UK visa processing arrangements for applications made in Sri Lanka

All visa applications submitted in Colombo will be processed by the UK Border Agency at the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai from November 1, 2012, the UK Border Agency said yesterday.

The majority of Sri Lankan visa applications have been processed in Chennai since June 2008 and the UK Border Agency will ensure a smooth transition of the remaining visa operation.

The visa section in the British High Commission will close on October 31.

Applicants will continue to submit their visa applications at the visa application centre in Colombo and collect their documents from the same location, or request return by courier.

The published processing times for short term visas is for the UK Border Agency to process 90 percent of applications within 15 working days, and this will not change.

For all applications submitted from November 1, applicants will be required to pay a Sri Lankan government levy of Rs 1,000 for the movement of their passport out of Sri Lanka.

For the convenience of UK visa applicants, this fee will be payable at the visa application centre before the visa application is submitted. VFS will charge an administrative fee of Rs 200. There will be no change to the cost of the visa itself.

Visa applications, including passports and supporting documents, will be transported by secure courier between the visa application centre in Colombo and the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai.