Applying for a UK visa in Sri Lanka

The UK Border Agency processes all visa applications to the United Kingdom.  You can find out how to apply through the UK Border Agency website.

How to apply for a UK visa

Find out where and how to apply for a UK visa in Sri Lanka

Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency's Visa Service works in partnership with a commercial organisation called VFS Global Ltd. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the VFS website or UK Border Agency website.  

You can make general enquiries about the visa application process by telephoning the VFS visa information helpline on: 0094 773908011(International callers) and 331 (Dialog Subscribers). Calls charged at LKR 20/- per minute and + VAT 16.5%+11.5% mobile charges on the total bill.

The call centre provides information in English, Sinhala and Tamil. You may also email enquiries to VFS. Please refer to the VFS website for details.

You can get information on the status of their application by calling: + 94 11 539 0698 Calls are charged at local or STD rates depending on the customer’s location.

Please note that it is not possible to attend the Visa Department at the British High Commission except by appointment. These are usually given for the purpose of visa interviews only.

Do I have to pay?

Website and email information is free of charge. Charges for using the telephone service are indicated above.

Where can I get advice?

VFS and its 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 (OISC) 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

When should I apply?

Please apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel. As a general guide, you should allow at least 2 weeks for non-settlement visa applications to be processed if you have travelled to the UK within the last 5 years. For all other non-settlement visa applications, we recommend that you apply at least one month prior to travel. Settlement visa applications may take up to 12 weeks to process.

You can start the visa application process up to 3 months in advance of your planned travel date. You should bear in mind that each application is subject to an individual assessment and processing times may vary. For more information about processing times, please log onto the UK Border Agency website. 

How do I submit my application?

You should submit your application and your biometric data at our Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Sri Lanka managed by VFS. The VAC is located in Colombo.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

Your visa application will be decided by visa officers who work for the UK Border Agency. Immigration agents cannot influence the decision to issue a visa. VFS and its staff do not play any part in, nor can they influence, nor do they know the outcome of your application.

Customer Service -feedback and compliments

The UK Border Agency's Visa Services aim to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve.

If you have any comments, or are concerned 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 complain about the service you received from the UK's Visa Services in Sri Lanka, please address your complaint to the Operations Manager and send your e-mail to: chennai.visaenquiry@fco.gov.uk

Alternatively, you may submit your complaint in writing to one of the following addresses:
UK Border Agency Chennai, British Deputy High Commission, 20 Anderson Road, Chennai 600 006

If you wish to complain about the service you have received from VFS please refer to the VFS website for information on how to submit your complaint.