Visa requirements Obtaining a visa
You usually need at least one blank passport page
On arrival
Several countries such as Turkey give you the option to pay for the visa on arrival. This can be cheaper than getting one from the embassy, though there could be long queues at the border and you run a higher risk of being refused entry. In general, we advise you to obtain a visa before reaching the border for your peace of mind.
It’s the only choice for Laos, which has no embassy in the UK. Often you must pay in US dollars, perhaps with exact change (in the Dominican Republic, for example).
In person
Most embassies are located in London, although the Russian, Chinese and Indian embassies also have branches in Edinburgh; there's also a Chinese consulate in Manchester and an Indian consulate in Birmingham. In general there is no appointment system, and you should expect long queues and opening times frequently limited to weekday mornings.
Often, visas can only be collected during a short afternoon period. Many embassies refuse credit cards and personal cheques.
By post
Although applying by mail takes longer, application forms can be downloaded from several embassy websites.
You’ll usually need to send your passport (a photocopy is sufficient for Caribbean countries such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic) and include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope (either registered or special delivery for safe return).
Via tour operators
Tour operators offering Australian holidays can usually arrange your visa, though at differing prices. Kuoni charges £10 per person for arranging a visa for their holiday customers, while Trailfinders charges £15 and Austravel charges £20. For other destinations, most major tour operators (and travel agents), like Thomas Cook and First Choice, won’t sort out your visas.
Kuoni, Saga and Travelsphere are among those that provide a procurement service for those booking holidays with them. Usually there is an extra fee (£60 through Kuoni for China and India visas), although Saga includes their service in the total holiday cost. If on an escorted tour, check that the company is arranging a group visa.
Visa agencies
If you don’t want to go it alone, there are many visa agencies ready to do the legwork at a price. In addition to the visa fee itself, expect to pay at least £35 for the service, plus £7 for special delivery, through a company like CIBT.
Fees are often based on how difficult the visa is to procure, so, for instance, CIBT charges £20 for Australia, but £90 for Russia (excluding VAT).
