The British High Commission in Sierra Leone is adopting a fully digital approach to visa payments, which it says will be more convenient.

Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, announced the move in a statement. She said, from 16 May all customers wishing to apply for the United Kingdom (UK) visa must make an online payment on the official UK government website.

Chesney said these changes are being introduced to streamline the payment process and to bring Sierra Leone in line with other key international markets.

She commented: “The UK continues to be a popular choice for those wishing to work, study or just visit. In the year ending December 2022, over 2 000 visas were issued to Sierra Leonean nationals, a 55% increase from the previous year.

“Now is the time to adopt a fully digital approach to visa payments and streamline the payment process for applicants from across the globe.

“UK Visas and Immigration apologises to customers affected for any inconvenience caused and encourages all new applicants to ensure that they have the correct online payment method available when applying for a UK visa.

“The visa fee will be converted from British pounds and online payments transacted in US dollars for customers in Sierra Leone.”