The United Kingdom is set to reopen visa application centres in Bangladesh in phases from July12, the British high commission in Dhaka said in an announcement on Wednesday.

British high commissioner Robert Dickson, in this connection, twitted, ‘welcome news for Bangladeshi travellers to the United Kingdom.’

The British authorities generally collect passports and visa applications through VFS Global.

The high commission requested the visa seekers for securing appointments before visiting VFS Global offices.

‘Visa seekers must have an appointment to visit the visa application centre, and they are advised to confirm their chosen centre remains open on the day of their appointment,’ said the announcement.

Prospective travellers, who were unable to attend an earlier appointment, can now log into their accounts to book a new appointment.

Visa seekers who have completed their application on https://www.gov.uk/, but did not previously book an appointment at visa application centre, can also seek an appointment.

Visa applicants would be required to observe physical distancing, undergo temperature checks and to wear facemasks subject to local authority guidelines.

Customers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, higher than 37.3 degrees Celsius, cough or difficulty breathing will be helped to reschedule their application submission for another day and will be advised to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility of their choice.

The high commission expressed inability to extend ‘super priority’ and ‘priority visa’ and ‘walk-in services’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The visa applicants would be contacted for collecting their passports once decisions are made about their cases.

All customers are also advised to purchase courier return services for their documents to avoid visit to the visa application centre again, after a decision is made.

Potential travellers are requested to get updates about the new rules in place for entering the UK because of COVID-19 pandemic situation.