Family Visitor Visa return ticket

[markbarlow]

Hello and good evening, i just want to know if it is a requirement for a family visitor visa to have a return ticket upon arrival at london airport?Thank you and hopping for a reply since will be booking a flight next week.

[Terpe]

Hello Mark, welcome here to the forum.

Your question may seem simple but the answer is not.

Firstly, does the applicant already hold an approved UK Family Visit visa?

Secondly, be informed that there is no legal requirement under immigration rules for Visitors entering the UK to actually have a return or onward ticket.

However:-

- There may be problems during the check-in process depending on the airline. They may refuse to accept them based solely on a restricted visit visa but without a return/onward ticket. Airlines are held responsible for all costs and penalties if they carry someone who is later refused entry at the destination.

- It has been reported that some airlines have requested a signed waiver indicating that if the passenger is refused entry at their destination then the sponsor will stand the full costs of return.

- Being allowed to check-in does not prevent Immigration Control in the country of origin denying exit. It all depends on how it works in that specific country. Please do check this.

- Having a return ticket and other supporting evidence does not guarantee that a visitor intends to comply with their conditions of stay and return home within the visa conditions or visa expiry. This means the visitor may be challenged by an immigration officer at their UK port of entry and requested to provide strong evidence that they either have a return ticket or that they do have the funds to purchase one. If this cannot be produced either by the sponsor or by evidence of their (the visitor) own funds to purchase one then they could well be refused entry and sent back.

Sorry if my comment appears negative, it's not at all meant to be so. Just explaining the facts for your consideration.

I'm just highlighting that although it's not a requirement as visa application and approval, there may be other factors to consider at both departure from country of origin and at port of entry.

Probably the best opition would be to actually secure a ticket which is either open ended return, or allows changeable return date at some small charge
Given the fact that this is a completely normal available option, it might be considered 'suspect' that someone would arrive here in the UK without a paid-for return/onward ticket.

Is there a compelling reason to have only a one way ticket?

If there is, then you may consider informing UKBA of this and asking for written confirmation that they understand and accept this compelling reason and will provide their written confirmation. It's quite rare, but it has happened.

Hope this helps your understanding

Sorry I can't offer anything more positive.

[sars_notd_virus]

Hello and good evening, i just want to know if it is a requirement for a family visitor visa to have a return ticket upon arrival at london airport?Thank you and hopping for a reply since will be booking a flight next week.

Welcome to the forum!!
I think I would arranged a return ticket as soon as i booked a flight to avoid any hassle with the ukba.