Visiting the British embassy to apply for a visa
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to the UK who are not eligible for ETA must obtain a visa. This usually involves a consular interview. This takes place at an approved visa application center or directly at a British embassy, depending on the country of residence.
You can consult the list of visa application centers by country to make an appointment at the center nearest you.
Why is maintenance necessary?
The consular interview is a crucial stage in the visa application process. It enables the British authorities to :
- Check the applicant’s identity
- Evaluating the sincerity of a travel project
- Ensure that the applicant complies with entry requirements and will leave the UK when their visa expires
This interview helps prevent fraud and ensures that only those who meet the eligibility criteria are granted a visa.
Documents to bring with you on the day of the interview
On the day of your appointment, you must bring the following documents:
- Printed appointment confirmation received by e-mail
- Receipt for payment of visa application fee
- A valid passport (or original residence permit if applicable)
- All required supporting documents, with copies for the file
- Printed cover page of visa application form
Make sure all documents are original, clear and up-to-date. Missing documents can delay or even cancel your procedure.
How does an appointment at the embassy work?
It is advisable to arrive at the center at least 15 minutes before the appointment time, in order to pass security checks. Once inside, the following steps are generally followed:
- Verification of identity and documents
- Fingerprinting and biometric photography
- Interview with a consular officer
Most interviews are conducted in English. In some cases, the agent may express himself in the local language if he is fluent. The questions asked are designed to clarify :
- The reason for your stay in the UK
- Travel program: dates, locations, accommodation
- Financial capacity to cover the costs of the stay and return journey
How long does the interview last?
The average length of a UK visa interview is around 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the application. If the consular officer deems it necessary to go into certain points in greater depth, the interview can last up to an hour or more.
And after the appointment?
Once the interview is over, the center will hold your passport while the application is processed. You will receive notification by e-mail or SMS as soon as the decision has been made. The passport will then be returned to you by post or collected from the center, depending on the option you chose when booking your appointment.
Please note: In case of emergency or short deadlines, some centers offer accelerated services for an additional fee.
