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Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Border Control & Entry

Deny entry

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

phraseCommon term

In immigration & visas, deny entry means: To refuse to let a person into a country at the border, even if they have a visa or come from a visa-free country.

In Turkish: ülkeye girişi reddetmek, girişe izin vermemek

How it is used

Usually passive: "He was denied entry." British official English often says refused entry or refused leave to enter. A person denied entry may be sent back on the next flight, and later forms ask "Have you ever been refused entry?"

Example sentences

  1. She was denied entry because she couldn't show a return ticket.

  2. A visa does not guarantee entry; officers can still deny entry at the border.

Common collocations

  • be denied entry
  • refused entry
  • refusal of entry
  • sent back
  • border controlThe checks that officials make at a country's borders on people, documents and goods entering or leaving, and the area where these checks happen.
  • immigration officerA government official who checks travellers' documents at the border and decides, or helps decide, whether they may enter or stay.
  • refusalA negative decision on an application, meaning the visa, permit or status you asked for has not been granted.
  • port of entryAn official place, such as an airport, seaport or land border crossing, where travellers and goods can legally enter a country and are checked.
  • deportationThe official act of forcing a foreign citizen to leave a country, usually because they have no right to stay or have committed a serious crime.

More terms: Border Control & Entry

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.