UK to insist on online visa applications only

Kenyans wishing to visit the UK will have to apply for visas online.
The British High Commission in Nairobi announced on Monday that it would change its mode of visa application from filling of hard copy forms.
“The British High Commission in Nairobi, in conjunction with the UK Border Agency, wishes to announce that with effect from 15th June 2011 the method of applying for a visa will change,” said a statement from the embassy.

This means that application through hard copies will no longer be accepted.


The procedure will involve three steps.

First, all applicants will have to visit www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk and fill the online application form.

They will then be required to make an appointment online for a time and date to submit their application form to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nairobi.

After this, they will be required to attend VAC interviews at the selected time and date.
One is advised to make appointments at the time of making the online application.
Emergency forms
The high commission launched online applications in 2008 but they have been running alongside hard copy ones.
Applicants who successfully book their appointments must print their completed application forms and submit them at the VAC, along with their supporting documents, passport photographs and the visa application fee.
Initially, the embassy might agree to offer services at the VAC to emergency applications without necessarily going through online applications.

The visa application fees remains the same.