Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency and the British Embassy in Panama work in partnership with a commercial organisation, Visa Application Centre (VAC).

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the Visa Application Centre (VAC) website:  www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk.  VAC also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 1212-796-5773 and costs US$12 per call.  All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency.

Do I have to pay?

There is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge.

Where can I get advice?

VAC and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.   If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner  or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.  Their websites are:

Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society of Scotland
Law Society of Northern Ireland
Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

VAC manages Visa Application Centres in the British Embassy, Panama where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UK Border Agency staff will process and decide your visa application. VAC and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way.  If any member of staff employed by VAC say they can influence your application, you should tell the British Embassy immediately.

Service standards - complaints and compliments
The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

• If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency at this Embassy, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at British Embassy, 4th floor, MMG Tower, Calle 53, Marbella, Panama, or by e-mail britemb@cwpanama.net.

• If you wish to complain about the service you received from VAC, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager above.