Mandatory online payments for UK visa

The British High Commission in a press release said that all visa applicants for the UK will have to pay their visa fees online in US dollars through Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards or e-wallet (Skrill) from tomorrow.

Applications will also continue to be completed online with printed copies submitted to the Visa Application Centre in Colombo, along with biometric data. Appointments to hand in the documents will also continue to be made online.

Exceptions will be made for applicants who have completed their online application form before December16. They could use other payment methods available until January, 14, 2014.

However, from January 14, 2014, only online payments will be accepted for this category, too. No exceptions will be made for those applying on or after December16, 2013.

UK Visas and Immigration Regional Director Thomas Greig said, "The move to online applications and payments is a regional practice that will deliver a streamlined application process and is consistent with a wider global trend to online transactions and payments. This is part of our on-going commitment to offer the best service to Sri Lankan customers and reduces the risk associated with cash payment.."