UK Sports Visit Visa

UK SPORTS VISIT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The Sports Visit Visa is designed for residents of Switzerland who are amateur or professional sportspersons (individuals and teams), their technical or support staff, and sports officials who wish to visit the UK for permitted sporting activities for up to 6 months. This visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, allowing temporary visits to the UK for up to 6 months.

The Sports Visit Visa does not lead to UK settlement.

Do Swiss (Or EU) Citizens Need a UK Visit Visa?

Under UK immigration law, Swiss (and EU) citizens are non-visa nationals. This means that most citizens of Switzerland (and the EU) who are visiting the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term sporting activities in the UK do not need to apply for a UK Visit Visa in advance of travelling. Swiss (and EU) nationals can simply enter the UK using the ePassport gates and will automatically receive 6 months permission to enter as a Visitor.

However, all Swiss (and EU) citizens visiting the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term sporting activities in the UK must still satisfy the UK Visitor Visa eligibility requirements (set out below) and may be asked to prove that these requirements are met at the UK Border.

If you are a citizen of Switzerland (or the EU) and you are planning to enter the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term sporting activities in the UK, you should ensure that you understand the eligibility requirements for a short stay visit and can prove that you satisfy these requirements if asked to do so.

When Should a Swiss (Or EU) Citizen Apply for a UK Visit Visa?

Although not required under UK immigration law, some Swiss (and EU) citizens may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for permitted short-term sporting activities in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

The main reasons for Swiss (and EU) citizens to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term sporting activities in the UK are as follows:

To Avoid Potential Issues at the UK Border: Applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can provide Swiss (and EU) citizens a level of certainty and reduce the risk of being denied entry upon arrival. Border officers have the discretion to refuse entry if they have doubts about your intentions or your ability to support yourself.

Previous Travel History Concerns: If you have previously had issues with UK immigration or have an irregular travel history, including having previously been refused entry into the UK or overstayed your permission for any reason, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any concerns proactively.

Having a Criminal Record: If you have a criminal record, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any potential issues. As part of your UK Visit Visa application you can provide necessary documentation and explanations, ensuring that any concerns are dealt with before travel rather than at the UK border.

Complex Travel Plans: If your travel plans are complex, involving multiple countries or tight schedules, having a UK Visit Visa could help ensure that there are no unexpected complications.

Do Swiss (or EU) Citizens Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?

From 2 April 2025, Swiss citizens (and EU nationals) visiting the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, even if they do not require a visa. This additional requirement applies to all short visits, including those for family visits, tourism, work-related training, business and permitted paid engagements.

Do Other Residents of Switzerland Need a UK Visit Visa?

If you are a visa national under UK immigration law residing in Switzerland, you must apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling.

A visa national is someone who needs a visa to enter the UK as a visitor due to their nationality. The Home Office provides a list of nationalities that require a Visit Visa before travel. Some exceptions allow certain visa nationals to seek entry on arrival.

Non-visa nationals residing in Switzerland can seek entry upon arrival without a Visit Visa but must still satisfy the entry requirements, including explaining the purpose of their visit and their arrangements for accommodation and return travel. Although not required, non-visa nationals may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for permitted short-term sporting activities in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

To discuss your UK Sports Visit Visa application, contact our UK immigration law firm in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.

Requirements for a UK Sports Visit Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Sports Visit Visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

Purpose: Your visit is for a purpose permitted under the visitor routes.
No Prohibited Activities: You will not engage in any prohibited activities.
Financial Capability: You have sufficient funds to cover travel, maintenance, and accommodation costs without working or accessing public funds.
Exit the UK: You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
Temporary Stay: You will not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits, nor make it your main home.
General Grounds: Your application does not fall under the general grounds for refusal.

These requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a UK immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Visit Visa for Sportspersons in Switzerland

Sports Visit Visas are available to residents of Switzerland who are either amateur or professional sportspersons. However, Sports Visitors may not receive payment from a UK source for any activities undertaken in the UK. If employed as a professional sportsperson by a UK team, the Sports Visit Visa is not appropriate; apply for an International Sportsperson Visa instead.

The Home Office treats professional sportspersons in professional domestic championships or leagues as employed, regardless of payment status. Amateur sportspersons joining an amateur team or club to gain experience must prove they are genuine amateurs joining a genuinely amateur team or club.

Personal and Technical Staff

Personal or technical staff attending the same event as the sportsperson can also qualify for a Sports Visit Visa if employed to work for the sportsperson outside the UK. Examples include physiotherapists, coaches, dieticians, bodyguards, and press officers.

Sports Officials

Sports officials supporting a sports tournament or event in the UK can qualify for a Sports Visit Visa. They may attend the same event as a sportsperson or be invited by a UK-based sports organisation, agent, or broadcaster. Examples include linespeople and umpires.

Permitted Sports Activities for Swiss Residents

To qualify for a Sports Visit Visa as a Swiss Resident, you must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that your visit to the UK is for a permitted purpose and you will not undertake any prohibited activities.

Permitted activities include:

Participating in a sports tournament or event as an individual or team.
Making personal appearances and participating in promotional activities.
Taking part in trials not in front of a paying audience.
Undergoing short periods of training without payment from a UK sporting body.
Joining an amateur team or club to gain experience in a sport if you are an amateur.

As a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, Sports Visitors can also engage in other permitted activities, including pre-arranged paid engagements completed within 30 days of arrival.

Intention to Leave the UK and Return to Switzerland

You must prove to the Home Office that you will leave the UK and return to Switzerland after your visit and will not make the UK your main home. Factors considered include:

Previous immigration history.
Financial circumstances and background.
Personal and economic ties to your home country.

Indicators of non-genuine visitors include lack of ties to the home country, having several family members in the UK, previous deceit in immigration applications, and inconsistencies in your statements.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

You need sufficient funds to cover your visit costs without working or accessing public funds. Funds must be in a permitted financial institution. A third party may cover your costs if they have a genuine relationship with you and comply with immigration laws.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

There is no English language requirement for Sports Visit Visa applicants.

UK Sports Visit Visa Validity Period

A Sports Visit Visa can be valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. Multiple entries are allowed unless restricted to single or dual entry. Each visit must not exceed 6 months.

Right to Work

Sports Visitors cannot:

Take employment.
Run a business or work as self-employed.
Work for a UK organisation.
Undertake a work placement or internship.
Provide or sell goods/services in the UK.

They can receive payment for permitted activities within the Standard Visitor route, including pre-arranged paid engagements completed within 30 days of arrival. Remote work is allowed if it’s not the primary visit purpose. They can also seek employment and attend job interviews but must leave the UK and obtain appropriate entry clearance if hired.

If you wish to work in the UK, consider applying for an International Sportsperson Visa instead.

UK Visit Visa Application Fees in Switzerland

Up to 6 months: £115
2 years: £432
5 years: £771
10 years: £963

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced UK immigration lawyers assist amateur and professional sportspersons, technical and support staff, and sports officials in Switzerland to secure visas to visit the UK. We provide advice on visa applications, help with preparing UK visa applications, and legal representation for challenging visa refusals.

We pride ourselves on our approachable, proactive, and client-focused service, dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.

For expert UK visa advice and assistance, contact our UK Visit Visa lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.