Thinking of heading to the UK? Then get your Visa or MasterCard ready as from December 1, only online payments will be permitted.

In an advertisement in yesterday’s Sunday Stabroek, the UK Border Agency advised that effective December 1, the online visa application system will only permit online payments. The Agency said that it is making this switch to ensure a more streamlined service to the applicant.

According to the advertisement, the applicant will be required to complete and submit the online application form, pay online either by Visa or MasterCard and book an appointment online to submit the application and biometric data at the British High Commission.

The applicant should print a copy of the Appointment Confirmation Notice and take it with them to the appointment. The advertisement stated that applicants for visas to travel to UK Overseas Territories will continue to make payments by bank draft.