UK Visa & Immigration Tips for Asian Business + Family

Visa Requirements Overview

Requirements vary by nationality — check UK government website for latest. Summary as of 2026: Hong Kong SAR passport — visa-free for 6-month visits (or BNO visa for longer stays). Taiwan passport — visa-free for 6 months. Singapore/Malaysia passports — visa-free for 6 months. Mainland China (PRC) passport — Standard Visitor Visa required in advance (£127, apply 3-4 weeks ahead). Also introduced 2025-26: UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) — a fast pre-arrival check (£16 online, valid 2 years, multiple entries) — required for currently-visa-free countries. Timing: apply for ETA at least a week ahead. Check current requirements at gov.uk before travel — rules change.

Immigration Practical Tips

At UK immigration: eGates now open to many nationalities (including HK, SG, TW, JP, KR post-2024) — much faster than manual queue (2-5 minutes vs 30-60 minutes). Have ready: passport, ETA/visa (electronic — nothing to show but they check the system), return/onward flight (may check), accommodation details (they may ask). Business visitors may briefly be asked about purpose (say factually: business meetings, or family visit, or tourism — do not say working/employed). Cash under £10,000 no declaration needed. Restricted items: no fresh meat/dairy from most non-EU countries, tobacco allowance limited. Chinese visa passport-holders take manual queue currently but ETA improving process. On arrival: proceed to baggage, then customs (green channel for nothing to declare), then Arrivals Hall — where we meet you. Contact us on WhatsApp/WeChat before landing so we know your arrival timing.