British High Commission introduces new policy for visa application

The British High Commission on Thursday announced that as from September 3 only bank drafts issued by Barclays Bank would be accepted as payment for visa applications.

An official statement said: "Bank drafts should be made payable to the British High Commission and must be shown at the gate before applicants will be allowed in."

Barclays Bank would charge a non-refundable administration fee of 15,000 cedis for the provision of each bank draft.

"If, for any reason, an applicant decides to withdraw his application it will be possible to return the bank draft to Barclays Bank for refund (of the visa fee)."

The new policy, the statement said was to speed up the processing of visa applications as well as reduce the risk of theft from applicants, who carry large amounts of money with them when applying for a visa.

“This new policy is part of the British High Commission's commitment to further improve its visa service in Ghana," it added.

The statement further announced that from September 3, visa fees would be as follows: Standard six month (multiple entry)- 350,000 cedis, Student - 350,000 cedis, Transit-350,00cedis, one year multiple entry-584,000 cedis, two year multiple entry-690,000 cedis and five year multiple entry-850,000 cedis.

It urged the public to refuse any offer from visa "contractors" and report such matters to the British High Commission.