Montserrat

Nationals from most countries around the world can enter Montserrat without needing a visa. You can find the complete list of these countries on the official Government of Montserrat website, here: Montserrat Online Visa Application :: Government of Montserrat :: Countries Not Requiring a Visa (immigration.ms).

You can also check out the list of the countries requiring a Montserrat visa on the same website, here: Montserrat Online Visa Application :: Government of Montserrat :: Countries Requiring a Visa (immigration.ms).

It is just the same as a conventional visitor- or business-type visa, only submitted, verified, and issued online. The eVisa is valid for 12 months from the date it has been issued and can be used for multiple entries to the country during this 12-month period when it is valid.

If you apply for an eVisa, you skip the visit to the British Consulate or the Embassy to submit a visa application and no paper is inserted in your passport. As for your wait time, your eVisa might even be approved and issued within 24 hours.

If you want to initiate the process and apply for an eVisa, you can visit the Government of Montserrat website, here: Montserrat Online Visa Application :: Government of Montserrat :: Before Applying (immigration.ms).

Important note: Having an eVisa does allow you to travel to Montserrat. However, whether you are allowed to enter the country or not is totally subject to the Immigration Officer and their checks upon your arrival. Also, an eVisa does NOT grant permission to work in Montserrat; only to travel to it. You will need to contact the Labour Department for such information, here: Ministry of Communications, Works, Energy & Labour - Government of Montserrat.

Each family member travelling to Montserrat needs to get an eVisa, including minors (under 16 years old). In the latter case, though, the minor’s application should be accompanied by the application(s) of the adult(s) that is/are escorting the minor. To apply for an eVisa, you will need the following:

• A passport that is valid for the duration of your trip to Montserrat.
• A valid email address to receive your visa.
• A bank card to pay for the eVisa processing fees (US$50)*.

Note: On rare occasions, you might be required to present additional supporting documents, such as an invitation letter to obtain a Montserrat visa. If this is your case, you will be informed through the valid email address you have provided in the online e-Visa application form.

* Kindly note that not all credit card payments are accepted. For the time being, the only credit cards you can use are American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Not having any of these credit cards disallows you from proceeding with the online application process and you will be prompted to reach the nearest British Embassy or Consulate to complete your visa application in person.

As soon as you submit your credit card payment and application, you will instantly receive a confirmation in the email you have provided in your eVisa application form. The email will have important details, such as your application’s reference number, which you must keep until your application reaches the final processing stage.

The verification procedure starts after your bank has given charging authorisation and after your credit card is confirmed. You can check the status of your application using the reference number sent to you via email through the Government of Montserrat – Montserrat Online Visa Application website, here: https://www.immigration.ms/status.

The three messages you may receive when checking the status of your application are:

• In process – All applications take up to 24 hours to process. Some applications, though, may take longer, mainly due to additional checks that need to be made. So, please check back in a few hours again.
• Approved – You will be able to see your visa’s graphic representation with particulars like your visa number, among others. At this point, you can choose to print the page presented to you if you wish to keep it for your own purposes (i.e., to file it with your other important documents).
• Denied – Your eVisa application did not make it through the process and you will be provided with the precise reason why it has been denied. You will also receive additional instructions as to how to proceed via your email. If your application cannot be approved online, you might be luckier if visiting an embassy or consulate in person. Chances are additional information is required on your behalf or additional checks need to be made so you are cleared.

Important notes about eVisa:

• The processing fee of US$50 is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you have changed your mind and decided to visit another country.
• As soon as you arrive in Montserrat, it is important to notify the Immigration Officer that you are a holder of an eVisa so they can speed up the procedures and verify your eVisa’s validity electronically. Or you could provide a printout of the eVisa confirmation you have received either through your email message on any electronic device you own (i.e., your smartphone) or online, so the Immigration Officer has all the needed details of your eVisa.
• If the provided information on your eVisa application does not match exactly your factual data, you will be instantly regarded as arriving in Montserrat without a visa and you will be processed accordingly (if you are coming from a country with visa requirement, of course).
• You can use your eVisa to enter Montserrat via any authorised port of entry, just like you would do with a conventional visa.
• As of now, the only available type of an eVisa is a 12-month visa which covers both business-related visitors and tourists.