International Tablers: Your UK Entry Guide for RTBI Events
If you're travelling to the UK for Newcastle Conference, Norwich 100 or RTI World Meeting York, your first job is working out what your passport needs.
The GOV.UK visa checker (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) takes two minutes.
If you need a visa
You'll apply for a Standard Visitor visa. It covers meetings, conferences and seminars while you stay employed and paid overseas, which is exactly what a Round Table event is. A decision typically takes around 3 weeks. The fee and any extra charges can vary depending on where you apply, so please check the current cost for your country on GOV.UK. You can't work or extend your stay once you're here.
If you don't need a visa
You'll still need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you board. It costs £20 from 8 April 2026, and the decision usually arrives by email within a day, though you should allow up to 3 working days. Everyone needs their own, children and babies included. It lasts two years or until your passport expires, and Irish citizens are exempt, so one ETA applied for before Newcastle should cover all three events.
If you have a UK visa you won't need the ETA.
Key dates
Event | Dates | Apply by | Deadline |
Newcastle Conference | 7 to 9 May 2027 | 7 Feb 2027 | Mid March |
Norwich 100 | 28 Jul to 1 Aug 2027 | 28 Apr 2027 | Mid June |
RTI World Meeting York | 15 to 19 Sep 2027 | 15 Jun 2027 | Early August |
You can only apply up to 3 months before you travel, so the window dates are the earliest you can go. The "aim to apply by" dates leave roughly double the usual wait, in case anything needs fixing. Attending more than one event? A long term visa may suit you better than separate applications. It costs more, so check the current fee on GOV.UK.
Giving yourself the best chance
Apply as soon as your window opens, and keep travel refundable until you're approved.
Before you buy your ticket, read the refunds and cancellations policy in the terms for your event. Visa decisions can take several weeks, so it's worth knowing where you stand first.
Register for your event, then request your invitation letter using our visa letter request form: https://forms.gle/raCywjAwcnhN7Y7S7
Check names, passport details and dates match on your registration, letter and application.
Show you'll be going home again. An employer letter, evidence of a business or property, and family ties all help.
Show you can pay your way with six months of bank statements, plus accommodation and travel bookings.
Include a simple day by day itinerary.
Declare any previous refusals honestly.
Bring printed copies of your invitation letter, registration and itinerary, and speak to a Border Force officer rather than using the ePassport gates.
Partners and children each need their own application, so ask for their letters at the same time.
Check your passport has at least six months left, and use the same one throughout.
A few things to consider
Small slips cause most avoidable problems. A mistyped year can make a short trip look like a long stay, so read every document side by side before you submit. Make your event easy to verify with the official event page and your registration confirmation.
Evidence of your life at home clearly as authorities assess if your connection to your home country is sufficient. Keep your purpose, length of stay and itinerary telling the same story throughout.
If your application is refused
Please let us know straight away. We're happy to work with any member affected to understand what went wrong and put it right, including support with a fresh application. Send us your refusal notice via the RTBI IRO contact on Tabler.world.
If you require an invitation letter
You can request an invitation letter from by completing this form: https://forms.gle/raCywjAwcnhN7Y7S7
An invitation letter supports your application but can't guarantee the outcome, and we can't give immigration advice. Rules and fees change, so always check GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor) before you apply.
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