By Silvia Nyambura
The South African High Commission in Uganda has announced it will begin operating a Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) in Kampala. The initiative which begins on 2nd June 2015 aims at improving service for Ugandans and other nationalities residing in the country who wish to travel to South Africa.
According to a statement released by the commission today, the VFS has had global success and is currently offering services in countries like Kenya, DRC, Angola, Nigeria and Ghana.
This service will improve efficiency because it doubles the number of staff available to receive applications. This means people wishing to travel will not have to wait in queues at the commission but will instead be served expeditiously.
It will also extend working hours with applications and passport collection taking place between 8.00 am and 3.00 pm. Processing time for all visas will be 7 days.
The VFS allows for a tracking sytem which gives applicants the choice of keeping track of their applications online. They can also register for SMS alerts on the status of their applications at an additional cost. In addition there will be a helpline available from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm everyday excluding weekends.
Applicants will be able to make use of the premier lounge at the facility where they can be assisted to expedite their applications on time at an additional cost.
The facility is located on the 1st Floor of Lugogo House Wing B in Kampala.The final day of submissions at the commission will be 27th May 2015 to ensure smooth transition. After this date no applications will be received until the VFS is operational. The costs of utilising the facility will be made public in due time.
Holders of diplomatic passports who submit their applications under cover of a Note Verbal for travel on official purposes should however continue applying through the high commission.
