Possible disruption to UK Visa service in the Philippines

From the British Embassy, Manila:

Oh no....we'll be applying by the end of this month...hope everything will be sort out soon...

That sounds about right. I have been waiting a full 55 working days now

I'm getting a little twitchy too as the loved one will be applying in just over a month. I haven't told her about the disruption yet as I don't wish to alarm her.

Good luck with it anyway Kev, hope its soon resolved.

Thank you my friend......... Its a nervous time... Good luck to yourself, I hope all is resolved!!!

Just an update, the old vfs site will always show no available dates, we had booked an appointment very smoothly, you just have to apply online at visa4uk site and then they will direct you into apply an appointment option,just click on it and afterwards they'll ask u to pay online...but i guessed the standard appointment's date is a bit crowded, so we chose the premium lounge and ours will be on april 1...hope evrything goes well..

Thanks for the update mymy, that will help me, hope everything goes well with your application

Guessed the changes on their system are going well now...we were just confused about the mixed up of their old and new system ...next will be the appointment and waiting of the decisions on visas in ...hmmmmmn in God's grace

I'm sure you will feel a little nervous but that's only natural, please let us know how things go for you, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Thank u timmers, we just finished our appointment this morning, there were lots of applicants on vip appointment but better than the standard one coz we dont have to lined up and wait for too long, really fingers and toes crossed, hehehe

Sounds like the VIP appointment is the one to go for, thanks for the information and relax, you will soon be in the UK, the land of milk and honey

Hi guys, im a bit confused, i already submitted my application online and booked an appoitment and chose vip premium lounge. Is it vip premium lounge included in the fee or i have to pay it in vfs site?

I believe there is an option when you book your appointment through the VFS website, just means you don't have to stand in line for too long and you have the free use of photocopier and photograph booth, for the extra few quid its worth it so my Mrs said.

Yes you do pay a little extra.

Yep. My Mrs did the same. Air conditioned and free food / drink too as I recall. It also gives you more choice on a time.

I don't really understand why everybody doesn't get the VIP service assuming the sponsor is footing the bill an extra £25 or whatever isn't a lot of money for a little comfort when you have just splashed out £1000 for the visa.

Well, thats what I think but some folk operate on a tighter budget than others. I felt it was well worth after my wifes trek in from Cavite.

And the heavy document package of course, money well spent.

The VIP service is only available in Manila

Is that right, up to date information, cant beat it

Exactly.