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Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK

What is the common travel area, your rights within the common travel area, border control and the common travel area, brexit and the common travel area.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries.

When the Common Travel Area arrangement began in 1922, it was not contained in any legislation. It was an understanding between Ireland and the UK based on their common history. Over time, some of the rights came to be included in different pieces of legislation in both Ireland and the UK.

While the Common Travel Area is recognised under the Treaty of Amsterdam, it is not dependant on the European Union and the continuing membership of both countries.

On 8 May 2019, the Irish and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf) reaffirming the Common Travel Area and identifying the rights and privileges of Irish and UK citizens within the CTA. It also reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the CTA following Brexit (pdf) .

Common Travel Area rights can only be exercised by citizens of Ireland and the UK. If you are not a citizen of Ireland or the UK, you cannot exercise Common Travel Area rights.

For the purposes of the Common Travel Area, the UK covers:

• Northern Ireland
• The Isle of Man
• The Channel Islands

Irish and UK citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study within the Common Travel Area. The rights of Irish citizens have been recognised in the UK’s Immigration and Social Security (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 .

Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including:

• Access to social benefits
• Access to healthcare
• Access to social housing supports
• The right to vote in certain elections

The Common Travel Area does not relate to goods or customs issues. You can read about the trade agreement between Ireland and the UK in Brexit and Ireland .

There are no routine passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the 2 countries.

However, you must show identification to board a ferry or an airplane, and some airlines and sea carriers only accept a passport as valid identification. You may also be asked by an immigration officer to prove that you are a citizen of Ireland or the UK, so you should carry a passport with you. You can also use an Irish passport card, or other proof that you are an Irish citizen.

If you have family members who are not UK or EEA citizens, they may need a visa to enter Ireland or the UK. A residency scheme for family members of UK citizens who move to Ireland after 1 January 2021 is now in place.

The Common Travel Area also involves some co-operation on immigration issues. A non-EEA national, for example, may be refused permission to enter Ireland if they intend to travel onwards to the UK and they would not qualify for admission to the UK. Irish immigration officers have the power to carry out checks on people arriving in the State from the UK and to refuse them entry to the State on the same grounds that apply to people arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. These checks are carried out selectively.

EU and EEA citizens travelling to Great Britain from Ireland

If you are a citizen of the EEA (the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland, you may be asked for identification when you enter Great Britain from Ireland. You are not asked to show identification if you are entering Northern Ireland from Ireland.

You must have an EEA passport to enter Great Britain from Ireland unless you have:

• Settled or pre-settled status in the UK, or you are awaiting a decision on your application and have received confirmation that your application is valid.
• An EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• A Frontier Worker Permit
• An S2 Healthcare Visitor visa
• A Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you are in any of the above categories, you can use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter Great Britain from Ireland.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) gives you permission to travel to the UK and is required by some nationalities before travel.

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Are a British citizen
• Are an Irish citizen (unless subject to a deportation order, exclusion order decision, or an international travel ban)
• Are a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) with a BOTC passport
• Have entry clearance or permission to enter or stay in the UK, including people who are settled

If you live in Ireland legally, you don't need an ETA when entering the UK from Ireland.

Cross border workers

Irish and British citizens can live and work in both Ireland and the UK and they can live in one country and work in the other country. For example, you might live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland. This is called frontier working or cross-border working .

EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in Ireland and working in Northern Ireland before the end of 2020, must have a Frontier Work Permit to continue working in Northern Ireland. EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Ireland and start working in Northern Ireland from the beginning of 2021 must apply for permission to work in the UK through the UK’s points-based immigration system .

People with UK visas or residence permits

If you are a citizen of a country whose nationals need a visa to enter Ireland and you have a valid UK visa or residence permit, you may be required to have a visa to enter Ireland before you arrive in Ireland.

Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle East and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa.

Reciprocal visa arrangements

A British Irish Visa Scheme applies to visitors from China and India. This scheme allows visitors from these countries to travel freely within the Common Travel Area (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), using either an Irish or UK visa. British Irish Visa Scheme visas are endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

Both schemes are provided for in the Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2014 (SI 473/2014) as amended by Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2016 (SI 502/2016) .

You can read more about visa requirements for entering Ireland , or you can get further information about visa applications from Irish embassies and consulates abroad .

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens and UK citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected.

Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK .

You can read about residence rights of British citizens in Ireland.

Common Travel Area in law and the Protocol

The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 places many of the Common Travel Area rights in legislation for the first time. The Act empowers the relevant ministers to legislate in the areas of providing equal access to healthcare and social welfare.

The withdrawal agreement between the UK and the European Union recognises the Common Travel Area in its Protocol, which deals with Ireland and Northern Ireland . Article 2 provides for the continued operation of the Common Travel Area.

You can read more about the UK leaving the EU in our pages:

• Background to Brexit
• Brexit and Ireland

You can get more information on the Common Travel Area from the Department of Foreign Affairs and on legal matters and rights from gov.ie .

Related documents

• Studying in the UK including Northern Ireland Many people leave to study in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK where there are different application procedures and fees. 1954.3262
• The Schengen Area What countries are in the Schengen Area, and what does it mean for travellers to and from Ireland? 1925.6064
• The euro area The euro is the national currency of 19 EU member states. This document explains how it operates. 1887.0325

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Can I travel to Ireland? The rules for travelling from the UK right now

By Sarah James

Ireland is part of the common travel area. This means that, even when there were Covid-related quarantine rules for international arrivals entering   England , Scotland , Wales or Northern Ireland in place, those travelling from Ireland to the UK didn’t have to quarantine on arrival. 

Since Sunday 6 March 2022, if you are travelling to Ireland, you do not need to show any proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. You do not need to show proof of negative test or Irish passenger locator form receipt regardless of your vaccination status and are not required to quarantine or test on arrival.

So what impact does this have on holidays to Ireland right now? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting at the moment.

Is it legal to travel to Ireland?

Yes. UK residents have been legally allowed to travel for leisure to certain places from Monday 17 May, and from Monday 19 July Ireland has allowed British and US travellers, as well as EU visitors, into the country. Any UK travellers may enter Ireland without proving their vaccination status or presenting a negative test.

What are the entry requirements for Ireland?

There are no entry requirements related to coronavirus in Ireland or Northern Ireland at the time of writing (Monday 14 March 2022).

What are the lockdown restrictions in Ireland?

Since Monday 19 July, international travel has been permitted for Irish citizens and residents. Theatres and cinemas are open, as are galleries, museums, bars, cafés, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and self-catered rentals.

What if I’m travelling from Northern Ireland?

There are no restrictions on travel to or from Northern Ireland into Ireland.

Note: It's always a good idea to check official government entry guidelines before booking or travelling anywhere, as well as to purchase travel insurance with Covid cover that is appropriate for your destination.

Travel Between the UK and Ireland: A Guide for British and Irish Citizens

In a previous blog post , we explained travel from Ireland to the UK for non-visa nationals, and how such people may benefit from “deemed leave” when travelling within the Common Travel Area (CTA) – for example, when travelling from Dublin to London.

We also explained that deemed leave does not apply to British and Irish citizens, as they already have a right to enter the UK without having to rely on deemed leave. But, if deemed leave does not apply, how does travel between the UK and Ireland work for British and Irish citizens?

This blog post will provide an overview of the status of British citizens in Ireland, and of Irish citizens in the UK. In particular, it will explain how travel between the UK and Ireland works for British and Irish citizens. We also explain the position for the family members of such British or Irish nationals, where these family members are not themselves British or Irish. We explain the position both for family members who are nationals of European Economic Area states (i.e. “EEA nationals”) and nationals of non-EEA states (i.e. “non-EEA nationals”).

Please note that we are only able to advise on UK immigration law, and we cannot advise on Irish immigration law. While this blogpost includes references to elements of Irish law, this post is only intended as a starting point, and does not constitute advice on Irish immigration law. For further information on Irish immigration law, you may wish to consult the Irish Immigration Service webpage , or an immigration lawyer qualified to advise on Irish immigration law.

I’m a British Citizen Going to Ireland – Do I Need a Visa or Passport, and How Does Travel Work?

British citizens hold a unique status under Irish nationality law. If you are a British citizen, the existence of the CTA means that you do not need a visa or any residence or employment permit to visit, live, work or study in Ireland. Indeed, you do not technically need any ID to cross the Irish land border, as a matter of immigration law. You also have the right to access the public healthcare system in Ireland, and vote in general elections (though you likely cannot vote in Irish European elections, as UK citizens are no longer EU citizens).

While you do not technically need a passport to enter Ireland as a matter of immigration law, some carriers and airlines might require you to produce some ID, and Irish immigration officers do check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK. As such, from a practical point of view, it is certainly wise to carry your British passport or other proof of British nationality when travelling to Ireland, particularly if you were born outside the UK.

I’m a British Citizen Going to Ireland – What About My Family?

All of the above applies if your family members are themselves British or Irish; they can enter Ireland in their own right.

The position is different for any non-EEA family members you might have. (Note that any EEA family members continue to benefit from their own free movement rights post-Brexit.) 

If you and your non-EEA family member are visiting (rather than moving to) Ireland, your non-EEA family member needs a visa to enter Ireland, unless:

• They have a short-term UK visa and qualify for the Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British-Irish Visa Scheme; or
• They are a citizen of certain listed countries .

In terms of more long-term travel, as of 01 January 2021, any non-EEA family members moving with you to Ireland must apply for a visa or preclearance approval letter. For more information on Irish immigration law, please see the relevant webpage on the Irish government website .

I’m an Irish Citizen Coming to the UK – Do I Need a Visa or Passport, and How Does Travel Work?

Similarly to British citizens in Ireland, Irish citizens hold a special status under UK nationality law (see also our earlier blog post on The Rights of Irish Citizens in the UK after Brexit) . If you are an Irish citizen, you do not need permission to enter or remain in the UK (though there are limited exceptions – for instance, if you are subject to a deportation order). 

This means that you can move freely between the UK and Ireland, and work or study in the UK, without any need to apply for a visa or for any work or residence permit. As an Irish citizen, you can also enter and stay in the UK without seeking permission, even if you are not travelling from Ireland.

In addition, you can access the UK’s social security system (including benefits, social housing and pensions), and access the NHS in the same way as British citizens. You can also vote in national and local elections in the UK.

As with British citizens travelling to the UK, you do not technically need a passport to enter the UK, as a matter of immigration law. However, all air and sea carriers require some form of ID, and some immigration authorities may require you to produce some photographic ID showing your nationality. As such, it is always advisable to travel with your passport when coming to the UK, even directly from Ireland.

In law, when you come to live and work in the UK, you are considered to automatically acquire “settled” status, also known as “indefinite leave to remain”. This also means that, unlike other EU citizens, you do not need to register under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). 

While Irish citizens may apply to the EUSS if they wish to do so and if they had lived continuously in the UK before 31 December 2020, any applications made now would be classed as a “late” application, requiring reasonable grounds for the lateness (see our previous blog post on late applications under the EUSS ). 

I’m an Irish Citizen Coming to the UK – What About My Family?

Again, the above explanations regarding British and Irish citizens apply if your family members are themselves British or Irish; they can enter the UK in their own right.

The situation is more complex for any family members coming with you who are not British or Irish. This is because the CTA only caters for British and Irish nationals, and does not provide residence rights for their family members if they are not themselves British or Irish. For CTA purposes, it does not matter whether your family members are EEA or non-EEA nationals.

If your family members are coming to the UK for a short-term visit, standard rules on visit visas apply, which vary depending on whether the family members are “visa nationals” or “non-visa nationals” (for more information, see our previous blog post on visit visas ).

In terms of joining or accompanying you to come to the UK for the longer term, there are a few possible scenarios for your family members who are not British or Irish:

• If your family members are EEA nationals and were living in the UK continuously before 31 December 2020, they may be eligible for settled or pre-settled status in their own right, regardless of whether they were living with you;
• If your family members are non-EEA nationals, and were living with you in the UK continuously before 31 December 2020, they may be eligible for settled or pre-settled status as a family member of an EU citizen (by virtue of your Irish nationality);
• If your family members were not living with you in the UK before 31 December 2020, but you were living in the UK before this date, your family members may be eligible to “join” you under the EUSS (whether they are EEA nationals or non-EEA nationals);
• If neither you nor your family members were living in the UK before 31 December 2020, the EUSS will not apply (whether your family members are EEA nationals or non-EEA nationals). Your family members will therefore have to apply for entry clearance under Appendix FM .

Again, any applications made by your family members under the EUSS, whether for EUSS status or for an EUSS Family Permit , would also now be classed as a “late” application, and therefore subject to the same rules on late applications referred to above. 

Contact our Immigration Barristers

For expert advice regarding travel and entry to the UK, or regarding your immigration status in the UK as an Irish citizen, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an administrative arrangement between the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) which is implemented in UK domestic law in statute.

The CTA was developed to facilitate the principle of free movement for British and Irish citizens between the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. It ensured that British and Irish citizens continued to benefit from a mutual enjoyment of rights. There are no routine passport controls on routes from within the CTA to the UK. The UK approach, based on the UK legal framework, is for border checks to be undertaken at the first point of entry to the CTA.

Schedule 4 of the Immigration Act 1971 as extended to the Isle of Man, makes specific provisions to ensure that the immigration laws of the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are integrated. In practice, this means that where a person has been granted leave to enter or remain in the Crown Dependencies and then proceeds directly to the UK, or the other way around, that leave and any conditions attached to it is treated as if it had been granted in the UK.

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Travelling to the UK from the Common Travel Area

The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Crown Dependencies form the Common Travel Area (Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man). 

This means that people in the UK do not necessarily have to go through the UK immigration control when traveling to the UK from somewhere within the CTA. 

Who needs permission to enter the UK from the Common Travel Area (CTA)?

There are several arrangements in place, depending on whether you travel to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies. 

You will need to seek permission to enter the UK from anywhere in the CTA if: 

• You are subject to a deportation order
• Your exclusion has been deemed conducive to the public good
• You have been refused permission to enter the UK.

What are the requirements to travel from Ireland to the UK?

You will not need further permission to enter the UK from Ireland if you have a UK visa. 

You would require permission to enter the UK when arriving from Ireland only if you:

• Arrived in Ireland from outside of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and did not obtain immigration permission to enter Ireland
• Are a visa national who does not have a valid UK visa
• Entered Ireland unlawfully from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA)
• Entered the UK or the Crown Dependencies unlawfully and went directly from there to Ireland
• Have permission to enter or stay that expired before you left the UK
• Are the subject of an international travel ban
• Were refused admission or subject to a removal decision under specific regulations.

If any of the above applies to you, you must apply for a visa before you travel and seek permission to enter from a Border Force Officer at the UK border.

What is deemed leave?

Deemed leave automatically gives some people the right to enter the UK when they arrive from Ireland. You would not need to make an application to get deemed leave. The period of time you get to stay in the UK and the things you can do would depend on why you entered the UK. 

You can enter on the basis of deemed leave when you either:

• Enter Ireland from a country outside the CTA and then travel directly on to the UK
• Were in the UK with permission to stay for a limited time, went directly to Ireland and while you were in Ireland your permission expired, and you then came directly back to the UK.

May I travel between the Crown Dependencies and the UK?

If you have entered or stayed in the UK, any conditions associated with the permission given to you would also apply in the Isles of Man, Guernsey and Jersey (the Crown Dependencies).

The same applies if Crown Dependencies gives you permission to enter or stay before traveling to the UK. However, you would need a UK visa to travel directly to the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies.

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If you have any questions about the changes or want legal advice, contact Woodcock Law & Notary Public today. Contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or by email at [email protected].

Woodcock Law & Notary Public is the combined trading name of Woodcock Law Limited (Co. No: 12080697) and Woodcock Notary Public Limited (Co. No: 12085976). Woodcock Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (registration number 664924).

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Set (M) Application Form Guidance for ILR

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

What is the set m form.

Set M is an application form used to apply for ILR in the UK as a partner of a person or a parent of a child who is present and settled here.

The Set M application should only be used to apply for ILR if you currently have Leave to Remain as:

• The partner of a British citizen, settled person, or person with refugee leave or humanitarian protection. A partner is a person who is married, in a civil partnership, or the unmarried same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. Applicants must also intend to live with their UK-based partner to gain ILR using the Set M form.
• The parent of a child who is present and settled in the UK. Parents applying under this route must have parental responsibility for their child based in the UK.

When should you use the Set M form for an ILR application?

The Set (M) guidance states that applicants are eligible for ILR if they are on the:

• 2-year route to ILR and have already been in the UK for at least 2 years with leave on that route, or
• 5-year route to ILR and have already been in the UK for at least 5 years with leave on that route (the 5-year route applies to most people in this situation).

The very earliest you can apply for ILR using the Set M application form is 28 days before you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above for time spent in the UK. Applications submitted before this will most likely be refused by the Home Office.

Important note: The ILR Set (M) guidance states you must apply before your current family visa expires. This means that if your family visa expires before you are eligible for ILR, it should be renewed before you apply.

Things to check before you submit your Set M form

If you are applying for ILR as a partner, before you submit your application, please consider visiting our article “how to apply for ILR as a spouse visa holder ” for more details on the requirements and documents needed.

Here we summarise some important points to check to ensure your ILR Set M application is successful:

1. You are using the right form for your ILR application.

The Set M form should only be used if you have been in the UK for the required amount of time to gain ILR (see below) as a parent or partner of a settled person. If you are applying as a dependant of a person with a points-based visa (e.g. Skilled Worker visa ), you should apply for ILR using form Set O. Alternatively, if you are applying for ILR as a partner of a person who is or was in the HM armed forces, you should use Set AF.

2. Apply no more than 28 days before you meet the ILR qualifying time in the UK (2 or 5 years) as a family visa holder.

3. You and your partner or child/ren are present in the UK.

4. You meet all of the eligibility requirements for ILR. For example:

• You have been living in the UK on a family visa for long enough to meet the qualifying time for ILR (as explained above)
• You meet the financial requirements: if you are on the 5-year route to ILR, you and your partner must have a combined income of £29,000 a year or more. You can also use savings of over £16,000 towards meeting the financial requirements. If you are on the 2-year route, you will need to show you both have sufficient funds to house and support yourselves and your children without the need to apply for public funds.
• You meet the English language requirement: for those between the ages of 18 and 64, most applicants must have an English language qualification of level B1 in speaking and listening. You will also meet this requirement if you have a degree taught or researched in English or if you are a national of an English-speaking country.
• You passed the Life in the UK test.

5. You complete the application form fully, genuinely, and honestly.

6. Have not missed any details, including:

• In section 8D of the Set M application, provide an explanation of why you want to remain in the UK. Many people leave this section blank, but adding any detail as to why it is important for you to remain indefinitely should be included.
• Provide a full and accurate address history
• In section 9, any criminal records, convictions, or civil judgments.

7. Have paid the correct application fee.

8. Upload any documents requested by the Home Office. It is important to ensure that any documents which require translation are translated properly to the standard required by the Home Office.

9. Sign your application form.

10. Do not leave the UK, Ireland, or the common travel area once your application is submitted.

Set M ILR application processing time

The standard processing time for ILR applications using the Set M application form is up to 6 months. In practice, you may receive a decision anytime between 8 weeks and 6 months. The more complete your application, the shorter this time will be. Alternatively, you can pay £1,000 for a super-priority service to get a decision by the end of the next working day.

Can you include a dependant’s application in the same Set M form?

Yes, you can include your dependant children on your Set M ILR application form if they are with you in the UK. You will need to pay an additional application fee for each child applying. You will also need to ensure that they meet the criteria as a dependant. This means that they are under 18 years and not living an independent life (i.e. married).

How much does it cost for an ILR application?

The ILR application fee when using the Set M application form is £2,885 for each person applying. You will not need to pay the biometric fee or the immigration healthcare surcharge.

How can Reiss Edwards help?

Reiss Edwards specialises in all areas of immigration law, including indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as a family member. Our immigration lawyers can:

• Confirm your eligibility to apply for ILR
• Prepare and submit your ILR application on your behalf and of your family members
• Collate, check, and upload all documents required to support your application for ILR
• Handle any queries from the Home Office
• Handle a refusal of ILR
• Discuss your plans for British citizenship once you have ILR.

For assistance with any matter relating to applying for ILR as a family member of a person settled in the UK, please speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected] .

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Travel during the immigration application process    

Applicants submitting an immigration application from inside the UK can keep their passport whilst the application is processing. But there are risks if they want to travel outside the Common Travel Area. We take a look at these. 

Update: our most up to date article on this topic can be found here . 

Submission process

To submit an application from within the UK, applicants must normally complete an online application, agree to a declaration and pay the associated fees, including the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

There are a number of paper forms remaining, but these are in the process of being phased out .

Generally, after submission, applicants are required to submit their biometric details. Normally, applicants must book an appointment with UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) operated by the third party, Sopra Steria. At the UKVCAS appointment, applicants have their fingerprints scanned, submit their signature and have a photograph taken. They should also bring with them their current passport (and not just a copy), which will be scanned and returned to the applicant at the appointment.

Under the new IDV app process , currently only available for certain students , the steps are more straightforward. This is because the applicant can provide a picture of their passport through the app and does not have to attend a biometric appointment.

The Immigration Rules

Paragraph 34(5) of the Immigration Rules (HC395, as amended) states that in order for an application for leave to remain to be ‘valid’ , the applicant must ‘ provide’ proof of identity in the manner specified in the application form. There are some exceptions to this, such as when the Home Office already holds the proof of identity, for example, if an application has been made to vary an already submitted application.

Paragraph 34G confirms that the date on which an online application is ‘made’ is the date the application is submitted. It is not normally possible to submit an application until the relevant fees are paid, if required.

Paragraphs 34J and K of the Immigration Rules deals with when an application is considered to be withdrawn:

’34J. The proof of identity provided under paragraph 34(5), or any other application for leave to remain, will be returned to the applicant whilst their application is being considered, unless the Secretary of State considers it necessary to retain it. Where the Secretary of State has retained an applicant’s proof of identity and the applicant requests the return of their proof of identity for the purpose of travel outside the common travel area, the application shall, provided it has not already been determined, be treated as withdrawn on the date that request is received by the Home Office.

34K. Where proof of identity provided under paragraph 34(5), or any other application for leave to remain, has been returned to the applicant pending a decision on their application for permission to stay and the applicant travels outside the common travel area their application shall, provided that it has not been determined, be treated as withdrawn on the date that the applicant left the common travel area’.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is defined as the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.

Therefore, if an applicant intends to leave the CTA after submission of their online application and before a decision is made, there is a risk of the application being withdrawn.

Risks under the new process

When all applications used to be submitted on paper forms, the physical passport had to be provided along with the application. This meant that generally, travel was impossible. However, the Immigration Rules do not reflect the current reality – most applications are now submitted online and passports are retained by the applicant.

As a result, the Immigration Rules are unclear regarding the period between submission of the online application and the applicant attending the biometric appointment, when their passport is scanned.

If the application is not considered valid until proof of identity is ‘provided’ it could potentially be argued that, until the date of the biometric appointment, the application has been ‘submitted’ but is not yet ‘valid’ . We would strongly advise that applicants do not leave the CTA after they have provided their biometrics. We would also recommend that, if possible, travel once the application has been submitted online ceases.

Withdrawal of applications

If the Home Office does withdraw an application, which is rare in our experience but a risk nonetheless, this means the application will no longer be considered pending. If the applicant is relying on leave under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 , this leave will also end.

Section 3C is activated when a person with valid leave to remain in the UK makes an in-time application to extend or switch their leave, and their current leave expires before the new application has been decided. During this processing period of their new application, they will continue to have the right to work and remain in the UK.

If a person with leave under section 3C has their application withdrawn, then they will have no valid leave under which they can re-enter the UK. This may, in the worst instances, lead to the individual being refused re-entry to the UK. This could also break their continuous residence period for a future Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application and affect all future UK immigration applications, plus their ability to continue to work, rent, etc. in the UK until the situation is resolved.

In general, applications that are withdrawn before the individual attends the biometric appointment should lead to a refund of the application and IHS fees.

There are some exceptions to the travel rule. The main one is for those applying for naturalisation as a British citizen . In general, such applicants can still travel outside of the CTA whilst the application for naturalisation is processing, as long as they still have the intention of settling in the UK.

Another exception is for those making an application under Appendix EU for pre-settled or settled status . Under the EU Settlement Scheme caseworker guidance , if such applicants leave the CTA before the application has been decided the application will not be treated as automatically withdrawn.

The case for reform

Many of the Immigration Rules have been updated as part of the UK’s new immigration system and new additions are expected. But the rules in relation to travel during the application process are in desperate need of reform.

They were designed for a time when paper application forms and passports were submitted to the Home Office and the Home Office, in return, sent physical letters, rather than emails, as is common today.

The rules already need to be updated to reflect the immigration process of online forms and retaining a passport throughout the processing period. It is even less clear when a passport is ‘provided’ when using the IDV app and this should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The restrictions on travel often serve little purpose in our view. During the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the long delays in processing applications, individuals who were desperate to travel outside of the CTA had to choose between their immigration status and visiting loved ones. Many are still waiting for decisions and are still stuck in this limbo.

The exceptions to the travel requirement in naturalisation applications and applications made under the EU settlement scheme demonstrate that applicants can still intend to stay and live in the UK, whilst travelling for work or family reasons during the, often long, processing periods. Such applicants can still be contacted by the Home Office whilst they are outside of the UK by modern forms of communication.

The restriction on travel is not particularly well sign posted in Home Office applications. The restriction is often inconsistently enforced and, in some cases, the Home Office is not aware of any absences until the applicant declares them in later applications.

The travel restriction has the potential to cause very real damage to applicants and their families. Surely, the best reform for the travel requirement must be to remove it all together.

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By Nick Gore | 24 March 2021 | Education . Personal . Business .

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

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• A 2-week Norway road trip
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Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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The Top 10 Must-See Places in Moscow

1. red square.

3. The Moscow Metro

Perhaps you already know, but there is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other towns and cities in Russia. Visiting the countryside is a great opportunity to travel the real Russia and to see the common life of ordinary people. The best choice for a one-day Russian countryside experience is the Vladimir and Suzdal tour.

Vladimir and Suzdal are small towns that are famous worldwide because of their great history and picturesque architecture with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 12th century. Aside from golden cupolas of stunning churches and monasteries, you will experience a very rural real Russian outlook with bubbling streams and grassy meadows, chickens and livestock, and interesting and authentic local residents. All are a common sight on the streets, some of which remain unpaved. Be ready for a full-day trip and many unforgettable experiences during your Russian holidays!

•Road-tripping from Moscow to St. Petersburg

•Ecotour along the Volga River with visiting limestone quarries

•Real Russian countryside

•One day in a traditional Russian village

There is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other Russia... The concept of this tour is to show you the real Russia with numerous small towns, pristine nature, abandoned churches and the life of people.

This tour does not include Golden Ring towns! Instead, you will see Staritsa town and Novgorod the Great, beautiful places to visit in Russia!

We will also visit an elderly couple living in a traditional Russia village. We will help them with their daily work - plowing the land (not by tractors, but by horses), caring for the livestock and cooking food in a traditional Russian oven… And surely we will taste some real fresh milk and eggs while they will be telling us about their common life, their habits, and the households.

The itinerary is perfect for those who are going to St. Petersburg. It takes only 4 hours to get there from Novgorod by a cheap local train.

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25 Places to Visit in Moscow you Can’t Miss

25 Places to Visit in Moscow

Do you know what the most populous city in Europe is? Most people wouldn’t guess that it is actually Moscow. There are approximately 13 million people in the Moscow metro area, which amounts to approximately 1/10th of all Russians.

This former capitol of the Soviet Union is still the political and financial center of Russia. Just because it is a current business and government city, in no way means that it is boring and not worth a visit. Assuming the political tensions get solved, Moscow is a fascinating city you need to visit.

While lots of people can’t explain the nuances of Russian architecture, most can spot and appreciate it immediately. One of the best ways to see the historic sites is by taking a boat tour down the Moskva River that meanders through the city.

Overall, navigating the city isn’t difficult as there is phenomenal and cheap public transportation (roughly 30 rubles/35 cents per ride). You can also use a cheap Uber on the three ring roads that circle the city at various distances from the center.

Still wondering why you should visit this historic masterpiece of a city? Read on to see the top 25 things you need to see in Moscow.

The House with Animals

This former church is famous for the terracotta reliefs of animals that adorn the front of the building. It is a favorite of locals, and famous around the world. It was built in approximately 1900.

Resurrection Gate or Iberian Gate and Chapel

The Resurrection Gate is now one of the most common ways to enter Red Square. This gate is also the only standing part of the wall that was the entrance to to Kitai-Gorod, or Moscow’s historic central business district.

Book your tour: Moscow Kremlin Armory Chamber Entrance Ticket

St. Basils Cathedral

Probably the most famous of the Red Square attractions is St. Basil’s Cathedral. I don’t know if the legend is true or not, but supposedly Tsar Ivan IV poked the eyes of the architect out after completing it so nothing as pretty could be made again. What an awful boss!

Book your tour: Moscow: Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square Private Tour

Book your tour: St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

The State Historical Museum

If you are like me then you can’t help but find all the twists and turns of Russian history fascinating. The State Historical Museum at Red Square is a fantastic place to learn and study the Russian Relics.

Book your tour: Kremlin, Red Square, and Metro Tour with Pick-Up

Moscow River Cruise

The Moskva River cuts directly through the heart of Moscow. Want to see it all but rest your feet? One of the best things to do in Moscow at night is float along on a dinner cruise . The lights of the city are so beautiful. Of course, dinner in included.

Book your tour: Night lights Moscow Cruise (with Dinner option)

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

This is one of the most unique things to do in Moscow. If you know that many American video games paint the Russians as the bad guys, then it’s probably not surprising to learn that you can find an entirely different variety of video games in Russia. This isn’t a recent phenomenon; even historically the video games were different. If you are a video game buff then this stop is for you!

Main Church of the Armed Forces in Park Patriot near Kubinka

This church attempts to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as Russian military leader. Yes, it’s an awkward amalgamation. It caused quite a controversy when there were plans to create murals of Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin to go along with the ones of Jesus Christ (those plans were scrapped).

Bunker 42 (Cold War Museum)

Tunnel at Bunker-42, anti-nuclear underground facility built in 1956 as command post of strategic nuclear forces of Soviet Union.

Americans weren’t the only ones afraid during the Cold War! You can now discover the most secret and secure Bunker of the USSR, Bunker 42. Also known as the Cold War Museum . This former military communication center is now a museum. I recommend this tour that will take you on a private two hour visit of Bunker 42.

If you aren’t interested in a guided tour you can book your tickets in advance here.

Get your tickets: Bunker 42 Admission Ticket and Cold War Tour

Tank Excursion and Bazooka Shooting in Moscow

For real – you can book this tour and actually ride in a tank and shoot off military grade weapons. While that’s not my cup of tea, I know tons of guys would absolutely love to shoot a bazooka!

Book your tour here .

Dormition Cathedral

This is another Russian Orthodox cathedral that is located inside the Moscow Kremlin. It is another famous landmark of Moscow. The inside is decorated with ancient frescoes.

The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign”

This cathedral is located in Zaryadye Park (adjacent to Red Square). It is also on the Moskva River. The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign” previously was a monastery.

Komsomolskaya Metro station 

So many of the metro stations are breathtaking works of art. The idea was to create something beautiful that all the regular people could enjoy, or if you are more cynical you could say it was to attempt to show off how well they were doing.

Book your tour: Moscow: Small Group Metro Tour

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Stree t

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Street look super cool and futuristic, except like many communist projects didn’t actually work that well. They were supposed to be something new and different from the standard “Soviet Blocks.”

There are a number of problems with this design. Supposedly the acoustics are awful making the apartments perpetually noisy. The inner circle becomes a wind chamber even when it’s not that windy. My favorite weakness is that the trapezoid shape of apartments is hard to decorate and even harder to do maintenance on.

Izmailovo District and Izmailovo Kremlin

This area has to be one of the coolest places to visit in Moscow. It features a park in the middle of Moscow that is over 3x the size of New York City’s Central Park. The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a complex located in the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow that is known as the center of culture and entertainment. The wooden buildings are in Russian architecture of the XVI-XVII centuries (not original).

Izmailovo Kremlin on Google Maps .

Tretyakov Gallery

For those that appreciate fine art this is where you have to go. The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow Russia is the best collection of Russian fine art in the world. The museum previously hosted worldwide chess tournaments (I can’t help be think of the Queen’s Gambit).

Book your tickets in advance here. Tickets cost about $13 per person.

Kolomenskoe Estate

This reconstruction of a former royal estate is just a few miles southeast of the Moscow city center. Supposedly really detailed historical plans survived, so the reconstruction and current museum is incredibly authentic. It was completed in 2010.

Old buildings of Arbat

Arbat is an old street, and was previously the “nicest place to live in Moscow. Even though it fell into disrepair, it’s location, it’s historical buildings, and the fact that it is a pedestrian street are quickly making it a top place to live again.

The Melnikov House

Located on Arbat street, the Famous house of architect Melnikov designed this house (and Lenin’s sarcophagus). Melnikov designed it at a time when private ownership was outlawed, but got around this restriction by saying it was an experimental design to maximize space. Even though others weren’t built, he was able to keep it.

The New Maiden Convent

The New Maiden Convent, built was built to resemble a mini-Kremlin. It stands out to me because this “convent” was the place where women who were no longer welcome in the royal court were banished to.

Monument to the Conquerors of Space at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in the Cosmopark

The Americans may have made it to the moon first, but the Russian cosmonauts were first in a number of other achievements. This gigantic obelisk pays homage to their accomplishments.

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

This royal estate was founded by Catherine the Great. She was Russia’s longest serving female leader. It is now a gorgeous museum!

Stalinist Skyscraper tour

This group of seven skyscrapers are called the Seven Sisters. They were all made in the Stalinist style, and one was previously the tallest building in Europe. If you want to tour them all while learning about their history book here .

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

It’s ironic that a country that was so anti-religion for so long has so many great churches. The Cathedral for Christ the Savior was made to thank Jesus for saving Russia. If you are interested in visiting this and so many other cathedrals in Moscow I recommend this tour that will take you to The Cathedral of Christ the Savior many other popular churches in Moscow.

Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

This church on Red Square is reconstruction of what was previously there but ordered to be destroy by Joseph Stalin. It is a travesty thinking of all the beautiful things that Stalin destroyed to attempt to implement his vision.

Zaryade Park

Zaryadye Park is one of the main tourist attractions in Moscow. It is located directly next to the Kremlin, and offers truly amazing views. It is also famous for its “floating bridge” and the fact that there are so many unique features underneath it.

Church of Sign of Blessed Virgin in Dubrovitsy Znamenskaya

The Church of the Theotokos of the Sign (Dubrovitsy), or The Church of the Holy Sign of the Mother of God is located in a village amed Dubrovitsy about 20 miles south of Moscow. It is another Russian Orthodox church, but what makes this one unique is that we aren’t 100% sure who made it, or why is has a style that is completely different than other churches of the time.

The Church of Nicholas The Wonderworker

I love the unique style of the Russian Orthodox churches in Moscow. The golden onion domes stand out across the globe. This church dates back to 1657, though it has been partially destroyed a few times since then.

Moscow University

Moscow University is one of the Seven Sisters that are the “Stalin Skyscrapers.” Previously it was the tallest building in Europe. Though it has lost that title, it is still the tallest “educational building” in the world.

So what do you think? Next trip to Moscow?

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Border control
• Lapsing leave and returning residents: caseworker guidance
• UK Visas and Immigration

Lapsing leave and returning residents (accessible)

Updated 16 January 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returning-residents/lapsing-leave-and-returning-residents-accessible

About this guidance

This guidance tells Border Force officers about lapsing leave and entry at the border, and decision makers how to consider returning resident applications.

If you have any questions about the guidance and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you or you think that the guidance has factual errors then email the Settlement Policy Team.

If you notice any formatting errors in this guidance (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the guidance then you can email the Guidance Rules and Forms team.

Publication

Below is information on when this version of the guidance was published:

• version 8.0
• published for Home Office staff on 16 January 2024

Changes from last version of this guidance

Reflecting amendments to to the Immigration Rules allowing those with lapsed settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to apply to resume their settlement in the UK by applying for entry clearance as a returning resident.

There is also a minor change providing more detail about the refusal of leave to enter where there are doubts about whether a person’s settlement has lapsed.

Lapsing leave

This page provides Border Force officers and decision makers with information about lapsing leave. Lapsing leave provisions are set-out in Article 13 of the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000 (legislation.gov.uk) (LTERO).

Lapsed temporary leave

The leave of a person whose stay in the UK is subject to a time limit will lapse on them:

• going to a country or territory outside the common travel area if the leave was given for a period of 6 months or less or conferred by a visit visa
• remaining outside the UK for a continuous period of more than 2 years (where that leave has not already expired)

A person whose temporary leave has lapsed cannot apply to resume that leave as a returning resident, or return using that leave which would still have been valid, had it not lapsed.

Lapsed settlement

When a person holds settlement (indefinite leave to enter or remain) they are only permitted to be outside the UK and the Islands for a particular period of time or under certain circumstances before their settlement status lapses through the operation of law. The preamble to Appendix Returning Resident sets out these periods, which reflects the LTERO. The periods are:

• more than 5 years, if they previously had settlement in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme
• more than 4 years, if they previously had settlement in the UK under the EUSS as a Swiss national or a family member of a Swiss national
• otherwise more than 2 years

The LTERO sets out some exceptions which prevent a person’s leave from lapsing for the following people:

• a partner or child accompanying a member of HM Armed Forces overseas
• a partner or child accompanying a permanent member of the British Council, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or Home Office overseas

A person whose settlement has lapsed and who now wants to return and settle in the UK must apply for entry clearance to return to the UK. Where that application is as a returning resident, it will be assessed by a decision maker under Appendix Returning Resident to the rules.

Entry at the border

This section tells Border Force officers how to check whether a person presenting themselves at the border with evidence of a previous grant of settlement still holds that status and can be admitted or if that status has lapsed.

To check whether a person’s settlement has lapsed, evidence of a person’s settlement status in the UK is normally found in their passport, on an immigration status document or a biometric residence permit (BRP). These documents may include the following:

• indefinite leave to enter (ILE) endorsement or BRP
• indefinite leave to remain (ILR) endorsement or BRP
• no time limit endorsement or BRP
• returning resident visa
• open date stamp in passport after ILE or ILR has been granted

If such evidence cannot be provided, a person’s status may still be confirmed through:

• records on systems, databases, or paper files that show settlement has been granted
• other proof the applicant held settlement in the UK on or before 1 January 1973 and this status has not been lost or revoked

A person can apply to have their settlement status confirmed by making a No Time Limit (NTL) application.

Absence within the permitted period

A person who has been absent from the UK within the permitted period set out in the section on Lapsed settlement will retain their settlement. It is usually possible to check absences from the UK through entry and (old) embarkation stamps (endorsed by Immigration Officers).

Granting entry at the border

A passenger should be granted entry at the border where they:

• can provide evidence they have been granted settlement
• have been outside the UK within the permitted period

Passengers who meet the above requirements, should have their passport endorsed with an open date stamp. This does not grant any form of leave but is simply evidence of the person’s arrival in the UK.

Where it is likely, but it is not clear, that they qualify, they may be given immigration bail and asked to provide evidence of their claimed residency or that they have applied for a biometric residence permit by making a No Time Limit application.

Passengers who had settlement and who have not been away for more than the permitted period, occasionally seek entry as visitors. You must not grant entry as a visitor in this instance. Instead, you should endorse their passport with an open date stamp which confirms they continue to hold settlement.

Refusing entry to the UK

If you have doubts that the passenger still has settlement status, they should be further examined, and a decision made to either refuse leave to enter (under paragraph 9.18A.1 of Part 9 of the Immigration Rules ) or to readmit the passenger. It is no longer acceptable to land the passenger as a visitor in these circumstances.

Refusing entry for medical reasons

A person who has been absent from the UK for less than 2 years and continues to hold settlement, cannot be refused entry on medical grounds. They may however be referred to the Port Medical Inspector if they are intending to stay for more than 6 months (this is in accordance with paragraph 36 of the Immigration Rules ). If recommended by the Port Medical Inspector, you may admit the passenger with a notice to report to the medical office of Environmental Health as explained in paragraph 38 of the Immigration Rules.

Sensitive cases

Official – sensitive: start of section

The information in this section has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.

Official – sensitive: end of section

British citizens seeking entry

Any person who has been granted British citizenship cannot continue to seek entry into the UK by means of any previous grant of leave they may still be in possession of, such as a settlement vignette or stamp in their passport. This is because settlement places conditions on their entry and, as a British citizen, they are no longer subject to time bound immigration control.

Once citizenship has been granted, the applicant has 3 months to attend a citizenship ceremony. They only become a citizen once they make an oath and pledge at the ceremony.

As such, a person’s leave cannot be cancelled at the point of decision as there is then a time period of up to 3 months when the person is not a citizen and so would be in the UK without leave or proof of right to work or remain.

Although very unlikely, should an applicant who has been granted British citizenship but not attended their ceremony seek entry within the 3 months, then their leave by virtue of their settlement stamp or vignette would still be in force, so you must grant entry in line with that leave.

Where a person has become a British citizen and attended their ceremony but is still in possession of a settlement stamp or vignette in their passport, they may no longer use this as a means of entry to the UK. The applicant should instead now be in possession of a British passport or have a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. You must then place a ‘cancelled without prejudice’ stamp across the settlement stamp or vignette and return to the passenger. They will then be allowed to pass through the primary control point.

Applications for entry clearance as a returning resident

This page tells decision makers how to assess applications for entry clearance as a returning resident where a person has been absent from the UK and the Islands for more than the relevant period, or beyond the circumstances specified in the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000 and their settlement has lapsed.

Validity requirements for an application as a returning resident

The validity requirements for an application as a returning resident are that the applicant must:

• apply on the ‘UKA/ROA/RR’ form or (for applicants under the Windrush Scheme) the ‘Windrush Scheme application (Overseas) form
• be outside the UK
• pay any required fee (no fee is required for the Windrush Scheme)
• provide any required biometrics
• establish their identity and nationality by providing a passport or other document

Where any of these requirements are not met the application is invalid and may be rejected without consideration of the application.

More information on validity requirements, and the process for considering whether to reject an invalid application, can be found in the Validation, variation and withdrawal of applications guidance.

Suitability requirements for a returning resident

The suitability requirements for a returning resident are that the applicant must not fall for refusal under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules – grounds for refusal . Also see the guidance on applying the grounds for refusal.

Eligibility requirements for a returning resident

Entry requirement for a returning resident.

A person seeking to return to the UK as a returning resident must apply for and be granted an entry clearance as a returning resident before they arrive in the UK.

They must have previously been granted settlement in the UK, which has lapsed by operation of law due to their absence from the UK. There is no requirement for the person to have last left the UK with settlement status.

The applicant will also need to obtain a valid TB certificate if they have been continuously present in a country, or in multiple countries, listed in Appendix Tuberculosis to the Immigration Rules for 6 months or more, which includes a period (of any length) within the 6 months before the date of the application.

Information on how an applicant can obtain a TB certificate can be found in the Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants guidance .

Intention to settle requirement for a returning resident

You must be satisfied the applicant genuinely intends to return to the UK for the purposes of settlement. For example, a person applying for entry clearance as a returning resident and giving their immediate reasons for wanting to resume their settlement as house hunting or job hunting prior to returning to settle some months later, would demonstrate an intention to settle. Whereas, returning for a short time for a fixed-term job, study, or medical treatment would not.

Alternatively, evidence that might show the applicant does not genuinely intend to return to the UK for the purposes of settlement include:

• strong family ties outside the UK
• property outside the UK
• business ties outside the UK
• length of original residence and length of time spent outside the UK

You must look at all of the evidence together and each case must be considered on its individual merits.

Previous departure from UK requirement for a returning resident

Unless they are applying under the Windrush Scheme, the applicant must not have received assistance from public funds towards the cost of leaving the UK. Applicants who wish to be considered under the Windrush Scheme should be referred to the information about the Windrush Scheme on GOV.UK .

Strong ties to the UK requirement for a returning resident

Strength of ties to the uk.

A person’s ties to the UK may be evident in a number of ways. The nature of those ties, and the degree those ties have been maintained during a person’s absence, will need to be considered when assessing whether a person should be readmitted as a returning resident. Such ties may include (but are not limited to):

• family ties
• property ties

business ties

Family ties

Where a person has close family ties in the UK which have been maintained during their absence, this will likely indicate strong ties to the UK. The more immediate the family members are, for example parents, partner, children, or grandchildren, the greater the strength those ties are likely to have. However, relationships with wider family members, such as cousins or nieces and nephews, may also be considered if those ties have been closely maintained.

The nature of any contact will also need to be considered. For example, regular visits from, or to, the applicant from family members in the UK will help demonstrate the strength of those ties. Such contact does not, however, need to have been made physically in person, and strong ties can still be demonstrated where there has been regular contact through other means.

Property and business ties

Ties may also be in the form of property or business interests. These may be, for example, where the applicant owns their own property in the UK or has an interest in an ongoing business venture within the UK. Ties on the basis of property or business interests alone are unlikely to demonstrate strong ties to the UK but can be used in conjunction with other factors.

Length of original residence

Generally, the longer the period of original residence, the more likely it is that the applicant will have developed strong ties to the UK and can be admitted as a returning resident. It is important to consider the length of the original residence together with all other relevant factors. You must not refuse an application solely based on a short period of original residence, if the other evidence points to the applicant having strong ties to the UK.

The length of time spent outside the UK will be an important factor to consider when assessing whether a person can be readmitted as a returning resident. This must be assessed against all other factors, including the time spent in the UK before they left.

A person may leave the UK for a variety of reasons. This may include:

• to access health treatment overseas
• to care for family
• for employment/self-employment

In some cases, these reasons mean a person remains outside the UK for more than the permitted period, and so their settlement lapses. You must consider their reasons for leaving and for now wishing to return to the UK. For example, a person may have left the UK to care for family members and now wishes to return to the UK to retire.

Any other circumstances

Other more specific circumstances which would support an application are:

• travel and service overseas with a particular employer before return to the UK with the employer
• a prolonged period of study abroad by a person who wishes to re-join the family in UK on completion of studies
• prolonged medical treatment abroad of a kind not available in the UK
• unintended absences from the UK due to, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic

Additionally, there may be other compelling or compassionate circumstances not mentioned above which need to be considered. Each case must be considered on its individual merits.

Evidence to support an application may include:

• evidence of previous settlement - for those who held settlement before 1 January 1973 when the Immigration Act 1971 came into force, this may not be evidenced through a vignette, biometric residence permit (BRP) or passport - other evidence, such as Doctor’s records or school letters, may be taken into account
• details of any family in the UK and correspondence with them (to establish strong ties to the UK)
• evidence of property in the UK and/or any business interests (to establish strong ties to the UK)
• letters of enrolment/attendance at an education establishment if they have been studying outside the UK for long periods
• letter of employment where this has been reason for their absence from the UK
• a letter from a medical professional if their reason for their absence relates to caring for another person or for their own medical reasons

This list is not exhaustive and other evidence can be considered.

You must have regard to all relevant information provided and the responsibility lies with the applicant to satisfy you that they meet all the requirements. However, where there are minor errors or omissions in the application, you may request more information, or clarification, if this may make a material difference to your decision on the application.

If the applicant is interviewed, questions put to the applicant may sometimes lead to an indication that the claim to be a returning resident is a fraudulent one. It is expected that the applicant can display sufficient knowledge relevant to their claimed life in the UK.

Parental consent requirement for a returning resident aged under 18

If the applicant is aged under 18 on the date of application, they must have written consent from both their parents, one parent (if they have sole legal responsibility for the applicant), or the applicant’s legal guardian. The written consent must confirm support for the application itself, the applicant’s living and care arrangements in the UK, and their travel to, and reception arrangements in the UK.

Decision on an application as a returning resident

Granting entry clearance.

Where a person’s settlement has lapsed, and they satisfy the requirements in Appendix Returning Resident to the rules, they must be issued entry clearance, with indefinite leave to enter. If a person has a passport valid for 6 months or more on the date of decision, this will be granted on a visa valid for 90 days and endorsed with Indefinite leave to enter. A person must travel to and enter the UK during the validity of the visa, where their BRP will be available for collection from the nominated Post Office.

Where a person who has less than 6 months validity on their passport applies as a returning resident, this will be granted on a visa endorsed with indefinite leave to enter but which is only valid until their passport expires. In some cases, this may result in no BRP being produced. If they are in the UK without a valid BRP they should be advised to apply for no time limit (NTL).

Where a person’s settlement has not lapsed but their passport has expired and they wish to have their indefinite leave vignette transferred into a new passport, they should be advised to apply for a ‘Vignette Transfer’, rather than as a returning resident. If they hold a BRP but this has been lost or stolen or is due to expire, they should apply for a ‘Replacement BRP’.

Endorsements

Endorsement Type: Settlement

Endorsement: RETURNING RESIDENT ILE

Duration: Other

Cat D endorsement: ILE Settlement: Indefinite Leave to Enter

Validity: From 7 days before intended travel date to expiry date of passport

Refusing entry clearance

Where the applicant does not meet the requirements of Appendix Returning Resident of the rules, you must refuse entry clearance.

There is no right of appeal against the refusal of a returning resident visa. The applicant will have a right to an Administrative Review.

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