The UK Border Agency is moving globally to an online payment as well as application process where almost all customers will apply and pay for their visas online by 2013/14.
This change will affect applicants in South Africa from January 16 2012, after which date payment will only be available online.
• This means that from January 16 2012 all applications for a UK visa made in South Africa must be completed fully and the relevant visa fee paid via the online application system using either Mastercard or Visa credit/debit card before the applicant can go to one of the visa application centres to submit a printed copy of the application form and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). In addition, the appointment to submit an application at the visa application centre must be booked online. This should be done at the same time as completing the online application form.
• Initially it will only be possible to pay the relevant visa fee in South African Rand (ZAR). Payment in other currencies, including sterling and US dollars, is expected in due course. This should then allow customers to choose the currency with the most favourable exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
In a statement the UK border agency said that this move will deliver a more streamlined application process and is consistent with the wider global trend to online transactions and payments. It will also be a safer system for both customers and staff as it reduces the risk associated with handling large amounts of cash during the visa application process.
*Send us your thoughts? Will the move by the UK Border Agency to introduce an online visa payment system be beneficial to your clients? Do you feel that this decision will streamline the visa process? Let us know by replying to the editor.
Online payment introduced for UK visas
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