Many people raise visa issues with me. They think I have a conjurer’s wand and can magic one up if they can only convince me of their case. Actually there is almost nothing I can do to assist even if I wished to do so. These days we do not even issue visas from the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. Would-be travellers have to apply via a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Addis, but the visa is physically issued in Nairobi where the decision-making also takes place.
I said I could do almost nothing. But I can give you some honest advice on how to get that visa. First of all, apply in good time (most travellers should aim to give us 15 working days to process it) – I have lost track of the number of people who apply the day before they are due to travel. Too late! There is nothing that can be done in such cases. Then read the guidelines thoroughly; submit absolutely all of the documentation required, covering all of your personal and financial circumstances, how you will be financing your trip to the UK, etc; tell the truth on your application form; visit the VAC; and wait a short while. Don’t waste your time trying to lobby me or others, since it won’t make a blind bit of difference. And if anyone tells you that they can guarantee you a visa for an additional fee, then save your money. They can’t!
We want more Ethiopians to visit the UK, not least for education and to do business. And if you follow the advice above then, in the vast majority of cases, you can be among them. All applications are judged fairly, rigorously, transparently and on their merits. Not on whether you know the British Ambassador…..