Visa Requirement Implementation for Honduran Citizens Traveling to the UK

The decision to implement a visa regime has been taken due to the notable and ongoing rise since 2017 in the number of UK asylum applications by Honduran nationals at the UK border. Many have exploited the provision for visiting the UK as non-visa nationals for a limited period. In 2017, there were 9 asylum applications from Hondurans. This increased to 789 in 2022 and 275 in the first quarter of 2023.

The new rules come into immediate effect for all Honduran travelers to the UK. However, there will be a four-week transition period until 15:00 BST on 16 August, allowing visitors who booked their travel prior to 15:00 BST on 19 July to still enter the UK.

British Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras, Nick Whittingham, stated:

The announced changes align Honduras with numerous other visa national countries that maintain strong and amicable relations with the UK. Visas facilitate entry into the UK while enhancing border security.

In collaboration with the British Embassy in Guatemala City, the UK Government will establish arrangements to enable Honduran travelers to apply for visitor visas in Honduras, ensuring they can still join the many international visitors welcomed by the UK.

A UK Visa Application Centre will regularly operate in Honduras where travelers can submit their passports and provide biometrics. The first session is set for 26 July, aiming to allow applicants to obtain their visas before the transition period ends on 16 August, with additional sessions planned for 27, 28, 31 July, and 1 and 2 August, based on demand.

Visa applications can be submitted and paid for online at: Apply to come to the UK, after which applicants need to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre Tegucigalpa – VFS Global to provide biometrics and hand over their passport. The UK Government strives to process applications within 15 UK working days from receipt of the passport and biometrics, with applicants allowed to apply up to three months in advance.

The fee for a six-month multiple-entry visa to the UK can be found at: UK visa fees – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Longer validity visas are also available.

Honduran nationals who booked travel to the UK before 15:00 BST on 19 July will still be permitted to enter the UK without a visa until 15:00 BST on 16 August. Any travelers arriving after this time will require a visa, regardless of when their travel was booked. Additionally, those booking flights after 15:00 BST on 19 July will also need a visa, even if they arrive before the aforementioned deadline.

Honduran visitors currently in the UK will not be impacted by the new visa requirement for the duration of their stay; however, upon leaving, they will need a visitor visa to re-enter the UK.

Hondurans have already been required to obtain visas for other (non-visit) purposes, such as work or study. Applicants for student or other visas will now have the option to utilize the new application centre in Honduras, rather than traveling to other countries as required previously.

Notes to Editors