Guide to Processing Times

Current processing times in Thailand

The UK Border Agency visa processing time targets are set out in the Customer Service Standards.The UK Border Agency in Thailand are currently processing visa applications within the processing times set out in the Customer Service Standards.

Important note: Visa applications are assessed individually and processing times may vary. The actual processing time of your visa application will depend on several factors and because of this you should not to make your travel arrangements to enter or transit through the United Kingdom until you have received your visa.

When to prepare your visa application

The UK Border Agency advises you to allow enough time to prepare your visa application. Some applicants can take 1 to 6 weeks to prepare their visa application and you should allow enough time to read the guidance on the visa category you are applying for, complete your visa application form, prepare your supporting documents and arrange for translations (if necessary). You can submit your visa application up to 3 months in advance of your planned travel date.

Queries about processing times

You can track the status of your application by using the 'Track your Application' facility on this website and by using the SMS text alert facility (fee payable). Please do not contact the UK Border Agency or VFS unless your application has exceeded the current processing times given on this page or those published in our Customer Service Standards - whichever time is the latest. If your visa application has exceeded these times please contact VFS using the details on the 'Contact Us' page of this website. Please note that we do not offer a fast-track service for visa applications.

Guide to processing times

This UK Border Agency Guide to processing times gives visa applicants information on how long their applications may take at each visa application centre, based on recent visa processing performance. Performance figures are updated monthly. Processing times are given in working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. This guide cannot be used as a guarantee of processing times.

Customer service standards

Information on our Customer Service Standards can be found on the UK Border Agency website. The standards set out our targets for visa processing, biometric data appointments and allowed appeals.

The UK Border Agency visa processing time targets are:

• To complete 90 per cent of non-settlement visa applications in not more than three weeks, 98 per cent in six weeks and 100 per cent in 12 weeks.
  
  
• To complete 95 per cent of settlement applications for settlement visas in not more than 12 weeks and 100 per cent in not more than 24 weeks.