UK Ancestry visa
Apply from outside the UK
You must apply online for a UK Ancestry visa before you travel to the UK.
When to apply
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK.
Apply online
As part of your online application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to prove your identity. You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at your appointment.
You’ll need to take your passport with you to the visa application centre (you’ll be able to collect it on the day).
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
How long it takes to get a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.