It is the British Government's policy that fees for consular services should be set to recover the full costs involved without being subsidised from UK general taxation. The fees are therefore calculated on the basis of the full cost (staff, accommodation and overheads) proportionate to the average time taken to perform the service. The fees are calculated in sterling and are applied on a world-wide basis. They are reviewed annually. All our posts have a statutory requirement to implement them. The calculations are scrutinised by HM Treasury, approved by the Privy Council and laid before Parliament. The method is one operated generally by Government departments offering cost-recoverable services.

Method of payment

Payment is generally made in the country where the service is performed, is normally levied in advance and must be made in local currency.

Please contact the consular section of your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for information on the current consular exchange rate and the methods of payment available in the country concerned.