Starting 17 July, access to the British Embassy visa section for private passport holders to make a new application will be by appointment only for a trial period. It will not be possible to make a new application without an appointment.

Application by appointment will provide a better service for our customers. We want to:

We handle new applications from private passport holders each morning Monday to Friday. To book an appointment, applicants should telephone 8529 6077 between 0830 and 1500 Monday to Friday. We will need to know the applicant's name and passport number. Applicants can make a booking up to 3 days in advance.

To ensure a smooth and efficient service and to limit congestion, we ask all applicants who have made an appointment to come to the vise section at the appointed time, but not before.

There is no charge for making a booking. Under no circumstances should a new applicant pay for an appointment. Any party offering to make an appointment for a fee does not represent the British Embassy.