UK Announces Changes in Visa Application Procedure

From February 27, all applications for a UK visa made from Mauritius or Seychelles must be completed online at www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk . After completing the online application form, the applicant will be asked to book an appointment online to visit the visa section of the High Commission in Port Louis. Applicants will be required to submit a printed copy of the application form, supporting documents and their biometric data. Payments for a visa application must be made online via the secure payment system in South African Rand (ZAR) with either a MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card. Payment in other currencies including pounds and US dollars are also expected in due time.

Speaking to The Independent, the policy and programmes officer at the British High Commission, Jean Philippe L‘Eveque underlined, “These changes make it much easier for our customers to apply and pay for their visas. They can also easily arrange an appointment online to submit their biometric data at the High Commission in Port Louis at a time that suits them.”

He added, “This is part of an ongoing process across our global diplomatic network to improve our delivery and is consistent with a wider global trend towards online transactions and payments.”

The British High Commission in Port Louis will forward the application form and supporting documents to the British High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa by courier where all visa application decisions will now be considered. There will be no change in visa requirements or the way in which the visa application is considered. The only difference is the location where the applications are processed.