What type of visa or permit do I need to go to the UK?

It depends on your nationality and the reason for your trip (tourism/visit, study, etc.). To confirm in 60 seconds, use the official British Government visa checker: gov.uk/check-uk-visa (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) APEX-UK provides basic guidance based on official sources, but is NOT an immigration agent and does not process visas; for your final application, we will refer you to authorised experts. What is an ETA and what is it for? The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital authorisation that allows you to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or other permitted reasons, for up to 6 months. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. Cost: £16. Official links: ETA information (https://www.gov.uk/eta) · Apply for an ETA (https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply) If I am going to study English: what visa do I need? Course ≤ 6 months → Standard Visitor (no visa, ETA or visitor visa depending on nationality) Course 6–11 months → Short-term study visa Course 11 months → Student visa Official links: Standard Visitor (https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor) · Short-term study visa (https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english) · Checker (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) Which Latin American countries need a visa to visit the UK? Among others: Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Official full list (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor-visa-national-list)

How much does an English course in Bournemouth cost?

Packages from £335.50/wk (Standard with housing) or £364/wk (Intensive with housing). One-time £100 enrolment fee. No commissions: you pay the school directly. Homestay available from £370.50/wk (Standard) or £399/wk (Intensive). Reference prices, subject to season and institution. For an exact quote tailored to your profile, contact us via NOVA, our AI assistant, or by filling in our contact form.

Can I work while studying?

With a student visa for English courses, you are generally NOT allowed to work in the United Kingdom. If you are looking for higher education programmes (University), the rules are different.

Important — legal disclaimer APEX-UK

APEX-UK provides basic guidance based on official sources, but is NOT an immigration agent and does not process visas or ETAs. Requirements may change and the final decision is made by UKVI/Border Force. Always confirm on GOV.UK and, if necessary, process with authorised advisors.

What is the difference between APEX-UK and the School?

We are your strategic ally, they are your educational institution. APEX-UK acts as your local support in Bournemouth: we guide you in Spanish/Portuguese and reduce friction on your arrival. Once enrolled, your academic life (schedules, attendance, refunds) is governed exclusively by the Academic Partner's rules.

I am an adult (+18), do I have supervision or a curfew?

No. You are independent, but not alone. By working exclusively with adults (+18), we do not impose surveillance or rules for minors. Our Student Welfare approach is to give you a point of contact and a clear plan to resolve adaptation issues and local guidance.

Who sets the rules in the accommodation?

The accommodation provider or Partner School. We help you book options within the Academic Partner's ecosystem. You must comply with their coexistence rules (noise, visits, deposits, check-in/out times). APEX-UK can mediate in communication if there are problems, but we cannot override the provider's rules.

What should I do in case of a real emergency?

Your priority is your safety: contact official services first. In a medical or security emergency call 999 or go to A&E. APEX-UK does not replace emergency services. Once you are safe, contact us: we will give you practical guidance (translation, location, next steps).

Is APEX-UK right for me? Who it's for (and who it isn't)

APEX-UK is a good fit if you are 18 or older, want in-person immersion in Bournemouth and prefer to go through the whole process supported in your own language, with no surprises. We are NOT the best option if you want a 100% online course, if you are under 18, or if you already master English and the visa process and can book directly with the school yourself (in that case you'd save our service, though you'd pay 5% more for the course than with us). If you want in-person classes and real support in Spanish or Portuguese from start to finish, we're for you.

Updated: June 2026

Checklist to prepare your trip to study English in Bournemouth

Before travelling, secure five blocks: documents (passport and ETA/visa as your case requires), confirmed school acceptance and accommodation, travel health insurance, money and payment method, and the UK practicalities (Type G adapter, layered clothing, airport transport). APEX-UK supports you in your language at every step.

Practical list for Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking students (18+) travelling to Bournemouth.

1. Documents and entry permission

Passport with enough validity. Depending on your nationality and course length: ETA, entry as Standard Visitor, Short-term study or Student visa (check your case at gov.uk/check-uk-visa). Bring a printed school acceptance letter and, if applicable, the CAS. Keep digital copies just in case.

2. Accommodation confirmed before you fly

Do not travel without booked accommodation: confirm Residence or Homestay with dates and address. Keep the provider contact and the exact address for arrival and entry forms. In summer (high season) book further ahead.

3. Travel health insurance

Get travel/health insurance covering your stay. Do not assume automatic healthcare cover: confirm what it includes (emergencies, repatriation) and carry the policy and the assistance phone with you.

4. Money and payment methods

Bring a card that works in the UK (and tell your bank about the trip) plus some cash in pounds for day one. Budget your first weeks (accommodation already paid, food, transport). The UK uses the pound sterling (£).

5. UK practicalities

Type G plug adapter (the British one). Layered clothing and a raincoat (South Coast weather is mild but changeable). A phone/eSIM plan with data. And be clear on transport from the airport (Heathrow/Gatwick/Bournemouth) to your accommodation: it usually combines train or transfer.

How APEX-UK helps on arrival

We guide you in Spanish or Portuguese before and during arrival: we review your checklist, resolve visa questions with official sources, confirm accommodation and give you a contact point for adaptation issues. You are not alone on your first day.

Back to home