Preparing your application

It is your responsibility to make sure that you apply for the right visa, and that you submit the right documents in support of your application. The UK Border Agency produces a series of Information Leaflets for the different types of visas available. These can be found on the UK Border Agency visa service website: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/

You will need:

• a visa application form (see Visa application form page) which you have filled in correctly
• your passport or travel document
• one recent, passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be:
  • taken against a light coloured background
  • clear and of good quality and not framed or backed
  • printed on normal photographic paper, and
  • full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons
    Please note that we may not accept photographs which do not meet these specifications.
• the visa fee. This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying
• any supporting documents relevant to your application as suggested in the guidance notes (see Application forms and guidance).

We do not provide an exhaustive list of documents. Applicants should submit documents that demonstrate that they meet the relevant immigration rules they are applying for (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/).

Please make sure that:

• you have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form(s)
• signed and dated the form(s) where asked
• any supporting documents you show are originals or attested copies
• related documents are translated into English 
• you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel, unless you are applying for settlement

Please note: Visa applicants to the British Embassy are required to submit all the necessary information and supporting documents on application. Failure to do so may result in refusal of entry clearance to the UK.

Please note: The British Embassy in Yerevan is not able to accept postal applications. Applications should be made in person.

Where do I apply?

Generally, you should apply for an entry clearance at the UK Mission in the country where you are normally and legally resident. This is particularly important if you are applying to come to stay in the UK for a long time, or for settlement. If you are staying only temporarily in the country where you apply, the visa office may not accept your application, or there may be a long delay before a decision on your application is made.

If you are an Armenian citizen, or you have residence status in Armenia, you should apply at the Visa Section of the British Embassy in Yerevan. (see the contact details in the right hand side column).

You must bring payment in cash in Armenian Drams. We are unable to accept credit cards or bank transfers or payment in any other currency. You will be issued with a receipt.

If you must travel a long distance to the visa office, contact us before you start your journey for any important information that may affect you.

If you are resident in Yerevan and wish to travel to Commonwealth countries or British Overseas Territories you may apply through Visa Section at the British Embassy in Yerevan. Please apply well in advance of your departure. The Visa Section forwards all documents to the country that you are travelling to and it can take a long time to process the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may find the answer to your question by visiting the UK Border Agency's FAQ page: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/faqs/