Generally, you should apply for an entry clearance at the UK Mission in the country where you are normally and legally resident. This is particularly important if you are applying to come to stay in the UK for a long time, or for settlement. If you are staying only temporarily in the country where you apply, the visa office may not accept your application, or there may be a long delay before a decision on your application is made.

Some missions accept applications by post. The Do I Need a Visa? questionnaire should tell you which missions accept postal applications.

If you must travel a long distance to the visa office, contact us before you start your journey for any important information that may affect you.

Important information for Venezuelan visitors

Please be aware that, as of 18 May 2009, Venezuelan citizens wishing to visit the UK will need a visa if they do not possess a new, biometric passport, containing an electronic chip. (More information)

Where can I get information?

UK Border Agency and the British Embassy Caracas work in partnership with a commercial organisation: WorldBridge. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through WorldBridge's website: www.visainfoservices.com.  WorldBridge also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 00 44 20 8819 9658 and costs US$13. All the information provided is supplied and approved by UKvisas.

Do I have to pay?

Website and email information is free of charge, but there is a charge for using the telephone service.

Where can I get advice?

WorldBridge 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 – www.oisc.gov.uk) 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

How do I submit my application?

You should submit your application through our online application service visa4uk.fco.gov.uk, print out the application, book an appointment and bring all relevant documents to the Visa Section of the British Embassy.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

Your visa application will be processed and decided by UKvisas staff. Neither WorldBridge, nor any of its staff play any part in, nor can they influence the outcome of your visa application.  If any member of staff employed by WorldBridge claims to be able to influence your application, you should inform the British Embassy as soon as possible.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

UKvisas aims 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 UKvisas at this Embassy, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at the UK Visa Processing Office (New York), The Visa Section, British Consulate-General, 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, USA. Website: http://www.britainusa.com/ny.
• If you wish to complain about the service you received from WorldBridge, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager at this Embassy in writing.

Visa enquiries

The British Embassy is no longer able to accept emails or phone calls to the switchboard or to individual members of staff on visa enquiries. These should be directed to www.visainfoservices.com(this is a free service); Worldbridge also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 0044 2071001594 and costs US$ 13, which should be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard). All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency. The visa requirements, which could include steps to follow, leaflets and application form can be sent by e-mail by the Visa Information Agents.

Visa processing time

Straightforward applications are normally processed in 15 working days (plus an average of 5 working days for the courier service to and from the UK Visa Processing Office, or from the date of interview). A small percentage of applications require additional work, these applications may take longer than those mentioned before.