Getting a UK visa in 2025: important changes and guidance
The UK visa system continues to change and successful visa application requires careful preparation. In 2025, the application process has become stricter and more regulated.
Key Updates:
VFS Global Visa Center has replaced TLS in many countries, including Russia.
In Moscow the visa center is located at the following address: 115230, Moscow, Kashirskoye shosse, 3, k. 2/4, 2nd floor, BC “Sirius Park”.
Urgent review, after-hours filing, or VIP lounge filing services are no longer available in the RF.
In European countries, additional services are available. But there are restrictions for citizens of the Russian Federation.
What do visa officers pay attention to?
Full transparency of financial documents: income and expenses must be clearly confirmed.
Correct completion of all forms and documents.
Visa processing timeframes:
Tourist and visitor: from 6 to 8 weeks for citizens of the Russian Federation.
For citizens of other countries – from 2 -3 weeks.
Student visas: about 4 weeks.
These deadlines begin to run from the time the biometrics are submitted.
Payment of the consular fee is possible only with a card issued outside the Russian Federation. Either the applicant or another person may pay.
The rejection rate for Russian citizens has decreased to 13%. The main reasons for refusal are related to non-transparency of income or insufficient information about strong ties to the homeland. If the documents are properly executed, the chances of success increase significantly.
There are no Covid restrictions: no PCR test or quarantine is required on entry to the UK.
Recommendation: Enrollment in the visa center in Moscow is now faster than in other cities of the Russian Federation.
Link to official source: UK government portal
To apply for a visa: write to a manager