Bristol immigration guidance


As a foreign resident, what is my status in Bristol?

Members of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) will generally not need a work permit for the United Kingdom. Non-EU and non-EEA members must apply for the relevant work permit or visa before leaving for the UK with their local UK embassy or they will not be able to obtain entry.

What kinds of visas are available?

Entry Clearance, Work Permits, Skilled Migration and Multiple Entry Visas. Contact Crown Bristol for more details.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Applications must be made through Work Permits UK direct or a suitable immigration specialist. Contact Crown Bristol for more details as there are very strict criteria for entry into the UK for work.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Spouses have to obtain entry clearance to be allowed to stay, as well as enter and exit the country for the duration of their partner’s work permit. On arrival into the UK, spouses can work for as long as their partner is in the country and holds a valid work permit.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

A driver’s licence is the main form of identification in the UK. This can be obtained by passing a UK Driving Test or exchanging your current foreign license with a UK one (depending on how long you have been in the UK and the country you hold the license for.) Your passport will also be another form of identification.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Some nationalities need to register with the police on arrival to the UK. Please check with your immigration service provider.

What items should I avoid bringing into the UK?

There is no duty free allowance for alcohol contained within an unaccompanied shipment. All alcohol is subject to duty and VAT and must be itemized separately on an Alcohol List. Avoid bringing restricted items such as animals and birds, leather goods, ivory and foodstuffs as this will lead to delays with Customs. There are also restrictions on cigarettes and certain gifts however the extent of these restrictions will depend on where you're travelling from.

The following items are prohibited entry into the United Kingdom, so please do not bring them with you or in your shipment: 

  • Controlled drugs, 
  • Indecent or obscene video cassettes, films, books, magazines and other articles, horror comics, 
  • Flick knives, butterfly knives, certain other offensive weapons and some martial arts weapons, 
  • Counterfeit goods such as currency, radio transmitters (walkie talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones etc. not approved for use in the UK), 
  • Meat and poultry (many other animal products are prohibited or restricted), 
  • Plants and plant produce including trees and shrubs, potatoes and certain other vegetables, fruit, bulbs and seeds, 
  • Self defence sprays such as pepper spray, stun guns
  • Endangered animals (or furs from these) are prohibited for entry in a personal effects shipment.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Ensure your work permit, passport and visas are valid and remember to renew them when they are nearing expiration dates.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.