Would Like To Bring My Thai Friend To The Uk

[scorpio80]

If somebody knows is it difficult to invite Thai citizen on visitor or sponsor visa for European Union holder passport?

Thank you in advance for you advice.

[7by7]

Are you:

An EU citizen resident in the UK and your friend resident in Thailand?

An EU citizen resident outside the UK but not Thailand and your friend resident in Thailand?

An EU citizen resident in Thailand with your friend?

Doesn't matter, as whichever it is you can sponsor a visitor to the UK. Simply apply to the British embassy in the country where your friend is resident.

If on the other hand your friend is a dual national, Thai and an EU country, then they will not need a visa to visit the UK as they can use their EU passport for entry.

[scorpio80]

Actually I'm Estonian citizen passport holder but living and working in UK more that 2 years.

My friend is Thai citizen passport holder.

I guess the best option is to apply for sponsor visa for him in British Embassy in Bangkok.

Am I right?

Thank you for advice in advance.

[7by7]

Yes, he can apply in Bangkok for a visit visa with you as his sponsor.

See Guidance - Visitors (INF 2) and Guidance - Sponsors (INF 3) .

For where and how to apply see UK Visa Application Centre in Bangkok.

[scorpio80]

Thank you very much for you assistance.

One more question: is it better to apply for a UK visa after April (4-10 April - the dates for army entering as he is 21) or doesn't matter which month?

Can you advice please.

[7by7]

I suppose there is a very remote chance that the embassy may think he is trying to leave Thailand to avoid being conscripted, but I don't think that they will.

Edited February 7, 2009 by 7by7

[scorpio80]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply.

Anyway I'll try to apply for UK visa for my thai friend after 9th April just in case to avoid any problems and questions with British Embassy in Bangkok.