudan – March 16, Sudan closed all airports, ports and land crossings. Only humanitarian, commercial and technical support shipments were excluded from the restrictions.
Suriname – March 14 closed all of its land and sea borders.
Sweden – March 19 the Government has temporarily stopped non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside the EEA and Switzerland. The decision took effect on and will initially apply for 30 days.
Tajikistan – March 20 all flights have been suspended. Travellers who have been in or transited through, China, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the 14 days before arrival are banned from entering the country.
Trinidad and Tobago – March 17 closed its border to foreigners for 14 days beginning on local media reported. Nationals will be allowed to enter the country but will be subjected to quarantine.
Tunisia, – March 18, also imposed a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am starting on Tunisia’s president said, tightening the measures to counter the spread of the Coronavirus.
Turkey – March 21 the Government closed land borders against the coronavirus outbreak, state broadcaster TRT Haber said on Wednesday. The Government is suspending flights to and from several countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, China, South Korea, Iran and Iraq.
Turkmenistan – March 23 the Government suspended all international flights. Authorities have made no official announcements on the scope and duration of the new restrictions.
Uganda – March 18, Uganda restricted travel to some of the affected countries such as Italy.
Uganda suspended all passenger planes in and out of the country. Cargo planes will be exempted.
Ukraine – March 13 the authorities barred foreign nationals from entering theÂ
United Arab Emirates – March 23, the Government indefinitely suspended flights to and from Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and Iraq. On Dubai carrier, Emirates announced the suspension of all passenger flights.
United Kingdom – March 17 the Government advised citizens “against all non-essential travel worldwide”, initially for a period of 30 days.
United States – March 20, the US and Mexico agreed to restrict non-essential travel over their shared border for 30 days, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, a decision that will be revisited after the period.
Uruguay – March 15 authorities announced it would ban all flights from Europe starting from March 20. Earlier, it had announced that passengers from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran, Spain, Italy, France and Germany had to go through a 14-day quarantine.
Uzbekistan – March 22, the country announced it was closing its borders for its citizens, preventing them from leaving onwards.
Venezuela – March 12, announced it would cancel all flights from Europe, Colombia, Panama and the Dominican Republic for at least 30 days. The country has also announced a nationwide quarantine.
Vietnam – March 21 the Government announced that it will suspend all inbound international flights to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the country, without giving a time frame.
Yemen – March 18. the office of Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed said the move exempted flights for humanitarian purposes. The key airports his government controls are in Aden, Sayoun and Mukalla.
Zimbabwe – March 24 the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that all borders will be closed to human traffic except for returning resident
What are my rights if I have a visa application outside of the UK?
Many UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) are closed or offering limited services. For advice on visa services in your country, contact: TLS contact if you’re in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East or the VFS global for all other countries.
In some areas, the UK cannot send visa vignettes across some borders and routes due to border restrictions.
What are my rights if the Visa Centre is closed because of Coronavirus?
If you have an appointment and the VAC is now closed, you’ll be contacted and told your appointment will not take place.
What are my rights if the English Testing Centre is closed because of Coronavirus?
English Testing Centres are also affected. Visit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) ‘s website or contact your test centre for more information.
What are my rights to getting my documents from the Visa Centre?
If you’ve paid for courier return, your passport will be returned if courier routes remain open. If your passport is currently held in a VAC and you would like it to be returned by a courier, please contact either TLS contact or VFS global directly if you haven’t already paid for courier return.
Generally, the Visa Centres will prioritise the return of all documents once VACs are open.
What are my rights as British nationals abroad who need to apply for a passport if the British High Commission is closed because of Coronavirus? Â
The Government wishes to safeguard the health of crown workers. Therefore, if your country’s VAC is closed, you won’t be able to apply for a British passport. If you urgently need to travel to the UK, you can apply for an emergency travel document.
What other advice can I get from the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre?
If you have immigration queries related to Coronavirus, please email the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre. Email: [email protected].
For advice and legal support call 01634 202095 to speak with Immigration Advisor Shabana Shahab today.
For more information or advice about British Citizenship and Naturalisation UK please click here.