How Do I Get an Emergency Visa for the UK?

In certain circumstances, travelers may find themselves in need of an emergency visa to the UK. Whether it's due to a family emergency, urgent business trip, or unforeseen travel disruption, the UK government provides options for applicants who need to travel quickly. An emergency UK visa allows travelers to expedite the visa application process, ensuring they can travel to the UK in a timely manner.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can apply for an emergency visa to the UK, what makes you eligible, the different types of emergency visas available, and the steps you should take to ensure a smooth application process.

What is an Emergency Visa for the UK?

An emergency visa for the UK is a visa option that allows you to fast-track your application to the UK in cases of urgent travel needs. It is not a special visa category in itself but rather an expedited processing service that can be requested in specific circumstances. This service is available for applicants who are facing an unexpected situation that requires immediate travel, such as:

• Family emergencies (e.g., a serious illness or death of a close relative in the UK)
• Medical emergencies (e.g., needing urgent medical treatment in the UK)
• Urgent business travel (e.g., attending an important business meeting, conference, or event that cannot be postponed)

Emergency visa services are designed to help travelers who face time constraints and require a swift resolution to their visa application.

Types of UK Emergency Visas

The UK government doesn’t offer a specific "emergency visa" category, but emergency processing can apply to most types of visas, including:

1. Standard Visitor Visa: If you need to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa on an expedited basis.

2. Family Reunion Visa: In cases of family emergencies, such as attending the funeral or supporting a family member who is critically ill, you can apply for an emergency family reunion visa.

3. Business Visitor Visa: For urgent business travel, such as attending a crucial meeting, conference, or conference in the UK, an expedited Business Visitor Visa can be processed quickly.

4. Medical Visa: If you need to travel to the UK for medical treatment due to an urgent health issue, you can apply for a Medical Visitor Visa with an expedited processing service.

How to Apply for an Emergency UK Visa

If you need an emergency visa to the UK, follow these steps to expedite the application process:

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility

Before applying for an emergency visa, determine which visa category applies to your situation. Ensure you meet the requirements for the visa you’re applying for. Whether it’s a visitor visa, business visa, or medical visa, you'll need to provide the necessary documents, such as:

• Proof of the reason for your emergency (e.g., hospital letter, death certificate, urgent business meeting invitation)
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of funds to cover your stay
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of relationship (if you’re attending a family emergency)

Step 2: Apply for a Visa Online

Start by completing the online visa application form on the official UK government website. Select the type of visa that matches your emergency situation. When filling out the form, make sure to indicate the urgency of your travel and include a brief explanation of the emergency situation.

During the application, you will be asked to upload necessary supporting documents, including:

• A copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in the UK
• Proof of your emergency (e.g., a letter from a hospital or medical facility, funeral notice, or business invitation)
• Any other relevant supporting documents

Step 3: Request Expedited Processing

Once you’ve completed your visa application, request priority processing for your visa. There are two main expedited processing options you can consider:

1. Priority Service: This service guarantees a faster decision on your visa application, usually within 5 working days. You can select this service during the visa application process.

2. Super Priority Service: If you need an even faster resolution, the Super Priority Service allows you to receive a decision within 24 hours of your visa application submission. This service is particularly useful in urgent travel situations.

Both of these services come with an additional fee on top of the standard visa application fee, so be prepared to pay for the expedited processing option that best suits your needs.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Appointment (if applicable)

In some cases, applicants may need to attend an in-person visa appointment at a visa application center. If you are applying for a visa in person, you will need to book an appointment and submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

Ensure that you arrive early and bring all required documents with you, including your application form and any emergency documentation that supports your reason for needing urgent travel.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the relevant fees, wait for the processing of your visa. For Priority Service, this generally takes around 5 working days, while the Super Priority Service delivers a decision within 24 hours.

In urgent cases, you may need to follow up with the UK Home Office or the visa application center to confirm your status.

Step 6: Receive Your Emergency UK Visa

If your visa is approved, you will be issued a visa vignette (a sticker) or an electronic visa authorization, depending on your application method. Make sure to check that all the information is correct before traveling.

When Should You Apply for an Emergency Visa?

While the UK visa application process can take time, it’s essential to apply for an emergency UK visa as soon as possible. The Priority and Super Priority services help to speed up the process, but it’s still advisable to apply for your visa at least a few days before your intended travel date to avoid delays.

If you are facing an urgent situation, such as a medical emergency or the death of a close relative, provide supporting documents such as medical certificates or a death notice. These documents will support the urgency of your case and can help speed up the decision-making process.

Cost of an Emergency UK Visa

The costs for the expedited visa services can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the urgency of the request. Here are the general costs:

1. Standard Visitor Visa Fee: £95-£300 (depending on the length of stay)
2. Priority Service Fee: £500-£800 (on top of the visa application fee)
3. Super Priority Service Fee: £800-£1,200 (on top of the visa application fee)

These fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your documents are complete and that you meet the visa requirements before submitting the application.

Key Points to Remember

• Emergency visas are not a special visa category but can refer to expedited processing for most visa types (visitor, medical, business, etc.).
• Priority and Super Priority services allow for faster processing, with decisions typically made within 5 working days or 24 hours, respectively.
• Ensure your application includes proof of the emergency (e.g., medical or death certificates) to support your case.
• Apply early and ensure all your documents are in order to avoid delays, even with expedited services.

Conclusion

If you need to travel to the UK urgently, an emergency visa with priority processing or super priority service can help fast-track your application. Be sure to apply as early as possible, provide the necessary supporting documents, and select the expedited service that best suits your situation. While these services come with additional costs, they offer an efficient way to get your visa in time for your urgent travel.

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

Previous | Next