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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.

By Sarah James

U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.

The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.

Here's everything we know.

Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?

This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.

Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.

How long will it take to get an ETA?

Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.

How long will an ETA last?

After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.

The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.

Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.

How much will an ETA cost?

We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.

Who will need to apply for an ETA?

The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too.  Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.

What will I need to apply for an ETA?

You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.

To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.  

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

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Not required for stays less than six months.

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U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.

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Retirement Visas: Everything International Retirees Need to Know

Fact checked by Vikki Velasquez Reviewed by Katie Miller

What Is a Retirement Visa?

A retirement visa is a special type of visa issued by some nations that allows people with adequate financial resources to live in a specific foreign country for an extended period of time. Americans considering retiring outside of the United States will need to understand the income, health, and age requirements of their destination.

Key Takeaways

• Retirement visas are a type of visa that allows individuals to retire in a foreign country.
• The requirements for obtaining a retirement visa vary from country to country but typically involve maintaining a certain threshold of income or assets.
• Some countries also have age restrictions.
• A major benefit of retirement visas is that they are good for a much longer period than regular tourist visas.
• Some retirement visas last for life, while others need to be renewed periodically.

How Retirement Visas Work

A visa is a government permit allowing foreigners to enter a particular country and remain there for a specified period of time. A retirement visa is a type of visa that allows people to enter a country and, if they wish, spend their retirement years there.

Countries that offer retirement visas of one form or another include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Spain, and Thailand.

Retirement visas are generally good for at least 12 months, after which they can be renewed if the person still qualifies. In some countries, foreign retirees can also apply for permanent residency and obtain citizenship after they have lived there for a certain number of years.

Retirement Visa Requirements

Retirement visas go by different names in different countries, each of which maintains its own rules. In some countries, an individual must be over a certain age to qualify for a retirement visa. Others may have no specific age requirement but stipulate that the person be retired and have retirement or pension income.

All set a minimum income requirement, and some require that applicants deposit funds in a local bank. In many instances, retirement visa holders are not allowed to work in the host country unless they are able to obtain a separate work permit. The visa holder may also be required to purchase health insurance that is valid in that country. ( Medicare pays for healthcare outside the U.S. only in rare instances, for instance.)

Deciding to retire and travel isn’t something to take lightly. Consider every angle, such as your health and finances, before you take next steps.

How to Get a Retirement Visa

The process for obtaining a retirement visa also varies by country. In most cases, application forms can be found on government websites, along with instructions on how to apply, including where to apply in person. Depending on the country, you may be able to apply either within the U.S. or at an immigration office in the host country. If you’re applying within the U.S., this will typically entail appearing, with necessary documents, at either the country’s embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of its consulates in a major city.

Every country requires at least a few documents, although some are more demanding than others. In virtually every case, applicants are expected to provide:

• A valid passport or other travel document
• Proof of income and/or assets

In some countries, they may be required to provide additional documents, such as:

• A birth certificate
• A marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A medical report attesting to the applicant’s good health
• Proof of vaccinations
• Evidence of medical insurance valid in that country
• Bank statements reflecting deposits in local accounts (if required)
• A house or apartment lease or other proof of a place to stay
• A police certificate showing the lack of a criminal record

Again, depending on the country, it can take several days to several months (or even years) to receive a retirement visa. Most countries seem to require at least a few weeks.

Retirement Visa Options in Different Countries

To show how rules may differ, here are more detailed overviews of retirement visas available in several countries that American retirees might be considering: Australia, Indonesia, Ireland, and Thailand. Before selecting a retirement destination outside the U.S., Americans should be sure that they understand all the details of the visa requirements of the country of destination.

Australia has some of the strictest immigration laws in the world and no longer offers retirement visas. In 2018, the government created what it calls a “retirement visa pathway,” which can lead to permanent residency for a small number of people who qualify. There are several ways to set yourself on this pathway, although it can be a years-long journey.

If you already held an Australian retirement visa (subclass 410) or investment retirement visa (subclass 405) on May 8, 2018, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. (Both of those visas have been discontinued.)

If you don’t meet that requirement, you can apply for either a parent visa (subclass 103) or the more expensive contributory parent visa (subclass 143), which may qualify you for permanent residency after a certain period. In either instance, you must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or of a qualifying citizen of New Zealand, in addition to financial and other requirements.

The government cautions that processing times for parent (subclass 103) visas are significantly longer than those for contributory parent​ (subclass 143) visas, which also receive priority consideration. The government recently estimated waiting times of 15 years for contributory parent visas, and 40 years for regular parent visas.

The Republic of Indonesia offers a retired or senior citizen visa that is good for one year and may be extended for as many as five additional years. It doesn’t specify an age requirement but does require proof of sufficient financial resources in the form of a bank or pension fund statement. In addition, applicants must provide proof that they have health, life, and liability insurance .

After living in Indonesia for five consecutive years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.

To retire to Ireland , U.S. citizens must apply for and be granted what’s known as Stamp 0. To be eligible, the applicant must either be “of independent means, fully financially self-sufficient” or sponsored by someone in Ireland who can provide their full support.

Stamp 0 applicants must also have private medical insurance. They “cannot receive any benefits or use publicly funded services, for example be treated at a public hospital.” In addition, they are not allowed to “work or engage in any business, trade or profession unless specified in a letter of permission from Immigration Service Delivery.”

Residents can apply for Irish citizenship once they have lived in the country for a certain period of time, typically five years but sometimes less.

The Kingdom of Thailand offers what is essentially its retirement visa—the Non-Immigrant “O-A” (long stay) visa—to eligible applicants ages 50 and older who don’t intend to work in the country. (Working is, in fact, prohibited on this visa.)

While the visa is only good for one year, visa holders can apply to extend it for additional one-year periods if they continue to meet the criteria, including income and asset requirements. In addition, visa holders must report to immigration officials every 90 days.

After living in Thailand for three years, visa holders can apply for permanent resident status.

However, it’s worth noting that Thailand limits how many people from any given country are eligible for residency each year, which is currently 100.

Retirement Visa Costs

Countries charge fees for retirement visas. This table shows some examples, as compiled by visadb.io, a website funded by grants from a number of countries:

Benefits and Limitations of a Retirement Visa

Retirement visas allow people to stay in a foreign country longer than typical tourist visas. This can be particularly useful to retirees, who may want to sample a country at various times of the year before deciding on moving there permanently. A retirement visa can also be a step toward qualifying for permanent resident status.

The visas do come with requirements, several of which are described above. In addition, retirees can be subject to taxes and may be required to contribute to the country’s healthcare and retirement systems.

Meanwhile, American citizens who retire to a foreign country are still required to file U.S. tax returns if their income exceeds a certain threshold, just as if they had remained in the States. Income from both U.S. and foreign sources is taxable, although foreign income up to a certain amount may be eligible for the foreign earned income exclusion .

The U.S. also has tax treaties with a number of countries, preventing citizens who are living abroad from being taxed twice on the same income.

Retirement visas differ from golden visas , which are a type of residency-by-investment program allowing people to gain residency by investing in the local economy.

Tips for a Successful Retirement Visa Application

To save time and avoid potential disappointment, anyone who wishes to obtain a retirement visa should follow a few basic steps:

• Read the visa requirements for the host country. These can be found online and in English, usually at the website of the country’s embassy or immigration office.
• Make a checklist of required documents and gather them.
• If your U.S. passport is close to expiring, renew it.
• If the country requires a medical examination, arrange a visit to your doctor.
• Fill out the retirement visa application, which is also typically available online.
• Make an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate if the country requires an in-person application and allows you to apply from the U.S.

Note that some countries don’t allow applications from abroad but require that you show up in person at an immigration office in that country, typically after having obtained a tourist visa to get in. That makes it all the more important to obtain every necessary document before you go.

Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa?

Anyone who meets a given country’s requirements can apply for a retirement visa if that country offers one. The requirements typically include a certain amount of income and assets. Some countries have specific age requirements, while many others don’t.

How Can I Apply for a Retirement Visa?

Most countries explain their retirement visa application on their websites, and many provide their applications online. When you’re ready to apply, however, you may have to do so in person.

Which Countries Allow a Retirement Visa?

At least 23 countries offer retirement visas of one kind or another, although they go by many different names. If you’re interested in a particular country, do an online search using its name plus “retirement visa.” A call to the country’s embassy is another option.

Which Countries Are the Easiest to Get a Retirement Visa for?

Generally speaking, countries in Latin America tend to have the lowest minimum income requirements, and they may also have the lowest costs of living . If your goal is to ultimately become a citizen of another country, note that some of them are known for their relatively easy citizenship requirements for retirees.

What If I Want to Work in Retirement, But Abroad?

A digital nomad visa is a document or program that gives someone the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country of permanent residence. Some 58 regions offer an option to work abroad, including Anguilla, the Bahamas, Croatia, Germany, Norway, and Taiwan.

The Bottom Line

Many countries welcome foreign retirees, particularly those who will bring reliable incomes and substantial assets. For that reason, countries often offer visas that allow retirees to stay for an extended time and possibly forever. For retirees, obtaining a retirement visa can be a good way to explore and experience a country long enough to know whether it’s a place where you would like to settle down permanently.

Read the original article on Investopedia .

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Uae visa pre-approval simplified: options for indian travelers explained.

Indian travellers can obtain a 14-day entry visa upon arrival in the UAE by holding a US green card or a residence visa from the UK or any EU country. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) offers a pre-approval service to streamline immigration procedures. To apply, individuals can visit the GDRFAD website, log in with their UAE Pass or online account details, and complete the application form under "Port services."

What is UAE's Golden Visa that was recently granted to legendary actor Rajinikanth?

• Go to the GDRFAD website at gdrfad.gov.ae and sign in using your UAE Pass or online account details.
• Click on "All services" and then choose "Port services".
• Select "Issuing visa via land, seaport, or airport" and then choose "Visa on arrival for citizens of India residing in (America, Britain, and European Union countries)".
• Complete the form with your personal information and trip details, such as your accommodation details.
• Choose the type of visa you have, such as EU residency or US green card.
• Attach the necessary documents to support your application, including copies of your passport and visa.
• Pay the application fee and submit your request.

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Short-stay visas issued by Schengen countries

These statistics show the number of visa applications and visas issued for every country that is a member of the Schengen area – as from 2009. 

You can also view this data by the country from which the applications were made (i.e., by consulate).

Countries outside the main statistics

As it only joined the Schengen area in 2023, data for Croatia (as well as for Bulgaria , Cyprus and Romania ) is shown on a different sheet in the Excel file.

Ireland is not covered, as it maintains an independent visa policy from that of the Schengen area.

Visa statistics - quality and metadata reporting

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• Visas and immigration
• Work in the UK

Skilled Worker visa

Taking on additional work.

If you work overtime in the job you’re being sponsored for, you do not need to update your visa. 

There’s no limit to how many hours of overtime you can do.

You can also work up to 20 hours a week in another job or for your own business, as long as you’re still doing the job you’re being sponsored for. 

Your work must be in an eligible occupation code .

You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

If you’ll be doing more than 20 hours a week in another job

You’ll need to apply to update your visa so that you’re being sponsored to do both jobs.

You’ll need to:

• get a new certificate of sponsorship from your second employer
• include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay

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