ECB3: What is entry clearance?
Published 1 January 2013
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Entry clearance is the procedure used by Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) at British missions overseas to check, before a person arrives in the UK, if that person qualifies under the Immigration Rules for entry to the UK.
In some cases entry clearance is mandatory, in others it is optional (see ECB04 Who needs an entry clearance?)
In all cases, the authority to admit someone to the UK ultimately rests with the Immigration Officer (IO) at the port of entry.
Applicants must submit biometric information as part of their application and pay a fee (see visa fees page on this website).