UK Immigration News

UK Visa Applicants to Make Online Payments in the UAE

The UK Border Agency will require UK visa applicants from the UAE to pay their application fees online from February 6, 2012.

The British Embassy's statement announced that all UK visas processed in UAE must be paid for by credit or debit card before submitting at visa application centres in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Visa fees will be accepted in U.S. dollars by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. Other types of credit or debit cards or other currency cannot be approved.

According to the UK Border Agency, the new regulation is a part of an ongoing new system aiming to improve customer service standards of the agency. Online appointment and application systems were introduced in the UAE in 2011 and became successful. When the online payment is finished, a confirmation email as proof of payment will be issued to the visa applicant. The visa applicant is asked to bring the confirmation email to the visa application centre on the day of appointment, which will facilitate faster processing and reduce waiting times at the centres.

The Agency expects the online payment facility will further enhance its services and be compatible with a global trend towards online transactions and payments. Online payment is also safer for both customers and staff as it avoids the risks of handling large amounts of cash during the visa application process.

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.