My wife (Thai) and I (British - but working in Phuket) want to go back to the UK at Christmas for my sister's wedding. My wife needs a UK visa. I am aware that we have to apply in person - and we can arrange this all being well, but it is the waiting time that concerns me, as we both have work and family commitments in Phuket. On the website, I can find no mention of a courier service to phuket with completed visas, and I do not think that there is a postal service available.

My questions are:

1. How long before travel can we apply? The only time frame that we can get to Bangkok is October 22nd (or that week - although the 23rd is a National Holiday) We would like to travel around the 18th December, returning just after new year.

2. Is there any other way of getting the passport back to Phuket?

Apologies if these questions have been asked before - just point me in the right direction and I will be on my way........

Matt

1) the visa will be valid for travel for 6 months from the date of issue. You can get it post dated by upto 3 months but if you only want a few weeks holiday there should be no need. If you have a solid application the visa should be ready for collection within 4 days and will be in Phuket by courier within 2 weeks (if there still is a courier). If your wife is called for interview she will have to return to Bangkok (I heard waiting time for interview is currently about 6 weeks)

2) There used to be a courier service to Phuket before they rewrote the web site, I did email them pointing out the Phuket carrier is now missing but, of course, got no response and have not seen it reinstated. I suggest you call UK VAC and ask if you can still use the courier to Phuket. That will be only for returning the passport as you know she will have to apply in person in Bangkok