RegisterSign In
RegisterSign In

Visa Registration Guide

Nationals from specific countries (see below) are required for visa registration with the UK police. Your visa will state whether this is necessary. Police registration, which costs £34, can be completed at:

Overseas Visitors Registration Office (OVRO)
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LH
Tel: +44 (0)20 7230 1208

This office is open between 0900 and 1600, Monday to Friday. There is no need to call for an appointment but you should go in the morning, because the office may have to close early if it becomes too busy or in exceptional circumstances.

You will have to take the following documents with you when you register:

  • Your passport or identification document,
  • Any letter you have received from the Border and Immigration Agency regarding registration, and
  • You will have to pay a registration fee.

For full details on registration, visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/while-in-uk/rightsandresponsibilities/reportingtothepolice.

Notify the police department by calling the above number if your address, marital status, or employer change. Once you register you should not need to register again but it is important to ask about this when you make first contact with the police. The Immigration Act requires that relevant foreign nationals aged 16 years or over register with the police. If you are a student you may be able to register on arrival at your university campus. Relevant foreign nationals are citizens of any of the following countries/territories.

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Cuba
  • Egypt
  • Georgia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Moldova
  • Morocco
  • North Korea
  • Oman
  • Palestine
  • Peru
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Tajikistan
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan
  • Yemen
  • Holders of Stateless Documents

However, rules are updated regularly and we advise to check with the police.

Top Tips

01 Pick up Time Out magazine weekly and take advantage of London’s fantastic entertainment choices and cultural activities.
02 Unless you intend to drive in London, find an apartment close to local transport, ideally less than a 15 minute walk to a bus, train, or tube station.
03 You need a license to own a television in the UK, otherwise you will be fined. Obtain a license when you arrive from any UK post office.
04 London is vast and each area within it is unique. Make sure you visit several areas before you make a decision about where you want to live.
05 A large number of residential areas in London require a parking permit. Even if you live there you may have to pay large annual fees to park your car.

Useful links

Interesting fact

London has been a major settlement since it was founded by the Romans 2000 years ago. Its population of 7.5 million makes it the most populous city in the European Union.
© 2008 - 2024

Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the owner of Expatinfodesk.com does not accept any responsibility for any loss suffered by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of relying upon its contents.

Top