What are the current waiting times for UK visas, and how do they affect flight bookings?

Jun 16, 2022
3 years ago
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has any one just received a uk visa for girlfriend I have just had email saying 9 to 10 weeks wait waited 6 weeks fly in 2 weeks. When applying waiting time 6 weeks. Cheers need a beer.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Several users discuss their experiences regarding the processing times for UK visas for girlfriends, noting significant delays due to backlogs, particularly related to Ukrainian visas. Common advice stresses the importance of not booking flights until visas are confirmed, with anecdotes of wait times ranging from 9 to 13 weeks. The potential risks of booking flights before visa approval are highlighted, as well as costs associated with express processing.
David ***********
We were told 10-12 weeks wait when we submitted the application on 9th May. Decided to pay for the express processing (approx 3000 THB I think) and it still took 3 weeks.
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **********
we went 7th May not say anything about long wait but said 7000 baht to do quick.
David ***********
Things are not good at the moment. Best of luck.
David ***********
@Kevin *******
, as I said in response to Andy above, I had to pay 11,000 THB. I wasn’t offered anything for 7,000 THB. How long did it take to get the passport back?
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **********
not get yet 6 weeks think have to change flights £1400 extra flight now £1200 from £500
Andy ******
@David **********
I thought the express processing was 11,000 baht ?
David ***********
@Andy *****
, you’re right - 11,000 THB
Lisa ********************
They have been taking ages. About 12 weeks
Shaun *********
I applied 3 weeks ago and they told gf be 10 weeks because of backlog processing Ukraine visas. Don't book a flight till visa is issued unless its a ticket you can change dates without charge.
Ian *********
Took 13 weeks for my gf. Visa is processed in New Delhi.
Ian *****
Had same email but then, took 10 days for a real answer and another 2 days for passport to be couriered back. They quoted the longest possible times
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ****
I like this answer best
Ian *****
@Kevin *******
10 days after interview, passport back after 2 days. But I have heard others waited 6wks. Sorry, can only comment on my case
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ****
how long wait from interview
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ****
6 week already
Charlie *********
@Ian ****
pretty much the same for me, gf got her passport back with visa stamp last month, all done within 3 week
Pete *********
We are picking our up tomorrow and it has taken 10 weeks
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@พีท *********
flights £1000 more
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@พีท *********
oh no more money
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Cheers £400 on visa 2 times cancelation wait 2year 6 months for flight 7 cancelations
Pete *********
@Kevin *******
yeah it’s been so frustrating. And the visa office only seem to issue warnings about the time it will take after the initial period so none the wiser until they actually tell you. Hopefully you can get some money back on yr flights. Fingers crossed for you.
Keith ******
Always wait until you have the visa granted before booking.

They announced a few weeks ago that the processing times were taking longer as priority was being given to Ukrainian visas.
Kevin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Keith *****
canceled 7 times already
Will ************
Don’t buy the ticket before you get the visa plan at least 3 months in advance
Russell *******
@Will ***********
I needed the ticket to get the visa
Will ************
@Russell ******
you needed an estimated date of arrival in the UK .
Russell *******
@Will ***********
I did mine in Mexico city. UK passport though
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