From 16 May 2023, all applications made in Sierra Leone for a UK visa will need to be paid via an online payment process. Currently, customers have the choice to pay cash into the British High Commission Freetown account at EcoBank Sierra Leone Limited or to use the official UK government website to pay for their visa application.

These changes are introduced to streamline the payment process and to bring Sierra Leone in line with other key international markets. UKVI is introducing a new, globally consistent, digital process for applying online for a UK visa and offers customers a safer, more convenient way of paying for visas.

All customers wishing to apply for a UK visa must make an online payment on the official UK government website prior to submitting their passport and biometrics at their designated Visa Application Centre.

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Speaking on the development, Lisa Chesney, the  British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, said that “The UK continues to be a popular choice for those wishing to work, study or just visit. In the year ending December 2022, over 2,000 visas were issued to Sierra Leonean nationals, a 55% increase from the previous year. Now is the time to adopt a fully digital approach to visa payments and streamline the payment process for applicants from across the globe”.

UKVI apologises to customers affected for any inconvenience caused and encourages all new applicants to ensure that they have the correct online payment method available when applying for a UK visa. The visa fee will be converted from GBP and online payments transacted in US$ Dollars for customers in Sierra Leone

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry