Starting from May 16, 2023, the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will introduce a fully digital online payment process for all UK visa applications from Sierra Leone.

The new digital system aims to provide customers with a more secure and convenient way to pay for their UK visa applications.

The shift to an online payment system means that all customers in Sierra Leone will be required to make payments through the official UK government website.

“From May 2023, all customers in Sierra Leone will be required to pay for their UK visa application on the official UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk) before their Visa Application Centre appointment,” UK in Sierra Leons stated.

They added that cash payments for visa fees into the British High Commission account at EcoBank Sierra Leone Limited will not be accepted.

The introduction of this new online payment system for UK visa applications from Sierra Leone is part of the UKVI’s global initiative to ensure that the application process for UK visas is consistent and streamlined for all applicants worldwide.

UKVI has advised all customers applying for UK visas from Sierra Leone to ensure that they have the correct online payment method available before they apply. The visa fee will be converted from GBP, and online payments will be transacted in US$ Dollars for customers in Sierra Leone.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers that may be affected by these changes,” UKVI noted.