Important changes to the UK visa application process for Kazakhstan announced

British Ambassador David Moran commented "This is part of a global move by the British Government to provide an efficient service by processing visa applications in regional centres. Because of the importance of our political and commercial relations with Kazakhstan, we have included a number of special arrangements so that applications by Kazakh nationals are processed as quickly as possible in the Istanbul hub. I also encourage Kazakh citizens, especially frequent and business travellers, to consider the option of applying to our Almaty office over the next two months for long term entry visas if their travel plans meet the necessary requirements."

The visa application process for customers in Kazakhstan will not change. Customers will still be able to submit their applications and pay the appropriate visa fee on-line before booking an appointment to submit their application form, passport and supporting documents and provide their biometrics at the visa application centre operated by our commercial partner, VFS Global, in Almaty or at the monthly mobile biometric clinic in Atyrau, the press release of the British Embassy Astana reads.  

Visa applications, passports and documents submitted in Kazakhstan will be taken by secure courier to Istanbul, where a decision will be made. Passports and documents will then be couriered back to the visa application centre in Almaty, where they can be collected.

There will be no additional cost to applicants and the target time for processing applications, within 15 working days for the majority of non settlement applications from the date of submission at the visa application centre in Almaty, remains the same. This is in line with the Agency's published Customer Service Standards. Applicants will not be required to travel to Istanbul.

For further information on these changes and applying for a UK visa, visit the UKBA website at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/kazakhstan/