Visa requirements for Isle of Man

Though dependant on the British Crown, Isle of Man has its own set of Immigration & Visa rules and visitors to the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland may require separate visas to enter the island-nation.

Also you may approach your nearest British Mission overseas for detailed info on the island’s visa requirements.

Travellers from the Common Travel Area encompassing England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Channel Islands do not require passports or visas to enter Isle of Man. However visitors from places other than the Common Travel Area do need to proceed to United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland first and the immigration formalities would be handled at that point.

Isle of Man is represented overseas by British Embassies, Consulates or High Commissions.

Visa requirements for foreign students

Foreign students seeking to study on Isle of Man have to ensure that they comply with UK visa & immigration standards before leaving their home countries.

In fact, they can apply for their visa/entry clearance certificates to study on Isle of Man through the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

The rules for immigration to study on the island are quite similar to those for the United Kingdom, but applications should be forwarded to the Immigration Office on Isle of Man and not to the related British department.

Manx immigration rules do not apply to students from countries of European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.  They can study/reside on Isle of Man for the duration of the course without entry clearance certificates.

The following countries come under EEA:

Required documents for visa

• Completed application form
• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended date of departure from Isle of Man)
• 2 passport-size photographs of the applicant
• Fee (postal applications must be accompanied by bank draft, postal or money order)

Passport waiver is applicable to;

• Nationals of EU countries with a valid national ID card for tourist visits not exceeding 3 months.
• Nationals of Iceland/Monaco/Switzerland/Liechtenstein/Norway holding a valid national ID card for tourist/social visits of less than 6 months

Cost of visa

Visa prices vary according to the country in which the British Embassy/Consulate/High Commission is located and must be paid in the local currency.

For further info, enquire at your nearest British Mission.

By: Mini Sreenarayanan

GOWEALTHY.COM © 2006

For comments: editor@gowealthy.com