2–4 February 2027 · Aberdeen, Scotland, UK · Call for abstracts opens 8 November 2026 Call for papersContact
AXIS 2027
Visas and invitation letters

Plan your UK entry early.

Most international delegates need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK. The conference falls soon after the winter holidays, when visa centres are busy, so start as soon as you know you are coming.

Check if you need a visa on GOV.UK →Invitation letters
Which do you need?

Visa, ETA or neither.

The answer depends on your nationality, not where you live. GOV.UK has the current rules, fees and processing times. Use only GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app: other sites charge extra fees for the same service.

Standard Visitor visa

For nationals who need a visa to visit the UK. Attending a conference and giving an unpaid talk are allowed on this visa. You can apply up to three months before you travel, and a decision usually takes about three weeks after your appointment at a visa centre.

Standard Visitor visa on GOV.UK

Electronic Travel Authorisation

For nationals who do not need a visa, including visitors from the EU, the US, Canada and Australia. You apply online or in the app, and most decisions come within a few working days. Airlines check for an ETA before you board.

Apply for an ETA on GOV.UK

Neither

British and Irish citizens, and people who already have permission to live, work or study in the UK, do not need a visa or ETA for the conference.

Check on GOV.UK
Paid to speak? Keynote speakers who receive a fee may need to apply under the Permitted Paid Engagement rules. Speakers who receive only travel and accommodation do not. Ask us if you are unsure.
If you need a visa

A timeline that works.

Visa decisions take weeks, and the winter holidays slow things down. Working back from the conference, this is the plan we recommend for authors who need a visa.

  1. 1

    Submit early

    Review is rolling, so an early abstract gets an early decision, usually within about ten days.

    From 8 November 2026
  2. 2

    Register and pay

    Register as soon as you are accepted. Card payment is fastest; an invoice can take your organisation longer to pay.

    From 8 December 2026
  3. 3

    Get your letter

    Request it in your portal once your registration is paid. We aim to release letters within two working days.

    Within two working days
  4. 4

    Apply for the visa

    Apply online and book the earliest visa-centre appointment you can. Allow at least three weeks for the decision.

    Before mid-December if you can
Invitation letters

A letter from the organisers, in your portal.

Invitation letters are issued to delegates whose registration is paid. Request one from your portal; the organisers check each request before the letter is released.

The letter states

  • Your name as it appears in your passport, your nationality and passport number
  • That you are registered and have paid for AXIS 2027, 2–4 February 2027, in Aberdeen
  • The title of your accepted abstract, if you are presenting
  • That you pay your own travel, accommodation and living costs

The letter supports your application but cannot guarantee a visa. We cannot contact UK Visas and Immigration for you, sign financial guarantees, or issue letters to people who are not registered. If your visa is refused, see the FAQ for virtual participation and refunds.

Beware of scams. We never phone or email delegates to sell visas, hotel rooms or attendee lists, and we never ask for payment outside your account on this site. Apply for visas and ETAs only on GOV.UK or in the official UK ETA app. If a message claiming to be from us looks wrong, forward it to hello@axisconference.org.
Next step

Create your account now, so you are ready to register.

Questions about visas or letters: hello@axisconference.org

Create your account →Getting to Aberdeen