Gurkha Settlement in the UK - New Applications in Hong Kong

The UK Government announced on 21 May 2009 a revision to the policy for settlement in the UK for former Gurkhas. The visa application centre at the British Consulate-General now welcomes new applications for settlement from former Gurkhas who are legally resident in Hong Kong and Macao, either permanently, or in another long-stay category. We also welcome fresh applications from those who have applied unsuccessfully in the past and are not waiting for the outcome of an appeal against refusal of an application under the Armed Forces Rules. Read More

Changes to Students Applications from 31 March 2009

From 31 March 2009, Hong Kong students looking to study in the UK will be able to apply for their visa through Tier 4 of the new streamlined Points Based System. Under the new transparent system, Hong Kong students will need to prove that they have been accepted onto a course run by an education institution which is a UK Border Agency (UKBA) licensed Tier 4 sponsor,  prove that they have the means to support themselves, and supply their biometric details at their local Visa Application Centre.  Read more

Visa applications in Hong Kong

We accept applications from anyone who is applying for a visit visa for the UK. For all other types of application we accept applications ONLY from:

• holders of BN(O) passports
• holders of Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR passports
• holders of Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR travel documents
• those who are legally resident in Hong Kong or Macao
  

The visa process

On Monday 16 March the Visa Section at the British Consulate-General, Hong Kong became a Visa Application Centre (VAC). All United Kingdom visa applications submitted at our VAC are now processed by the regional visa centre at the British Embassy in Manila, which is working to the UK standard visa processing times. Please note the following:

• Applications can only be made up to 3 months in advance of travel.
  
• We do not accept payment in cash.
• You must make an online application and appointment.  If you do not, we will not be able to accept your application.
• You will need to provide originals of all of your supporting documents and a photocopy of any document that you wish to have returned to you.  If you do not produce copies, the original will not be returned to you. Note that online bank statements must have the bank's chop for them to be considered original.
  
• There must be one unused full page (front and back) for the visa vignette.
• You will need to leave your passport with us for the duration of your application* and we advise you not to book flights or confirm travel plans until you receive your visa.

* Applicants who are resident in Macao and who are unable to travel between Hong Kong and Macao without their passport should read the further guidance on the Services for Macao residents page.

Please go to How do I apply page to find out more.

How long will my application take?

For applications made since 16 March 2009, we aim to:

• complete 90% of non-settlement applications in not more than 15 working days, 98% in not more than 30 working days, and 100% in not more 60 working days.
• To complete 95% of applications for settlement visas in not more than 60 working days and 100% in not more than 120 working days.

How do I submit my application?

Please complete an online application and book an appointment at our VAC through our online application service. You should then attend your appointment at our VAC to complete your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and submit your supporting documentation. To find out more about applying for a UK visa, visit our How do I apply page.

Where can I get information?

UK Border Agency and the British Consulate-General work in partnership to provide a visa service here in Hong Kong. This website has more information about applying in Hong Kong. You can also find guidance and more information on the website of the UK Border Agency International Group.

Contact details for our telephone and email enquiry service are listed on Contact us page.

Where can I get advice?

Our VAC 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 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

Adverse weather - Information for visa applicants

In the event of the British Consulate-General being closed to the public due to adverse weather conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstance, customers with visa appointments for that date should attend our office, at their convenience, within the next 5 working days at the time of their original appointment and present their original appointment letter to ensure admittance to the British Consulate-General. Our staff will process such applications as soon as possible. Should applicants not be able to attend within 5 working days of the original appointment they should make another appointment through the online booking system.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

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

If you have any comments, or are converned 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 provide feedback or complain about the service you received from the VAC at the British Consulate-General, please send an email to the entry clearance manager: manilavisaenquiries@fco.gov.uk

or write to:
Entry Clearance Manager
British Embassy
120 Upper McKinely Road
McKinley Hill
Taguig City 1634
Metro Manila
Philippines