Written question asked by Lord Brady of Altrincham (Conservative) on Monday, 3 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 July 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 6 July 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the current waiting time is for a person applying in Istanbul for a visa to visit the UK for business purposes to be granted an initial interview. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the current waiting time is for a person applying in Istanbul for a visa to visit the UK for business purposes to be granted an initial interview. [129284] Mr. Vaz: 91 per cent. of visit visa applications in Istanbul are processed without the applicant requiring a full interview and would look to process their application within 24 hours. The few visitors who require a full interview, including any applicants travelling for business purposes, currently have to wait 10 days.

Secondary information