The British High Commission, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said it was committed to improving the UK Visa and Immigration Service by making it more convenient, quicker and easier for customers to apply.

This includes improvements to the online customer journey, the introduction of new technology and the digitisation of services.

The statement said the UKVI was changing its service to allow customers to enjoy as smooth a visa application process as possible with changes to their Access UK service.

"Through Access UK, customers are now able to book their visa application centre appointment, scan and upload their supporting documentation from the comfort of their home through the eDossier Solo document upload app offered by our commercial partner TLS on IOS and Android devices, and purchase any additional services, which are intended to enhance their experience, in one continuous journey," it said.

"Customers can continue to upload documents to support their application up until the day of their appointment."

The statement said the exciting development meant that the majority of customers no longer had to submit their original documentation, though customers would still need to provide their passport in order for a vignette to be placed, should they be granted a visa.

The service is being rolled out worldwide and is available in Ghana now.

"The service is available on mobile devices, enabling application forms to be completed on smart phones or tablets, making it more convenient for the customer," the statement said.

"The application is often more concise and quicker to complete, as questions are only asked when they are relevant to a customer’s previous answers."

The Statement said customers could review, edit and download their partially completed application at any point before submission, making it simpler to check, edit and update responses as required.

It noted that the application fee was displayed in the appropriate local currency, making it easier to understand the overall cost.

Customers would now transition smoothly through the application process to booking their appointment at their chosen VAC to submit their biometrics without having to visit multiple online sites, the statement said.   

It said the vast majority of customers would be able to self-upload their supporting evidence, and customers would be able to easily select and pay for additional services to suit their needs.

Access UK means visa customers could Make quicker visa applications using an intuitive online form and use easy-to-follow checklists and steps, which list the evidence required.

Customers could upload all required documentation themselves up until the day of their appointment and make changes to their application at any moment.

One could also select a standard; priority or super-priority service (where available), and apply flexibly using any mobile device.

The statement encouraged prospective applicants to follow the British High Commission’s social media platforms for further details and instructions on the usage of the eDossier Solo app through Twitter: @UKinGhana, and Facebook: @UKinGhana.