Long term visitor to UK

[VPS]

Hi - I'm planning on spending a few months (probably six if my money lasts or maybe 7 if I'm lucky) in the UK next year - just travelling around and visiting friends - will be going to Europe and Republic of Ireland for visits - according to https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/australia/tourism I don't need a visa but it doesn't specify how long I can stay - does anyone know any further details - TIA

 

[JohnPhelan]

As a tourist, they give you six months to stay (without a visa). That's what they stamp in your passport when you first enter the UK.

 

[VPS]

As a tourist, they give you six months to stay (without a visa). That's what they stamp in your passport when you first enter the UK.

thanks John - do you think I'm going to have to prove how I'm going to support myself if I tell them I'm staying for a few months with no return ticket home - planning on buying a RTW in the UK when I see a good sale

 

[MEL_Traveller]

thanks John - do you think I'm going to have to prove how I'm going to support myself if I tell them I'm staying for a few months with no return ticket home - planning on buying a RTW in the UK when I see a good sale

Yes indeed you could.

TIMATIC notes the following:

For visitors who are visa exempt up to a max. stay of 6
months, the period of stay will be determined by the
Immigration Officer on arrival.

You are not guaranteed the 6 months. How long you get will get may depend on funds to support yourself. Having an onward ticket may help show you intend to leave the UK. The amount of funds you have, an onward ticket, whether or not the immigration officer thinks you might work to support yourself, or intend to overstay will all determine whether you are granted entry clearance and for how long.

Another important consideration is that you may be denied boarding in Australia without an onward or return ticket. While there is no requirement to possess one to enter the UK, if you are denied entry the airline will be forced to fly you home. Having a return/onward ticket will satisfy them that they won't be out of pocket.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Yes, they will ask what your plans are and may well require proof of funds for longer stays. Not sure of your age or occupation, but this may also raise a red flag - people saying they are staying for extended periods are often presumed to be intending to work (illegally).

My suggestion would be to buy a fully-refundable ticket out of the UK before you begin your travels. Probably for a few weeks after your entry to the UK. They will probably ask to see proof of intended departure. Then cancel that ticket and get your refund, and later buy your RTW ticket. But under no circumstances overstay whatever period the Border Force officer stamps into your passport.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, they will ask what your plans are and may well require proof of funds for longer stays. Not sure of your age or occupation, but this may also raise a red flag - people saying they are staying for extended periods are often presumed to be intending to work (illegally).

My suggestion would be to buy a fully-refundable ticket out of the UK before you begin your travels. Probably for a few weeks after your entry to the UK. They will probably ask to see proof of intended departure. Then cancel that ticket and get your refund, and later buy your RTW ticket. But under no circumstances overstay whatever period the Border Force officer stamps into your passport.

I think there are also a number of potential issues to consider with this as well.

A ticket to somewhere in Europe may not satisfy the carrier uplifting from Australia as a ticket to Europe won't cover return travel to Australia. A fully refundable to Australia would be very expensive.

If the onward ticket is just a few weeks later, entry may only be granted until the time of that ticket... so you'd want to put at least three months (or whatever the intended stay was).

Immigration are also aware of this type of action (buying a refundable ticket) to try and satisfy entry requirements, so no guarantee it would work.

Finally, you may need to satisfy any onward entry requirements to the third country, which may require a return ticket in itself.

 

[VPS]

Thanks for the info - I've been in and out several times over the last 15 years but never staying more than a month and used to the grilling - I might just book a FF flight home so that I can say I have my flight home - it's only 5000 points to cancel

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ank-account-uk-australian-resident-78848.html

If anyone has any other suggestions for me to open a UK bank account as per this thread would be interested