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Visa Application FAQ

A short list of Frequently Asked Questions about the visa application process to the UK.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
UK visa

How can I apply for a UK visa?

First, check if you need a visa to the UK and what documents are needed here. UK visa applications can only be submitted online.

To submit a visa application: create an account on www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk and then fill out the correct application form on the website. Please select ‘Palestinian Occupied Territories’ from the drop-down menu. Please note that the option available for citizens of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip is under ‘Palestinian Occupied Territories’ and not any other name such as Palestine or Palestinian Authority.

After submitting the application on the website, you’ll be transferred to the payment page where you’ll be asked to pay the visa application fees. The only payment option for the application fees is via credit card.

You will then need to schedule an appointment to submit your bio data (finger prints) at one of our offices in East Jerusalem, Ramallah or Gaza City.

For more information about how to apply for a UK visa, see our step by step guide to apply for a visa to the UK

How much time does it take to get a visa issued?

  • West Bank and East Jerusalem: It takes around 3 business weeks after submitting your bio data for the visa to be issued.
  • Gaza Strip: The process may take an additional 2 business weeks (5 weeks in total) as it takes extra time to receive and deliver passports from and to Gaza.

Where can I submit my bio data?

There are three places to submit your bio data by appointment only. They are:

East Jerusalem:

Teleperformance Ltd - American Colony Hotel, 1 Louis Vincent Street, East Jerusalem.
Note: Teleperformance charges company fees of £59 to be paid online here.

  • Opening hours: Mon, Tue and Thu, from 09:00- 13:00.

West Bank (Ramallah):

British Council Office - Michel Centre, Jaffa Street, Ramallah.

  • Opening hours: Wed only, from 10:00- 14:30.

Gaza Strip:

British Information Service Office - Al-Riyad tower, Al-Quds Street, Al-Remal, Gaza City.

  • Opening hours: Sun – Thu, from 9:00 – 11:00.

How much does it cost to get a visa?

Visa application fees differ depending on the type, duration and purpose of your visit. You can find costs of the application fees here.

Note: For applicants applying in East Jerusalem, our partner Teleperformance charges company fees of £59 which can be paid online here.

How can I pay the visa application fees?

Visa application fees are only paid online via credit card in US Dollars.

What documents do I need to get a visa?

This depends on the type of visa applied for. You can find out what documents are needed here.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to find out what documents are needed and submit them on time.

Why are visas issued in Amman, Jordan?

The Foreign Office is in the process of regionalizing its visa centres worldwide. This means that your visa will be processed and issued at a regional hub. The Amman hub covers the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Irbil.

Published 3 February 2015