Tourist Visa For Thai Sister In-law

[jingjingna]

I am having to return to the U.K at the end of the month as my mother is having major surgery. My husband having time off work is out of the question but instead he suggested his sister go with me since I don't want to go alone.

I understand that she will need to apply for a tourist visa but what kind of supporting documents will she need to provide? Naturally, she will be staying at my parent's home as our guest and she is employed here in Thailand and has been in the same job for over 15 years.

We will only be in the U.K for two to three weeks at the most.

Given that time is very limited, could anyone point us in the right direction??

Thanks

[the scouser]

Your sister-in-law has to show the visa officer that she has sufficient cause to return to Thailand at the end of her visit to the UK and that she can be maintained and accommodated whilst there without recourse to public funds.

She should therefore produce a letter from her employer stating that she has worked for the company for 15 years and which gives a date upon which she is expected back. Furthermore she should adduce evidence of her savings/land owned in Thailand as well as those of her husband if she is married. You should present a letter from your parents confirming that they are happy for your sister-in-law to stay with them as well as proof that money is available to support her (either her money, or yours, or your parents'). Also provide a letter from yourself setting out the background to the visit which also explains how you are related. It would also be beneficial to provide a copy of your passport which I presume contains authority to remain in Thailand on the basis of your being married to a Thai, and explain that you will be travelling with your sister-in-law there and back.

The British embassy website indicates that they are currently only accepting postal applications except in exceptional circumstances. You could try telephoning the head of the visa section in order to get his permission for your sister-in-law to apply in person. The one sour note that I would sound, however, is that if it is deemed your sister-in-law requires a full interview (tier 3) then the waiting time is currently 6/7 weeks. However, from the circumstances that you've described in your post I don't see that being necessary.

Hope that helps,

Scouse.