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The University of Southampton
The Student Hub Visa and immigration

Inviting visitors to the UK

You may want to invite family or friends to visit you in the UK whilst you are studying at Southampton.

Check if they need a UK visa on: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

If your visitor doesn't need a visa, they may need electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before they travel to the UK. Check if your visitor needs an ETA on: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Some visitors can scan their passport at an eGate at the UK border instead of visiting an immigration officer. Check who can use eGates on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coming-to-the-uk/faster-travel-through-the-uk-border#use-the-egates-for-quicker-entry

If you are an exchange or study abroad student coming to Southampton for less than 6 months, visit our page about making a short study visit to the University: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/visa-and-immigration/applying-for-your-visa/short-visit.page

Two people walk beside a harbour
Visiting Southampton

How can I help my visitor apply for a Visitor visa?

Your visitor must be able to show that:

Evidence you could provide your visitor to support their Visitor visa application:

Additional evidence you could provide if you are funding your visitor's travel, maintenance or accommodation for their trip:

The University Visa and Immigration Student Advice Service don't offer advice about applications for visitors. If your visitor needs advice, they can find an immigration advisor external to the University on: https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

Please note: The University of Southampton cannot accept responsibility for the content of external websites.

Check if You Need a UK Visa Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor Visitor Visa Guide to Supporting Documents

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