Just got a new non imm B via post from Hull RTC

Very little in paperwork required and a quick turn around.

10 out of 10 to Hull!

Makes the London RTE seem like a complete waste of time and Hull works out the same or cheaper, same visa fee + £16 for postage there and back to a UK address

Hull is a honarary consulate, they get their income from the number of visas they issue, where as general consulates and embassies get paid by their government and not per visa they issue. As a result you will find that honorary consulates are easier in giving a visa.

What happened about the scare 2 months ago that honorary consulates were to lose Thai support and the risk of them closing. Is Hull still charging an admin fee over and above the previous fee (or perhaps that was just a proposal or fear)?

Sorry - being a bit lazy - I am sure 15 minutes of research on TV would darg the thread back up but you know how difficult it is to pinpoint the right thread when it's in a popular words area

RTC Hull's website shows they are still charging £15 admin fee for issue of single entry tourist visas during the promotion period. Click here . As Mario said above, the honorary consulates rely on fee income from issuing visas, unlike embassies and consulates which receive funding from their government.

Edited September 3, 200916 yr by thaiphoon

Also not being staffed by Thai goverment employees is a big factor.

Plus London does not accept mail in applications.

Just got a new non imm B via post from Hull RTC

Very little in paperwork required and a quick turn around.

10 out of 10 to Hull!

Makes the London RTE seem like a complete waste of time and Hull works out the same or cheaper, same visa fee + £16 for postage there and back to a UK address

I agree, Hull are much friendlier and more efficient to deal with than the grumpy lot in London.