Accra, March 17, GNA – The British High Commission on Thursday advised visa applicant for the Ghana-England friendly football match on March 29 to make sure they complete application forms fully and accurately.

A statement issued from the British High Commission in Accra said its Visa Section and Commercial Partner, VFS, had in the last week received an unprecedented number of visa applications for the friendly match to be played at the Wembley Stadium.

It said the UK Border Agency, UKBA, had worked closely with the English Football Association, the Ghana Football Association and designated travel agents on the issue of the visas.

It said applicants could also help by ensuring that all the relevant documents from their travel agents and evidence in detail of their personal and financial circumstances in Ghana were included in the application.

The applicants should also ensure that any travel package sold to them covered their trip in full and that anything that is not covered must be met by the applicant themselves.

“There is no need to send the original ticket for the match, a copy will suffice but all other original documents should be included where possible,” the High Commission said.

It stressed that applicants must note that each application was assessed on its own merit using the evidence provided.

“Simply having a ticket for the match does not guarantee entry into the UK. A well prepared application assists the Visa Section with their decision-making, therefore applications submitted without full supporting documentation are less likely to be successful. Applicants are assessed as visitors under the published Immigration Rules. “

It said the UKBA was giving the assurance that staff of the Visa Section would be working additional hours to process the large number of applications received.

The Visa Section would, however, not be open to the public and all applications must be made at VFS as normal. VFS, based at the Visa Application Centre, in Labone, will not open over the weekend.

Currently UKBA processes visa decisions well within the published 15 days and are doing all it can to meet this with the football related applications.

“There is no guarantee, however, that a final decision can be made prior to the proposed travel dates for the match. The visa process takes time so applicants should endeavour to submit their applications promptly. If left too close to kick off it is unlikely that a decision can be made in time for travel,” the statement said.