Wait for Russians to get into UK too long

The UK has made some changes to the visa application procedure required before visitors from certain countries are allowed in. For some Russians, these changes have caused delays of up to two months which are deterring them from going to the UK at all.

According to the new procedure, any tourist needing a visa to enter the UK needs to fill out an application online. At that point they will be given an appointment to attend a visa centre where they are required to submit biometric data. The visa will be granted only after the data and application are considered and approved by the authorities. In some cases, it has taken a month just to get the initial appointment.

It is unclear whether the delays are due to strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, or because of glitches in the new system. What is clear is that Russian tourists are opting to visit countries that are easier to enter. For students who wish to study in the UK, many are choosing to attend schools in countries such as Ireland, Malta, or even the United States.

A representative from the embassy has stated that the new procedure was implemented in order to lower the number of refusals and must be followed by all required applicants, not just Russians. She added the submission of biometric data is becoming a worldwide standard.

The British embassy in Russia has said that the delays are short term but did not comment on what has caused them.