Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 June 2011.

Visas: Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements are being made to ensure the effective administration of visa applications to enter the United Kingdom for competitors and visitors to the Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2012.

Answer: Participants of the London 2012 Olympic Games will receive accreditation cards, which for visa national individuals, will act as a visa waiver. The accreditation cards are valid for travel to the UK, on a multiple-entry basis from the 31 March until 8 November 2012 or six months (whichever is the shorter period). In advance of the introduction of the accreditation card, the UK Border Agency has introduced a new Olympic/ Paralympic Games visit visa to facilitate entry to the UK in advance of the Games for those who are anticipated to be accredited. Applications for this visa must be supported by a letter from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). The visa is valid from the date of issue until 8 November 2012, on a multiple visit basis and costs the same price as a six-month visit visa (currently £76). Non-accredited visa national visitors travelling to the UK at Games time will be required to apply for a UK visa as per standard immigration controls. Visitors will be encouraged to apply for their visa in good time before they travel to ensure they receive their UK visa. Applicants can apply for a UK visa up to three months in advance of travelling. Overseas staff are anticipating a surge of visit visa applications next summer and resources will be prioritised to ensure they meet existing service standards.

Secondary information