UK VISAS

The March 2007 Securing the UK Border strategy proposes a rationalising of the visitor category. Visitors come to the UK for a range of reasons, with the majority being granted admission for six months for whatever purpose. A UK Visitor Task Force is looking at reducing the current six-month multiple entry visa to three months to match the length of the Schengen visa. The Home Office launched a consultation into this in January 2008.

ABTA’s Position

ABTA serves on the UK Visitor Task Force. We have pointed out that the UK visa (currently £63) compares unfavourably with the Schengen visa (€60) and discourages potential visa applicants from visiting the UK when planning a trip to Europe, with a detrimental effect on inbound tourism and the UK economy. Our main concern is reciprocity with the possibility of higher fees for UK citizens visiting other countries and the consequential effect on outbound tourism.

Last updated: 8 April 2008