Changes have been to the process through which Guyanese apply for UK visas.
The following press release was issued today by the British High Commission in Georgetown.
“UK Visas and Immigration, part of the UK Home Office, has responsibility for issuing visas overseas, and is introducing a number of changes to its operation as a result of a worldwide programme to outsource visa application services to a commercial partner.
“Changes have been made to the process for applying for a visa for entry into the United Kingdom. Full details can be found at the following website, which will also take you to the application pages: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/guyana/
“The visa application centre in Guyana will be operated by a commercial partner, VFS Global, who will run a visa centre at The Guyana/Canada Cooperation Centre, 56 Main and New Market Streets, Georgetown.
“This visa centre will operate once a week, including for the enrolment of biometrics and the management of courier services. The centre will be open for the first time on 17th February 2014.
“It will no longer be possible for applicants to process their visa applications for the UK and British Overseas Territories at the British High Commission in Georgetown. Applicants for UK visas will be required to use the visa centre, and pay an additional service fee of the equivalent of £59. This charge will be payable online when you book your appointment.
“Applicants for British Overseas Territories visas should apply using the website noted above. They will not need to attend the Visa Centre and are not required to pay the additional £59 fee.
“The rest of the application process for UK visas will not change. Applicants will continue to submit their visa application and pay on line before making an appointment to enrol their biometric information at the visa centre. You may also use the VFS Global website to track the progress of your visa application: http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/guyana/track_application.html”