Visas/Eligibility by country
The United Kingdom (UK) is a member country of the European Union (EU). All citizens of EU member states with a valid travel document (passport or European ID card) are allowed to travel freely within the EU (including the UK) for up to 3 months.
Given the high throughput of air traffic, the UK is a highly accessible country. Those travelling from North America, Japan, Australasia, and most of Latin America do not not normally require a visa to visit the UK. Many people from other regions will also be able to visit the UK without a visa.
To determine whether you will need a visa to visit the UK, go to https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa. Note that a general visitor (tourist) visa is sufficient to attend and participate in Wikimania, which is not considered to be "unpaid work". The typical cost for a short-term general visitor visa is £83.[1] Check https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees for the cost in your local currency. Wikimedia UK may be able to act as a sponsor for those that require sponsorship in order to get a visa.
The following individuals can enter the United Kingdom without a visa:
- Citizens of Commonwealth countries who have the right of abode in the United Kingdom under the Immigration Act 1971
- Citizens of European Union member states
- Citizens of non-EU member states of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland
- British Nationals (whether they have the right of abode in the United Kingdom or not) of the following categories:
Furthermore, citizens of all the countries listed below have visa-free access to the EU, including the UK, for at least 90 days:
- EU Member States
- Non-EU Member States