The UK regularly welcomes athletes from across the globe. From competing in major tournaments such as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking part in international events such as the Tour de France 2027, or joining a professional sports club on a longer-term basis, international athletes continue to play a vital role in the UK's vibrant sporting landscape.

Whilst immigration considerations may not be at the forefront of an athlete’s mind, athletes must take into consideration the restrictions attached to their immigration permissions to avoid falling foul of the Rules.

This article explains the main options available to athletes and highlights the key rules that sportspeople, clubs and organisations should be aware of before making travel or recruitment plans.

Visiting Athletes

The UK's Visitor Visa Rules permit visitors to undertake a range of sporting activities in the UK. For professional athletes, permitted activities are likely to include:

• competing in sporting tournaments and events;

• making personal appearances connected to sporting activities; and

• undertaking promotional activities related to those events.

  
  

Whilst the Visitor route provides flexibility for short-term participation in sporting events, falling foul of the Rules and engaging in prohibited activities could have significant consequences for athletes, including the refusal of future visa applications.

Visiting athletes must therefore not:

• take employment with a UK organisation;

• undertake work for a UK sports club on a long-term basis; or

• receive payment from a UK source except where expressly permitted under the Immigration Rules (for example reasonable expenses to cover the cost of travel and subsistence).

  
  

Athletes should seek specialist advice where sponsorship arrangements, prize money, commercial appearances or coaching activities are involved, as such activities may fall outside the scope of permitted visitor activities.

The International Sportsperson Visa

Whilst the Visitor route is intended for temporary visits only, the International Sportsperson visa is suitable for internationally established elite sportspeople and qualified coaches whose employment in the UK will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level.

Unlike the Visitor route, the International Sportsperson route permits employment in the UK and can, in certain circumstances, lead to settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.

To qualify for an International Sportsperson visa, an athlete or coach must first obtain a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the relevant sport's Governing Body.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they meet the following requirements:

• English language ability at level A1 CEFR in speaking and listening (where applying for a visa of over 12 months);

• A Certificate of Sponsorship from their UK employer; and

• If applicable, provide an approved tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. 

  
  

For athletes, teams and sporting organisations, securing the appropriate immigration permission from the outset is key to ensuring a smooth arrival and stay in the UK.

If you require any advice or assistance in relation to the above or would like to discuss your visa queries in further detail, please contact a member of CG’s Immigration team.