Visas for the UK
HOW TO APPLY FOR A UK VISA IN TAIWAN
Important notice:
The online applications facility for visas to the UK will be closed from 28 September until 5 October 2009. The Visa Application Centre will also be closed on 1 and 2 October.
If you are travelling to the UK after 20 October, we advise that you make your application after the facility restarts on 5 October. If you are travelling to the UK before 20 October, we advise that you make your application as soon as possible, and definitely before 27 September.
25 August 2009: Student tier 4 applicants - Sponsor Register
Student tier 4 visa applicants should ensure their chosen institution is on the tier 4 Sponsor Register when they submit their visa application. Applications made to attend institutions that have been suspended from the register will not be considered whilst the institution is under review. If you have a visa letter that you got before your approved education provider's licence was suspended, and you have already been granted permission to enter the United Kingdom, but you have not yet travelled, you are advised not to travel until your educational institution's status has been resolved. You are advised to check the sponsor's register before you travel in case your sponsor's status has changed. Please see the Sponsor Register on the UK Border Agency website.
28 July 2009: students must travel using a 'Student Visa'
If you intend to travel to the UK visa free prior to the start of your student visa, you must carry your documentation to show that you will be leaving the UK and re-entering using your valid student visa. If you do not have the correct documents; for example - tickets to show you will be leaving the UK; you will:
- not be accepted for travel by the airline
- refused entry upon arrival in the UK
1 April 2009: the UK Government issued a clarification on the visa exemption for Taiwan passport holders, specifically that it applies only to those with full residency rights in Taiwan.
From 3 March 2009: Taiwan passport-holders who wish to visit the United Kingdom for less than six months on business or as a tourist, family visitor or student visitor will no longer require a visa. You can click frequently asked questions for more information.
Where can I get information?
- UK Border Agency and the British Embassy in Manila work in partnership with a commercial organisation: VFS Taiwan Ltd (VFS). You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through VFS’s website. VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service:
- VFS’s e-mail address: info.uktw@vfshelpline.com
- Call Centre:
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 0800 hrs - 1700 hrs (assistance in English and Mandarin)
- Callers from Taiwan: 0204 5 8989 (please note that users can only access this number via Chunghwa Telecom).
- Fee: Callers will be charged 22 NTD/minute
Please note that the British Embassy in Manila is unable to provide visa information to personal callers. Please contact VFS as described above.
Do I have to pay?
Website and email information is free of charge but there is a charge of NTD22/minute for using the telephone service.
Where can I get advice?
If you need advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:
- Law Society of England and Wales
- Law Society of Scotland
- Law Society of Northern Ireland
- Institute of Legal Executives
How do I submit my application?
VFS manages one Visa Application Centre in Taipei, where you should submit your application and have your biometric fingerscans and digital photograph taken.
Who decides whether I will get a visa?
Your visa application will be processed and decided by UK Border Agency staff. Neither VFS, nor any of its staff play any part in, nor can they influence the outcome of your visa application. If any member of staff employed by VFS claim to be able to influence your application you should inform the British Embassy in Manila as soon as possible.
Service standards - complaints and compliments
The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve
If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days
- If you wish to complain about the service you received in Taiwan from the UK Border Agency in Manila , please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at the address below:
120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Town Center
Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City 1634 Metro Manila
- If you wish to complain about the service you received from VFS, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager at the British Embassy in Manlia in writing.
Important Notice
On 1 April 2009 the UK Government issued a clarification on the visa exemption for Taiwan passport holders, specifically that it applies only to those with full residency rights in Taiwan.
Point Based System
The UK Government announced the student tier (Tier 4) of its new points-based system for migration was launched on 31 March 2009. More...
Watch student visa tier 4 video...
Download student visa general information leaflet (PDF, 677KB, new window)
From 3 March 2009 Taiwan passport-holders who wish to visit the UK for less than six months on business or as a tourist, family visitor or student visitor will no longer require a visa.