Re entering the uk after my visa expires

[MrSlade]

Ok, here is the situation:

I am currently studying English in London. My course finishes on Dec 17th and my visa expires on Dec 24th. I have a flight booked back home on January 24th.

I was hoping to travel around Europe for a couple of weeks and then spend a week in London before the flight. Is there going to be a problem with me re-entering the uk as a visitor, shortly after my visa expires?

[vinny]

If you are non-visa national, then it may be possible.

[MrSlade]

Thank you.

I am a bit confused by all the different points of contact regarding uk immigration.

Could anybody suggest the best number to call/ agency to speak to for information and guidance about my situation?

[lkpone]

The advice is quite simple, as Vinny has explained by giving you the links.

If you hold a passport which requires entry clearance before arrival at the UK border, then it'll be a problem if you don't have one. If not, then you should be okay, subject to the discretion of the immigration official. Just ensure that you have proof of your flight home at the end of January.

For example, South African passport holders now need entry clearance before they arrive in the UK ie. they need to hold a valid visitors' visa in order to gain entry to the UK. Therefore, once a visa has expired, to enable re-entry, that person would need to obtain an entry visa before re-entering, even if just for a week to wait for a flight home.

Hope that helps! If not, you can probably google any number of visa agencies who would be able to offer advice (whether it'll be free of charge or not, I'm not sure, but give it a try!).