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I was given a 10-year UK visa ban. It's been 15 years since the ban, I have learnt my lesson and through the grace of Jah, I have become a naturalized citizen of a country that doesn't require a visa to enter the UK. Is it ok to visit family, residents in the UK now? Do you foresee any issues on entry, and how should I prepare for this trip? Thank you.

Mark Johnson
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Jessy
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2 Answers2

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Let's be realistic about this: The UK decided to give you a 10 year ban. They don't do that just because. Even though it was 15 years ago, most governments have very long memories, and the UK is no exception. If you appear at the border, sans visa, it is prudent to assume* that the first thing they will learn about you, other than your country of citizenship, is the fact that you got banned, and the reason for that ban (which, going by the other answers on this site about UK visa denials, presumably involves deception and/or violation of the terms of your previous entry, if any). They will immediately start to question everything you say and every document you present. Assuming for the sake of argument that your case is completely airtight and you are able to provide evidence of absolutely everything to their satisfaction, they might decide to let you into the UK. Possibly after multiple hours of questioning. Possibly after phoning other people and asking them to corroborate your story. If they are not satisfied, then they will put you on a plane and send you right back home (at your own expense, of course).

Do you really want to subject yourself to all that, plus the risk of getting sent home, just to save the application fee for one visa? Considering you have said in the comments that your new country of citizenship is the United States (i.e. you are proposing to take a transatlantic flight), this question practically answers itself. Apply for a visa, provide all of the relevant evidence and documentation for your change in circumstances, and make sure you can demonstrate strong ties** to the US before planning such a trip.

* They will surely ask you whether you've ever been denied entry to the UK. Do not lie, or you'll get another ban.
** "Strong ties to [country]" is a fancy way of saying "reasons for you to return to [country] after your trip is over." Things like a job, a house, a family, or literally anything else that a reasonable person couldn't leave behind in [country].

Kevin
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The standard advice on the Gov.uk website for visa-free nationals says:

You may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you have a criminal record or you’ve previously been refused entry into the UK.

In most cases, once the period of the re-entry ban has been completed, a person can then apply for a visa to come to the UK. Where a person received a 10-year re-entry ban, they may be refused entry or leave (i.e., if applying for a UK visa after a 10-year ban) even after the ban period is completed if:

  • the Secretary of State personally directed they be excluded from the UK
  • they received an exclusion order or a deportation order

This is because a person who is subject to an exclusion or deportation order cannot enter the UK regardless of any re-entry ban period being completed.

Source: https://immigrationlawyers-london.com/blog/re-entry-the-uk-after-re-entry-ban.php

Traveller
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