The UK Border Agency's online visa application system, Visa4UK, will be offline for maintenance from 0700 British Standard Time (BST) on Monday 5 July 2010 until 0700 BST the following day (Tuesday 6 July). You will not be able to apply online, or access your visa application, during this time.

If you require urgent travel to the UK, for example to attend a funeral or for urgent medical treatment, you should contact your nearest visa application centre.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

The Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced on 15th June that there would be an immediate halt to the further introduction of the Home Office’s Vetting and Barring Scheme. The Scheme will now undergo a significant and unspecified period of review termed as ‘remodeling,’ and is in line with statements previously made in both of the ruling parties election manifestos to scale the scheme back to ‘common sense levels’.

Child Safe are delivering a half-day seminar morning or afternoon session on the Vetting and Betting Scheme in London on 22nd June. The Vetting and Barring Scheme will require all of those who wish to work with under-18’s and vulnerable adults to join a register which will be managed by the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

London - 8 July 2010
Manchester - 9 July 2010 

Latest on-the-ground briefings on the business and political climate from the British Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Senior Representatives in 11 Asian markets, accompanied by senior business figures with extensive experience in these markets.  Develop contacts, network and learn about the support available from UKTI's experts and partners. 

For more information, visit www.businessinasia.co.uk/eshot.

The new Britain You’re invited logo is available for download by UK travel trade as part of the Britain Brand development work being undertaken by VisitBritain to extend a message of welcome and invite the world to visit Britain in the run up to, during, and beyond 2012.

To download the logo (subject to terms and conditions) and to read more about the Britain Brand Development, please click here.