How to apply for a UK visa?

Paper application:

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the Visa Application Centre’s (VAC) website. They are a commercial company chosen by UK Border Agency (UKBA) , and the British Embassy in Ethiopia to administer the visa scheme on our behalf. The VAC also provides information, supplied and approved by the UKBA, by e-mail and phone. Please note that there is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge. 

Online application:

It is possible to apply for a British visa online. Please click on the below link to access UKBA's new online visa application site.

Visa4UK.fco.gov.uk

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 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 Northen Ireland
• ILEX - Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application

VFS is the embassy’s commercial partner running the VAC in Ethiopia. This is where you should submit your application and where your biometric information is taken.

Exceptions:

All applicants for a visa to enter the United Kingdom must go through the VAC unless you are in one of the following categories:

• You are a wheelchair user.
• You are a diplomat or member of government travelling to the UK on official business.
• You are a diplomat or member of government travelling through th UK on official business

What is the VAC's address?

UK Visa Application Centre,
Saay New Building,
3rd Floor, House No:676/05
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia

Tel: (+251) (0)116 622 898 / (+251) (0)116 622 575

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UKBA staff will process and decide your visa application. The VAC and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way.  If any member of staff employed by VAC say they can influence your application, you should tell the British Embassy as soon as possible.

Visa fees

For information on fees and how to pay please visit the fees section of the VFS website .

Service standards - complaints and compliments

UKBA aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback because it helps us to see where we need to improve. If you have any comments, or are concerned about the service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days. If you want to complain about the service you received please visit making a complaint page and address any e-mails, letters or phone complaints to the Entry Clearance Manager