What are my chances to enter the UK with an expired visa?

Upvote:11

One might think the following is a possibility: if you are really curious whether this would be possible then try to show up in Paris or Brussels a few hours before the Eurostar leaves and try to ask around for an opportunity to talk to UK officials. Carefully formulate your question something like "I am not asking for leave to enter, I know my visa is expired which normally would disqualify me but I am wondering whether in light of covid et al some exception could be made".

But on second thought, it's not because the first question they will ask is "why are trying to enter the UK?" and anything serious enough -- like a dying or deceased close relative -- would qualify you for an emergency visa too.

Upvote:32

No airline will let you board with an expired visa, since if you are turned back at the border the airline is penalized. Thus, if you're planning to fly to the UK, whether it's possible that the UK border officials might make an exception and let you enter is irrelevant: you're not going to get a chance to talk to them.

Moreover, it would not be a good idea for you personally to try this (perhaps if you take the Eurostar train you could, as in that case you clear UK border control before getting on the train), because if you are refused entry, it is likely that you would have to mention this on future visa applications.

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