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Disclaimer: The translated text is provided for information purposes only. The most up to date information is available on UK Border Agency's visa information website. In the event of any discrepancy, the English language version of UK Border Agency's visa information website overrules the translated information provided on this page. Please visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk for the most up to date information.
  • How Do I Apply?

    The Visa Section in Addis Ababa accepts applications, via the Visa Application Centre, from Ethiopian, Somali and Djibouti nationals as well as short term applications from all other nationals. Applications can be submitted in two ways:

    Standard method
    i. Complete a Visa Application Form (VAF). The range of VAFs are available on the UK Border Agency website.
    ii Pay the fee at the Wegagen Bank underneath the Visa Application Centre.
    iii Visit a Visa Application Centre to submit a completed Visa Application Form and supporting documentation and for Biometric enrolment.

    Fastrack

    Fast track criteria
    Applications, which are dealt with under the Fast Track facility, are normally resolved within two working days including the day of application.

    If you are diplomat residing in Addis Ababa, staff of United Nations, African Union or other International organizations like NATO etc you qualify to apply under Fast Track.

    Government officials traveling to UK on official business can also apply under fast track criteria.

    Embassy/MFA sponsored applications
    i. Contact the Visa Section to make an appointment
    ii Complete a Visa Application Form (VAF)
    iii Visit the visa section at the allocated time to submit a completed VAF, supporting documentation and fee and for Biometric enrolment.

    For both options applications will only be accepted if applicants:
    • present a signed, dated Visa Application Form (VAF);
    • provide the required photographs;
    • provide passports (or other travel documents where specified by UKBAIG):
      - for all applicants travelling to the UK;
    - which correspond to data in the VAF (name, passport number, expiry date);
    - which have not expired;
    - which have at least one page free in the visa pages for the insertion of a vignette,
    • pay the published visa fee;
    • consent to have their biometrics data recorded; and
    • provide the required supporting documents

    If you are applying under Tier One General of the Points Based System (Highly Skilled Migrants) full details, including Administrative Review, are available on the UK Border Agency website.

    Please click on the links below for information on the below categories:

    • INF 21 PBS General Migrant
    • INF 22 PBS Investor
    • INF 23 PBS Entrepreneur
    • INF 24 PBS Post Study Work
    • Tier 4 General students and Tier 4 (child) student


  • Points-based system

    Points-based system is a new system for managing migration for those wishing to enter the UK for work or study. Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for more information and the Self-Assessment Calculator.
    You can submit applications for all categories of Tier 1 starting 30 June 2008

    Tier 1 Categories:
    • Tier 1 (General) migrant
    • Tier 1 (Investor)
    • Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
    • Tier 1 (Post-study work)

    Highly Skilled Forum Judicial Review
    The recent High Court ruling in the UK resulting from the Highly Skilled Forum Judicial Review affects certain people who formerly had leave in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). You may be covered by this ruling if you joined HSMP under the arrangements which were in place until the scheme was suspended on 7 November 2006 and you either:
    1. applied for and were refused further leave to remain under the new extension rules which came into force on 5 December 2006, and subsequently left the UK, or
    2. left the UK after 7 November 2006 without ever applying for further leave to remain under the new rules.

    A policy document which explains in detail who is affected by the ruling is available on the UK Border Agency website.

    Forms and Guidance

    Guidance on making and assessing applications under the HSMP Judicial Review judgement is available on the Visa Services website.
    The standard PBS form (VAF 9) and Appendix 1(Tier 1- General) have been expanded to allow them to be used by HSMP Forum JR applicants in both categories, ie (a) and ( b).

    Making Your Application

    Applications in both categories should be made at the appropriate visa section or VAC in the usual way. Category (a) applicants will not be charged a fee; category (b) applicants should pay the standard Tier 1 (General) fee.

    Tier 2 Categories
    • Tier 2 (General)
    • Tier 2 (Intra company transfer)
    • Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
    • Tier 2 (Minister of religion)

    Tier 4 Category
    • Tier 4 General students and Tier 4 (child) student

    Tier 5 Categories
    • Tier 5 (Creative and sporting)
    • Tier 5 (Charity worker)
    • Tier 5 (Religious worker)
    • Tier 5 (Government authorised exchange)
    • Tier 5 (International agreement)
    • Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme)


  • Photo specifications
    Please provide two copies of a recent photograph of yourself.

    The photographs should be:
    1. In Colour
    2. Taken against WHITE background only, so that the features are distinguishable against the background.
    3. Clear and of good quality
    4. Printed on normal photographic paper
    5. Un-mounted
    6. Passport style and size (size of image 45mm x 35mm)
    7. Full face
    8. Without hat, helmet or other headgear, unless the applicant wears such items for religious reasons.
    9. Without sunglasses, although you can wear everyday glasses.

    Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements.


  • Where to pay visa fees

    Wegagan Bank
    Ground Floor, 740/15, Bole Road
    Adjacent to Saay Pastry,
    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Working Hours:
    Monday to Friday: 0800 to 1500 Hrs

    Visa Fees have to be paid in cash only.


  • Information leaflets

    The UK Border Agency has produced a range of Information Leaflets. We recommend that you read these leaflets before completing your application.


  • Access to the VAC for applicants with disabilities

    There is currently no access to the VAC for those in a wheelchair. Such applicants should contact the visa section and make an appointment to apply there. Applicants with less severe mobility disabilities and who are able to walk up a small flight of stairs to the VAC lift should apply at the VAC.

    There are toilets on each floor but no toilets in the building for people with disabilities. If staff is made aware in advance of the arrival of visitors with disabilities they will give them all the assistance and priority will be given in the event of an emergency or evacuation of the building.
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