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Old 08-27-2013, 03:32 AM
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Default Visas required to enter U.K. - new website clarifies application process

Visas required to enter U.K. - new website clarifies application process

08-27-2013 01:35 AM

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Visas required to enter U.K. - new website clarifies application process


by: Capt. Carolyn Glover
USAFE-UK Public Affairs
published: August 27, 2013

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ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England* -- Moving to the United Kingdom for a new assignment can be an exciting time for military members, civilians and family members alike. When caught up in the excitement of relocating to another country it is easy to overlook or even disregard a critical step on individual out-processing checklists - visas.

Department of Defense civilians, contractors and all civilian and military dependents must have passports issued by the U.S. government and visas issued by the British government before departing for a new assignment in the U.K. Although these requirements do not apply to U.S. military members, it is their responsibility to ensure dependents have these documents before the big move.

Visas are an essential part of a move to the U.K. If you belong to a category that requires a visa, you must have it before arriving on the island, according to Maj. Richard Lopez, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - United Kingdom chief of international agreements.

Lopez recounted recent examples of dependents moving to the U.K. who were denied entry at the airport because they did not have a U.K. visa. In most cases, he suggested, the individuals did not have visas because someone had told them they were not needed.

"Unfortunately, people you trust can give you bad advice," he explained. "Individuals listen to unofficial sources such as friends and co-workers who claim visas are unnecessary. People tell me all the time that they know of a person who didn't have a visa, but just because someone you know was able to enter or re-enter the U.K. does not mean you will. It's not worth the risk."

"Civilians and dependents accompanying military members must not attempt to enter the U.K. without proper documentation," explained Carol Hubbard, USAFE-UK legal advisor. "If they forgo the visa, there may be little we can do to assist them. Depending on the circumstances, they may have to fly back to the U.S., at their own expense, and apply for a visa before returning to the U.K."

USAFE-UK and the 100th Air Refueling Wing, with input from several other units, have teamed up to develop a website aimed at guiding visa and passport applicants, both incoming and already in the U.K.

The website outlines different visa and passport options, and how they pertain to military members, families and dependents. It also includes links to relevant applications and guidance on how to fill them out properly.

"We have been working to find a way to simplify this application process for our customers," said Capt. Melissa Jamison, 100th Force Support Squadron manpower and personnel chief. "We want to help our community get the correct paperwork completed the right way, the first time, and eliminate the guess work."

Even though the website is hosted and maintained by the 100th ARW Public Affairs office, it is designed for use by all bases in the U.K. The site will be listed in the Foreign Clearance Guide as the official "go to" link for information on visa and passport requirements for the U.K.

In addition to visiting the website, there are measures members can take to ensure they do not find themselves, or their family members, in a frustrating situation at the airport arrival gate.

"If you are already in the U.K., take out your passport and check the dates on the visa," Lopez suggested. "If the visa expires before you are supposed to move from the U.K., then you must apply for a 'Leave to Remain,' otherwise known as a visa extension.

"If you don't have a visa, see your base's passport office so you can apply for one immediately," Lopez continued. "Incoming personnel should begin the application process as soon as they receive orders to the U.K. - the sooner the better. If you are a sponsor, that message needs to get to the person you sponsor as soon as possible."

There are several passport offices available to assist U.S. service members, their dependents and civilian workers.

"Please stop by, or give the passport office a call," Jamison said. "We are here to help make your travel to and from the U.K. as simple as possible. If you get your visa paperwork in order, you have more freedom to enjoy living abroad!"

The website, which will evolve and develop based on the needs and feedback of its users, can be found at www.mildenhall.af.mil/units/100fss/passportandvisainformation.

If the new website does not address a specific concern or question, contact the nearest installation passport office directly for assistance.


Tags: RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, News
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Visas required to enter U.K. - new website clarifies application process


by: Capt. Carolyn Glover
USAFE-UK Public Affairs
published:

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ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England* -- Moving to the United Kingdom for a new assignment can be an exciting time for military members, civilians and family members alike. When caught up in the excitement of relocating to another country it is easy to overlook or even disregard a critical step on individual out-processing checklists - visas.

Department of Defense civilians, contractors and all civilian and military dependents must have passports issued by the U.S. government and visas issued by the British government before departing for a new assignment in the U.K. Although these requirements do not apply to U.S. military members, it is their responsibility to ensure dependents have these documents before the big move.

Visas are an essential part of a move to the U.K. If you belong to a category that requires a visa, you must have it before arriving on the island, according to Maj. Richard Lopez, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - United Kingdom chief of international agreements.

Lopez recounted recent examples of dependents moving to the U.K. who were denied entry at the airport because they did not have a U.K. visa. In most cases, he suggested, the individuals did not have visas because someone had told them they were not needed.

"Unfortunately, people you trust can give you bad advice," he explained. "Individuals listen to unofficial sources such as friends and co-workers who claim visas are unnecessary. People tell me all the time that they know of a person who didn't have a visa, but just because someone you know was able to enter or re-enter the U.K. does not mean you will. It's not worth the risk."

"Civilians and dependents accompanying military members must not attempt to enter the U.K. without proper documentation," explained Carol Hubbard, USAFE-UK legal advisor. "If they forgo the visa, there may be little we can do to assist them. Depending on the circumstances, they may have to fly back to the U.S., at their own expense, and apply for a visa before returning to the U.K."

USAFE-UK and the 100th Air Refueling Wing, with input from several other units, have teamed up to develop a website aimed at guiding visa and passport applicants, both incoming and already in the U.K.

The website outlines different visa and passport options, and how they pertain to military members, families and dependents. It also includes links to relevant applications and guidance on how to fill them out properly.

"We have been working to find a way to simplify this application process for our customers," said Capt. Melissa Jamison, 100th Force Support Squadron manpower and personnel chief. "We want to help our community get the correct paperwork completed the right way, the first time, and eliminate the guess work."

Even though the website is hosted and maintained by the 100th ARW Public Affairs office, it is designed for use by all bases in the U.K. The site will be listed in the Foreign Clearance Guide as the official "go to" link for information on visa and passport requirements for the U.K.

In addition to visiting the website, there are measures members can take to ensure they do not find themselves, or their family members, in a frustrating situation at the airport arrival gate.

"If you are already in the U.K., take out your passport and check the dates on the visa," Lopez suggested. "If the visa expires before you are supposed to move from the U.K., then you must apply for a 'Leave to Remain,' otherwise known as a visa extension.

"If you don't have a visa, see your base's passport office so you can apply for one immediately," Lopez continued. "Incoming personnel should begin the application process as soon as they receive orders to the U.K. - the sooner the better. If you are a sponsor, that message needs to get to the person you sponsor as soon as possible."

There are several passport offices available to assist U.S. service members, their dependents and civilian workers.

"Please stop by, or give the passport office a call," Jamison said. "We are here to help make your travel to and from the U.K. as simple as possible. If you get your visa paperwork in order, you have more freedom to enjoy living abroad!"

The website, which will evolve and develop based on the needs and feedback of its users, can be found at www.mildenhall.af.mil/units/100fss/passportandvisainformation.

If the new website does not address a specific concern or question, contact the nearest installation passport office directly for assistance.


Tags: RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, News
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