Be prepared: New visa rules now in effect Published Sept. 20, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Family members in possession of a British visa must ensure their paperwork is in order. A new United Kingdom Border Agency policy effective Oct. 1, requires all persons issued a U.K. visa to renew or apply for a new one no later than 28 days after expiration. If visa applications are not received by the UKBA no later than 28 days after the expiration date, the family members will have to leave the United Kingdom in order to apply for a new visa. Submit paperwork early to prevent any issues. If family members do not accomplish this in time, they will be refused reentry to the United Kingdom once they leave the country, according to the UKBA. United Kingdom visas are commonly issued for a maximum of three years at a time. It is crucial Service members stationed here with a tour length of four years or more ensure the renewal process is enacted by the end of their third year. It is recommended that family members to visit their passport office at least six months prior to their visa expiry date. Anyone needing to apply for a new visa or renew a previously granted visa can get the FL(0) Application for Leave to Remain in the U.K. online at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/online/?langname=null. Once completed, print the documents and bring to the passport office for review. Additionally, the passport office has a checklist which can be found on http://www.100fss.com/docs/mps/ML_VISA_CHECKLIST.pdf. This checklist will assist you in ensuring all supporting documents and photo requirements are met. For more information, contact the passport office at DSN 238-2858 or commercial at 01638-542858.