All visa applicants for the UK will have to pay their visa fees online in US dollars via Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards or e-wallet (Skrill) from December 16, 2013, the British High Commission in Colombo announced.

“As is the current practice, 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,” it said in a statement.

It also stated: Exceptions will be made for applicants who have completed their online application form prior to 16 December, 2013. They will still be able to use other payment methods currently available until 14 January, 2014.  However, from 14 January, 2014, only online payments will be accepted for this category, too.

No exceptions will be made for those applying on or after 16 December, 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 our Sri Lankan customers and reduces the risk associated with cash payment. It is also part of the Home Office’s programme of modernisation.”

More information is available on:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/sri-lanka/?langname=UK%20English

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)