Mandatory online payments for UK visa applicants in the Maldives
From Monday, 16 December, 2013, online payment will be mandatory for all Maldivian visa applicants.
Mandatory online payments for UK visa applicants
From Monday, 16 December, 2013, online payment will be mandatory for all Maldivian applicants to the UK who routinely have to pay for visa applications – namely, those who are not eligible for a visit visa on arrival in the UK. Visa fees would have to be paid online in US dollars via Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards or e-wallet (Skrill).
Other methods of payment, including payment at the visa application centre, will no longer be accepted.
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.
Exceptions will be made for relevant 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 Maldivian 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