The "Living in the UK: applying from overseas" guidance states that applicants must not travel to the UK before their visa application is approved. It applies to people applying from outside the UK, and the guidance was updated on 9 September 2026.
Key facts
- Who: People applying for a UK visa from outside the UK
- From: 9 September 2026
- Source: Living in the UK: applying from overseas
The guidance, which explains the steps from making an application to sharing immigration status, includes a line in its section on getting a decision: "You must not travel to the UK before your visa application is approved."
The guidance says the decision arrives by email, and that the email explains what to do next. The line sits directly after that statement.
What the applicant receives depends on how they proved their identity:
- Mobile app (UK Immigration: ID Check): the applicant receives an eVisa, a digital record of identity and immigration status. They need a UKVI account to access it and are told by email how to do so.
- Visa application centre (VAC): in most cases the applicant receives an eVisa only and does not need to return to the VAC. An applicant who did not apply with an acceptable identity document is issued with an eVisa and a form for accompanying an eVisa (FAV). The FAV, when linked to the eVisa, allows travel to the UK, and the applicant must return to the VAC to collect it before travelling.
Before travelling, applicants need to sign in to their UKVI account to view their eVisa and check their permission. The eVisa includes the conditions of the grant, such as "No access to public funds", "No work" or "Restricted work".
The guidance also says applicants should give themselves plenty of time to check that their personal details and eVisa information are correct before travelling. It warns that not doing so may mean being delayed or denied boarding by carriers.
If an application is refused, the applicant receives a decision notice setting out the reasons. It explains whether there is a right to administrative review or an immigration decision appeal. The passport is returned if it was kept as part of the application.
What this means for applicants
Applicants outside the UK must not travel to the UK until their visa application has been approved. Once approved, they need to sign in to their UKVI account and check their eVisa and its conditions before travelling. Anyone issued with a FAV must collect it from the VAC before travelling. The guidance warns that not checking personal details and eVisa information may lead to delayed or denied boarding by carriers. The source does not state any other consequence of travelling before approval.
Related guide: UK visa delay