Sport


Sporting events are one of the most popular sources of worldwide entertainment. The desire to watch and host these events has become very popular. Athletes and coaches are no longer recognisable only in their home countries; they have achieved international fame. That being the case, many countries have increased the number of and scope of sporting events to include athletes from around the world. Still, just because you are an athlete or a coach that has been invited to participate in a sporting event, this invitation alone will not allow you to legally enter the inviting country so that you may participate.

When determining which type of visa is applicable, factors which are taken into consideration include:

 



  • sporting status - professional or amateur?
  • are you coming to participate in a one-off event?
  • will you be playing in a tournament?
  • will you be playing for an extended period for a foreign team?
SPORTPERSONS

In order to be issued a Sportsperson Visa, the athlete and/or coach must be recognised at the highest level of their profession and their participation must be viewed as contributing to the sport in the UK. The criteria are set out by that sport’s governing body in conjunction with Work Permits UK. The visa will not be issued should a player or coach fall short of the requirements.

To receive a sportsperson visa, the athlete must be considered one of the sports top players. If you are a professional athlete and have received an invitation to participate in an organised sporting event, you may be entitled to receive a six month visa to play in the UK. The visa is specific to sporting event and cannot be transferred. Examples of such participation include:

  • an event, series, or tournament as an individual or as part of a team.
  • a one-off (an event that is limited to the specified single performance) charity sporting event, testimonial, benefit or exhibition match for which the athlete will not be remunerated.
  • The athlete is also required to demonstrate that they have the funds to maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK during their stay and able to fund their return flight.
WORK PERMIT

If an athlete plans to stay in the UK for a period in excess of six months, they will need to apply for a work permit. Examples of situations when you will need a work permit are:

  • to join or represent a British team and are paid to do so
  • intend to be based in the UK for a sporting season





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