Change to UK visa application fees for holders of Turkish Service and Special passports

On 3 August 2009 changes will be made to the UK system of visa application fees for Turkish nationals. From this date, Turkish service (grey) and special (green) passport holders will no longer have gratis visa concessions, under which visa applications are processed free of charge; instead normal visa application fees will apply. There is no change in respect of Turkish diplomatic (red) passports, for which visa application fees will remain gratis; nor in respect of Turkish standard (blue) passports, for which there is no gratis concession.

The changes come as part of a global review, carried out by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), of the cost of processing visa applications at all UK diplomatic posts world wide. The purpose of the review is to modernise, streamline and standardise procedures. Existing visas will remain valid for travel to the UK until their expiry date.

Giles Portman, Chargé D'Affaires of the British Embassy, Ankara, said 'This decision has been taken only after the most careful consideration and is motivated purely by the need for fiscal prudence. It does not entail any change to the visa requirement. It should in no way have a bearing on the extremely strong bilateral relations that exist between our two countries, to which the UK Government attaches the highest importance.'

Notes

The change relates solely to the payment of visa application fees and not to decision-making procedures.  All applications for a UK visa will continue to be assessed in accordance with the relevant immigration legislation.

UK visa application fees are set in the UK by the UK Border Agency and are applicable to all visa nationals.  There are a small number of categories of applications (eg diplomats accredited to the UK or travelling to or through the United Kingdom on official business) which are processed free of charge.  Standard application fees, which are published on the UK Border Agency website and at http://ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk/en/visas/ apply to all other categories of applications. These fees will now be applicable to holders of Turkish Service and Special passports as well as to standard Turkish passport holders.

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.