4 years ago, I was denied entry to the UK because I had been staying there without a visa, and had worked part time without a permit. It was a tragic event, and I lost everything and had to come back to the US with just one bag of clothes. Since then, I have rebuilt my life here. Two and a half years ago I applied for a 6 day visa to travel to London to pick up my belongings and to see my friends, but I denied the visa. Since then I have got a new passport and have traveled to three different countries in Europe without any problem.
I would still like to return to London to collect my things (which are still in the basement of a flat) and visit my loved ones. I wonder if it is worth going through the visa process again, or should I just simply take the trip? I have no desire to live in England again, and, as I'd said, 4 years have passed since that time. In my paperwork, I was simply denied entry, NOT banned from visiting - any thoughts on what to do?
2007-01-06 09:08:21 · 6 answers · asked by johngreenink 2 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ London
* If all you want is to get your property back, get it sent to you. But it's almost certainly not worth paying DHL or whoever the shipping for. Plus you'll probably end up paying duty on it as well.
* You say you've visited other European countries since then and had no problems. If you're bent on living dangerously, when flying into the UK from other parts of the EC there's very often no immigration check at all on internal EC flights. Immigration checks are normally at the point of entry into the EC and are not necessarily repeated. And you would be merely on a vacation which does not require a visa. But any such visit could, in the event of checks being imposed, lead to a further denial of entry without a requirement for any specified reason.
* You say you've applied for a via and been refused. Does your passport bear a record that you've been denied entry? If so, have you applied for a replacement passport? Have you consulted your Representative? Have you consulted your Senator? Have you asked them to intervene on your behalf? Have your friends lobbied their MPs in the UK? Have you submitted certification from your employer that you have a job to which you'll be returning on a certain date? Have you submitted evidence that you own a house/have a tenancy agreement on an apartment etc.etc. etc.?
2007-01-07 21:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by Feinschmecker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you just turn up you may be denied entry again and you'll have wasted your money on the trip. The UK takes it pretty seriously when someone is in the country illegally, which is what you did. If you have the resources you could contact an immigration specialist in the UK for help. I know you don't want to immigrate again, but they may be able to help you sort out the problem of not being allowed to visit.
2007-01-06 10:00:53 · answer #2 · answered by jonahbeast 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we are in the same boat here,i was denied entry to the good old u.s.a for the same reasons,although this was years prevoius and later worked there legally.
if you have job or property,and you can prove that you are substantially tied to the states ,and you have the resources for otaining the visa for the UK i would go ahead.
it,s a pain in the *** i know believe me i cannot even transit the states now,so obviously have to fly all around the world as most airlines fly via the states.
best thing i suggest get a friend if there to ship your bags back
To much bullshit and waste of time for visa vists and questions on your whole life.another suggestion would be go to france and meet your friends and your suitcase on an away day happy for all and a few drinks too.hope this is of help mate .I am stuck in Mexico
2007-01-06 12:11:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not worth just turning up as you could very well be denied entry again...you need to clear it up with immigration first of all...why spend money on a wasted trip.
Contact the Home Office and explain your situation, they are the best people to advise you...
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Good Luck!
2007-01-06 09:39:53 · answer #4 · answered by sarch_uk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just take the trip - as a vacation - shouldn't be an issue as long as you buy a return ticket!
Good luck
2007-01-06 09:16:34 · answer #5 · answered by Great Eskape 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just keep trying, you know since attack on London it had been very hard to get visa, if you're an American you get to go Free with out problem. well just be patience it will happen.
2007-01-06 16:44:14 · answer #6 · answered by celi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋