UK border Agency has decided that from 11 January 2010 in Turkey all visa applications for United Kingdom visas must be made on-line.

From 30 November 2009 the UK Border Agency is introducing fingerprint checks at the border for passengers with biometric UK visas, entry clearances and Identity Cards for Foreign Nationals (ICFN).  

The purpose of these checks is to verify that the individual entering the UK is the same person who gave their biometrics when they applied for their visa, entry clearance or ICFN.

The UK Border Agency is rolling out the fingerprint checks to ports across the UK by the end of March 2010.  Passengers will be informed about this new check through  the UK Border Agency website and through posters and leaflets displayed at the ports.  To find out more information about this new fingerprint check process, please visit  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/travellingtotheuk/Enteringtheuk/fingerprint-checks-at-border/.  

How to Apply for a UK Visa in Turkey?

Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency and the Consulate General, Istanbul work in partnership with a commercial organisation:WorldBridge.   You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the WorldBridge website  Visa Information Service

WorldBridge also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 0212 340 4472 and costs US$14. All the information provided is supplied and approved by UK Border Agency.

Please note that the British Consulate-General, Istanbul is unable to provide visa information to personal callers.  Please contact WorldBridge as described above.

Do I have to pay?

The website and email information is free of charge but there is a charge for using the telephone service.

Where can I get advice?

WorldBridge and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.   If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

WorldBridge manages Visa Application Centres in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Gaziantep, where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans. ( See link for details)

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

Your visa application will be processed and decided by UKvisas staff. Neither WorldBridge, nor any of its staff play any part in, nor can they influence the outcome of your visa application.  If any member of staff employed by WorldBridge claim to be able to influence your application you should inform the Consulate-General as soon as possible

I have information regarding visa and/or immigration abuse and would like to bring it to your attention.  What should I do?

You can e-mail us on visafraud.tk@fco.gov.uk, or send a fax to 0212 334 6553.  Your details and any information you provide will be treated in strict confidentiality.

Please be wary of organisations that claim to be able to obtain visas or work permission on your behalf. We are aware of people who have been persuaded to part with large sums of money for non-existant services. Any such approach by email should be treated with particular caution.  

Service standards  - complaints and compliments

UKvisas aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

If you wish to complain about the service you received from The UK Border Agency at this Consulate-General, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager.

If you wish to complain about the service you received from WorldBridge you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager at this Consulate-General in writing.