UK Spouse Visa checklist for UK Sponsor and Eritrean national applicant written by UK Immigration Lawyer Mr Saleh Begh

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1. Your nationality and residence : British (United Kingdom)

2. Your partner nationality and residence : Eritrean (Eritrea) إريتريا


The information below is for you, if you are a British citizen (or holding UK permanent residence) and your partner is an Eritrean national.
Eritrea إريتريا  Asmara , Keren , Massawa , Assab , Mendefera , Barentu , Adi Keyh , Edd , Dekemhare , Ak
You currently reside in United Kingdom whereas your partner resides in Eritrea إريتريا.

Full UK Spouse Visa Guide - Eritrea إريتريا .

UK Spouse Visa Eritrea إريتريا Checklist Contents

UK Spouse Visa Key Considerations for Family Visa from Eritrea إريتريا
UK Partner Visa from Asmara, Eritrea إريتريا
Checklist for UK Family Visa (British and Eritrean)
UK Home Office Approved TB Medical Centres in Eritrea إريتريا
UK Home Office Approved English Tests Centres in Eritrea إريتريا
UK spouse visa where to apply Asmara, Eritrea إريتريا
UK spouse visa grant letter update Asmara, Eritrea إريتريا
UK spouse visa supporting documents bundle Asmara, Eritrea إريتريا

UK Spouse Visa Key requirements

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The Immigration Rules state that :
  • you both must be over the age of 18;
  • you must have met each other in person and be legally married, unless you are applying as an unmarried partner [alternatively] apply for a UK Marriage Visa or a UK Fiancée visa both have different requirements. | );
  • you both must intend to live together permanently in the UK (not Eritrea) ;
  • you must have enough income to support yourselves and any dependants without claiming public funds (unless of course, you receive PIP / DLA / CA .. [Read more]);
  • the sponsor must hold and evidence British / ILR / EUSS / Refugee status documents.
  • they must have suitable accommodation for you and any dependent children;
  • and you must satisfy the English language requirements and have a medical certificate for TB (where required).

    UK family Visa

    Now let's look into the various aspects of the requirements listed above when you are British and your partner is Eritrean and you reside in United Kingdom and your partner resides in Eritrea. Since your partner is an Eritrean national, they would need UK immigration status documents to live and work in the UK. If you are not yet British but have Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), Permanent Residency (EEA PR) or Refugee status, then your partner can join you on the Partner route and enter or remain in the UK legally.

    We note that your partner is a visa national (Eritrean) for UK travel purposes. This means they would normally need to obtain a visa from the British Embassy or UK Visa office / Commercial partner office (VFS Global), prior to their travel to the UK.

    UK Spouse Visa Documents Checklist - Asmara - Eritrea إريتريا

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    London WC1H 0AF, UK
    00442071935178
    saleh@wafi.co.uk

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    UK Spouse Visa Checklist April 2026
    Asmara - Eritrea إريتريا

    Key Forms / Documents
    Online application form ;
    Online application checklist ;
    VFS Global Appointment document and QR code ;
    Statutory Declaration by sponsor ;

    Identity
    Eritrean Passport (All Pages);
    Copy of UK Sponsor Passport (Data page) ;
    Copy of Sponsor (ILR / Refugee status document (if not British) ;
    English test centres
    Approved A1 English test certificate from test centre in Asmara - Eritrea

    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved centres. You need to try neighboring countries (Djiboutian Ethiopian Sudanese Centres!)

    UK Approved English language test centres (All Countries) (PDF).

    Tuberculosis Testing Centres
    Approved TB medical test certificate from test centre in Eritrea

    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved TB medical centres. You need to try neighboring countries!

    UK Visa Application Centres in Eritrea
    VFS Global Office Eritrea has application centres in Asmara.

    UK Spouse Visa Application Checklist (Sample April 2026 - Hana and Mohamed)

    1. Hana’s Eritrean passport (ER3546421) Submitted at VFS Global office in Asmara, Eritrea;
    2. Copy of Hana’s online Application form (UAN 1212-0001-4642-5200);
    3. Copy of Sponsor, Mohamed’s British Passport (Number: 145005200) or another passport plus Mohamed’s UK status documents;
    4. Duly Completed Hana's online Application Checklist (GWF06421200);

    Financial (Sponsor, Mohamed who is British and Employed)
    5. Mohamed’s Statutory Declaration and Sponsorship undertaking form SU07 ;
    6. Letter from Mohamed’s employer dated in April 2026;
    7. Offer letter and Employment Contract document for Mohamed ;
    8. Mohamed’s Payslips (Monthly – Sept 2025* to April 2026);
    9. Mohamed’s Bank Statements (1 Sept 2025* to 1 April 2026).
    * Mohamed may need 12 months (From April 2025) instead of 6 where Mohamed's monthly gross pay varies and is less than the required monthly amount, currently £2,416.67 (£29,000 / 12) for each and every month during the previous 6 months.

    Financial (Sponsor, Mohamed has Savings or receives exempted State Benefits)
    If Mohamed is not employed but has the required savings or Mohamed receives PIP, CA or Disability benefits he would provide (instead of items 6 to 8 above) evidence of benefit award and needs to meet the maintaince route requirements. In the case of savings, Mohamed would need to provide evidence of source of savings and minimum balance held during the previous 6 months.

    Accommodation (Adequate for the British Eritrean couple plus any children)
    10. Mohamed’s Tenancy Agreement or Ownership evidence (if owning) ;
    11. Landlord / Estate Agents consent letter or housing report (owning) for Mohamed's flat ;
    12. Mohamed’s Council tax statement and other UK residence evidence.

    English & TB Certificates (Both tests are required for Eritrean nationals.)
    13. Approved A1 English test certificate from test centre in Asmara - Eritrea

    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved centres. You need to try neighboring countries (Djiboutian Ethiopian Sudanese Centres!)

    UK Approved English language test centres (All Countries) (PDF).
    14. Approved TB medical test certificate from test centre in Eritrea

    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved TB medical centres. You need to try neighboring countries!
    Relationship (Genuine subsisting and durable between Mohamed and Hana)
    15. Mohamed and Hana's original Marriage Certificate with translation (if married) and joint residence evidence (where unmarried but living together for 2 years plus) ;
    16. Copy of Eritrea / UK visit stamps, entry & exit plus flights bookings for Mohamed and Hana;
    17. Telephone and Whatsapp chat log records between Mohamed and Hana;
    18. Screenshots of conversations by Whatsapp between Mohamed and Hana;
    19. Various Funds Remittance Receipts sent to Hana in Eritrea by Mohamed ;
    20. Selection of Eritrean wedding and other personal photographs of Mohamed and Hana.
    21. if Mohamed and Hana are not married but only engaged - evidence of Mohamed's venue booking and other commitments for marriage in the UK awaiting Hana's arrival ;
    22. if Mohamed previously married - Mohamed's Divorce certificate or Widower - Death certificate (issued in the UK or Eritrea ). Same for Hana if applciable.

    Children and other ties (British or Eritrean and where applicable)
    23. Child, Sara's birth certificate, copy of Sara's passport and other evidence of family ties and Mohamed and Hana's parental responsibility for the child.

    Non-English documents (from Eritrea)
    24. English translation of Mohamed and Hana's Marriage / divorce certificate.

    Criminal record and immigration history (In Eritrea and the UK - Applicant only)
    25. Documents relating to Hana's good character and immigration history and mitigation (if Hana's previous visa was refused or was an UK over-stayer).
    26. Hana's financial standing and settlement of NHS and other debts.

    Complicated situation or unsure about what to include?
    Wafi Solicitors can guide you through the process with ease and get the positive outcome you seek first time. | |

    Wafi Solicitors – All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be copied of reproduced without prior written permission.

    No liability accepted for accuracy, completeness, or reliability of data provided.

    Tuberculosis tests for UK spouse visa applicants

    Your partner is at a location (Eritrea إريتريا) where Tuberculosis (TB) medical testing is required for UK Visas (longer than 6 months, such as Spouse Visa). If they are the applicant they will need to consider taking the test. Please note that TB test certificate is only valid for up to 6 months.
    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved TB medical centres. You need to try neighboring countries! .This is test is required for UK Family visas when you are resident in Eritrea.

    UK Home Office Approved TB Test centres in Eritrea إريتريا

    Click here for UK Government TB testing in Eritrea Website
    (opens in a new window)

    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved TB medical centres. You need to try neighboring countries!

    A1 level English test required

    Your partner is an Eritrean national and thus not exempt from the English language requirements for a Spouse / Partner visa, they would need to take the A1 / A2 (extension) or provide other English language evidence.

    If you are already in the UK (on a different visa or for visa extension application) You can take a SELT with the providers mentioned above or with Trinity College London. Click here for UK Spouse Visa English test centres in the UK

    UK Spouse visa Approved English Test Centre address in Eritrea إريتريا




    We have just checked and it appears that Eritrea does not currently have any approved centres. You need to try neighboring countries (Djiboutian Ethiopian Sudanese Centres!)

    UK Approved English language test centres (All Countries) (PDF).


    Did you know Asmara, Eritrea is 5,200 KM (3,232 miles) from London, England. Flight time to London is 7 Hours. Eritrea has a population of 3,546,421 (2021) and they use Eritrean nakfa.

    You may consider applying from neighbouring countries if that is more appropriate such as ( | Djiboutian UK Spouse Visa | Ethiopian UK Spouse Visa | Sudanese UK Spouse Visa | ) . You would normally need to hold 6 months or more lawful residence there in order to apply for a UK spouse visa from that location.


    UK Spouse Visa British and Eritrean  Asmara , Keren , Massawa , Assab , Mendefera , Barentu , Adi Keyh , Edd , Dekemhare , AkUK Spouse Visa British and Eritrean  Asmara , Keren , Massawa , Assab , Mendefera , Barentu , Adi Keyh , Edd , Dekemhare , Ak

    Please remember that all UK Family Visa applications are now done online and your UK Visa Application Centre for Eritrea, VFS Global Office could be in a different city. You may need to plan ahead and travel for your tests and visa appointments. These are the large cities in Eritrea Asmara , Keren , Massawa , Assab , Mendefera , Barentu , Adi Keyh , Edd , Dekemhare , Ak'ordat. Only a few cities will have a VFS Global Office UK Spouse Visa Application Centre (Eritrea)

    Procedure and where to apply and provide your biometric details in إريتريا
    The initial application is now done online. You would then be forwarded to VFS Global Office إريتريا, they are the UK government's Commercial Partner. They handle UK Visa Applications from Eritrea. This is where you would book your appointment, pay for additional services and provide your passport and fingerprints. You will also have your photos taken and can also submit your supporting documents bundle. Most applicants use the online portal for digital bundles to be uploaded. Go to their website Click VFS Global Eritrea.

    UK spouse visa grant letter update in Eritrea

    UK eVisa grant letters are now issued by the UK Home Office / VFS Global Office via email from the UK visa centre in Eritrea; physical letters will no longer be issued. Also you will not need to collect your passport or visa from the Eritrean UK visa application centre ( VFS Global Office ) as your passport will not be retained and visa is now issued on the online portal (eVisa). You are reminded that you need to ensure that you have provided a valid email address on your online visa application form and may also need to check your spam/junk folder in order to receive this email.

    UK Spouse Visa Priority Visa fees and option April 2026

    When you complete your UK Spouse Visa application, the option offered is the Standard Service Option and it says it will take 12 weeks (as shown below). If you want the priority service, get a decision in two to six weeks, please contact us for the upgrade!

    UK Spouse Visa Fees April 2026

    UK spouse Visa Application fees is £1,938
    View live fees UK Spouse Visa fees for Eritrea now !

    Supporting Documents Bundle (UK Spouse Visa) Asmara إريتريا

    UK Spouse visa requires a large set of documents in support (From UK and Eritrea). Since there are many requirements and specified documents. You may find that your (British / Eritrean) documents are in the wrong format, scanned poorly, has too many extra and unrelated pages, needs to be merged or combined to stop you from having 100 plus files and so items can easily be missed by the decision maker.

    Sometimes your items may be too large in size (6 MB or more), your work letter or bank statement may have password protection, all these oversized, password protected and unreadable documents will simply not be considered. This can cause delays and lead to refusals. Please get in touch ( UK 00442071935178 or email saleh@wafi.co.uk ) for supporting documents help and free consultation. Our fees for bundles start at £50 and can be ready in a matter of hours. We can reduce the number of files from 150 to just 9 to 15 files, one or two covering each category. Reduce and adapt oversized files, remove passwords and help with the whole upload process.

    Please get in touch ( UK 00442071935178 or email saleh@wafi.co.uk ) for more specific information, free 5 minute consultation is offered or leave a question or comment below and we will get in touch (dont forget to include your contact number ).

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    About the author

    Saleh Begh is a Solicitor (English Attorney) with 15 years experience in UK Immigration and Family law. He routinely deals with complicated Immigration and family law matters. Read more about Saleh Begh For guidance, options and tips contact us | |
    You may also consider our guide on how to apply from a neighbouring country ( | Djiboutian UK Spouse Visa | Ethiopian UK Spouse Visa | Sudanese UK Spouse Visa | ) . Please note that you would normally need to hold 6 months or more lawful residence there in order to apply for a UK spouse visa from that location.
    Did you know that the following cities in Eritrea had large populations - Asmara ( 1034872 )