New entry clearance requirements have been phased in since November 2003 as part of the United Kingdom Residence Permit (UKRP) scheme, aimed at harmonising documentation and immigration procedures across the European Union.  These new entry clearance requirements will eventually affect all non-European Economic Area (EEA) passport holders entering the UK for more than 6 months..

The first phase of the scheme came into force on 13 November 2003 and affected Hong Kong SAR passport holders as well as nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.  From 13 November 2005 the second phase of the scheme will come into force and from this date ALL nationals from non-EEA member states who wish to come to the UK for more than 6 months will need to obtain entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling.  This includes holders of Macao SAR passports.

The entry clearance currently costs £85.  This one-off cost will allow travellers to stay for the full period in the UK without having to apply for a residence permit unless they wish to extend or change their conditions of stay. Students and work permit holders are the two categories most affected by the introduction of the UKRP scheme.

The UKRP scheme will mean faster arrival procedures at HM Immigration on arrival in the UK and a streamlined entry clearance issuing service overseas, where most routine applications will be processed within 24 hours.

Entry clearance will normally be valid for the declared period of stay in the UK, for example a student going to study for a 3 year degree course will receive an entry clearance valid for the length of the course.  But if the entry clearance expires during the holder's period of stay in the UK, an extension will need to be obtained from the Home Office.  The current cost for extending an entry clearance by post in the UK is £250 for students and £335 for other applications.  A premium same-day service is available at a cost of £500.

British National (Overseas) passport holders do not need to obtain entry clearance before they travel to the UK even if they intend to remain longer than 6 months.  However, BN(O) passport holders who then extend their conditions of stay at the Home Office in the UK will be charged the standard fees above.  The British Consulate-General in Hong Kong therefore strongly advises all BN(O) passport holders intending to remain in the UK for longer than 6 months to obtain entry clearance before they travel.  This service is free of charge to BN(O) passport holders and is available from the UKRP Unit at the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong.  The entry clearance for BN(O) passport holders is called a UK Residence Permit.

Please bring the following to apply for the UKRP:

1. Completed the VAF1 form
2. 2 passport photos
3. School offer letter
4. Current 3 year school reports
5. Any qualification document
6.Financial support (Bank statement, Salary slip etc)
7. School Invoice if applicable
8.Address in UK (Apply to day school’s students only)
9. OEA approval letter (Apply to HK civil servant only who are receiving the Overseas Education Allowance)

For further information please contact the British Consulate direct:

Website:
www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk 
Telephone:
2901 3347 / 2901 3231 / 2901 3231 (Voicemail service)

Opening hours:
08.45–11.00 for applications and 15.30–16.30 for collection, Mon to Fri, excluding public holidays.