On-going problem with Banjul visa telephone enquiry line

Visa Section in Banjul is currently experiencing technical problems with their telephone lines. As a result, visa applicants may find it difficult to contact them by telephone. Therefore, we recommend you also email them at bhcbanjulvisa@fco.gov.uk quoting your visa reference number to make sure that you receive a response to your enquiry. We are sorry for any inconvinience this may cause.

On-line appointment for UK Entry Clearance

Applicants wishing to submit a new application are required to make an appointment on-line. Applicants will not be able to submit an application to us without an appointment.

Appointments are made on completion of the on-line application form. Applicants will be able to select the date and time of their appointment. This provides the applicant with greater control over the process, and will decrease current waiting times for new applicants.

Applicants attending their appointment should bring the following:

• a printout of their completed on-line application form
• passport (and photocopies of all passport pages)
• 2 passport photographs
• relevant visa fee and
• all supporting evidence for their application (including photocopies of all original documents provided and the front page of the application form).

All documents should be submitted in English, or with a certified English translation. If documents are submitted in a language other than English and without a certified English translation, this may adversely affect your application chances of success.

Biometric data will be taken during this appointment.

All visa applications must be obtained on-line.

The British High Commission in Banjul, The Gambia now processes applications for UK Entry Clearance submitted in Sierra Leone. If you have lodged your application through our office and have a query on its progress, decision or appeal, you shoul email the Correspondence Section in The Gambia at: bhcbanjulvisa@fco.gov.uk, quoting your visa reference number.

From 30 June 2008, highly skilled migrants must apply under a new Points Based System. 

From 27 November 2008, skilled and temporary workers should apply under Tiers 2 and 5 of the Points Based System.

New Visa opening times

Our visa section now has new opening times: Monday-Thursday at 8:30am-12noon; and 1pm-4:30pm. We are closed on Fridays and on public holidays.

Please note that our Visa/Consular section is closed on Friday 5 March and Friday 19 March 2010 for staff training. We are sorry for any inconvinience this might cause.

Applications from those resident in Liberia

UKBA would like to inform all visa nationals living in Liberia that under new procedures, operating from the 16 March 2009, applications for UK Entry Clearance should be made at the British High Commission in Accra, Ghana. Applications should no longer be made at the British High Commission in Fretown.

UKBA and the British Government remains committed to improving its service to Liberian citizens and others wishing to travel to the UK.

UK Border Agency and the British High Commission, Ghana work in partnership with a commercial organisation, VFS. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the VFS website. VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service. The numbers are (00 233) 21 764015 and (00 233) 21 911 827. Standard International Direct Dialling rates are applicable.

For further information, please e-mail Accra.visa.corr@fco.gov.uk

Applications from those resident in Guinea

Guinean citizens and other nationals living in Guinea should continue to make their applications for Entry Clearance at the British High Commission in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

All visa applications at the High Commission in Freetown must be made in person.