UK introduces new visa application procedure
Mar 29, 2011
THE United Kingdom (UK) has launched a new visa system that requires applicants to apply online.
By Francis Kagolo
THE United Kingdom (UK) has launched a new visa system that requires applicants to apply online.
With effect from May 30, online applications will become mandatory for any one in Uganda applying for a visa to the UK, the British High Commission said in a statement on Monday.
Applicants will have to print out an online application form from the UK Border Agency’s visa website, www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk.
After printing out the form, applicants will then make an appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Kampala to submit the forms, along with other requirements like two passport-size photos, supporting documents and visa fees.
The commission is optimistic that if implemented globally, online applications would reduce on the long queues and also streamline the entire visa operation.
However, the commission said applicants with genuine emergencies or time sensitive cases would continue receiving ‘drop in’ services at the visa application centre.
The cases would be accessed against a strict set of criteria on a case by case basis, it said.
The visa fees have not changed. The fees range from sh259,000 to sh2.4m for entertainers, sports personalities, business, family and general visitors, depending on the number of months they intended to stay in the UK.
Students, save for those on selected scholarships, are charged sh814,000.
63% of all Uganda Visa applications to the US and UK are approved annually.
THE United Kingdom (UK) has launched a new visa system that requires applicants to apply online.
With effect from May 30, online applications will become mandatory for any one in Uganda applying for a visa to the UK, the British High Commission said in a statement on Monday.
Applicants will have to print out an online application form from the UK Border Agency’s visa website, www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk.
After printing out the form, applicants will then make an appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Kampala to submit the forms, along with other requirements like two passport-size photos, supporting documents and visa fees.
The commission is optimistic that if implemented globally, online applications would reduce on the long queues and also streamline the entire visa operation.
However, the commission said applicants with genuine emergencies or time sensitive cases would continue receiving ‘drop in’ services at the visa application centre.
The cases would be accessed against a strict set of criteria on a case by case basis, it said.
The visa fees have not changed. The fees range from sh259,000 to sh2.4m for entertainers, sports personalities, business, family and general visitors, depending on the number of months they intended to stay in the UK.
Students, save for those on selected scholarships, are charged sh814,000.
63% of all Uganda Visa applications to the US and UK are approved annually.