VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre Cape Town

If it were possible to give zero stars, I would! UK Visa application centre at 2 Long Street leaves much to be desired in comparison to past experience with TLS contact (streamlined, efficient and professional).

Online process to submit documents and make appointments - no problems. Made an appointment for myself and 2 young children for 12:10. Arrived early at 11:45. Queues to the lifts on 9th floor, with absolutely no consideration for elderly or those with walking aids. No seating, stood in a queue which barely moved with zero communication from any staff. Approximately 40 people or more in a corridor - a hazard in itself.

At one point a staff member came out, approximately 45min after our arrival, and very bluntly said that it's peak season for applications with over 200 appointments for the day and her and her staff had worked until 21:30 the night before. When asked why they allow so many bookings, but they can't handle the volume - was told to make a complaint. They are obviously under strain too and the greater management needs to up their game.

I feel for the staff working under such pressure, but this should not be a service offered where it cannot be delivered. Taking appointments that you cannot service or attend to is unacceptable and extremely unprofessional. Those who are unable or unwilling to pay an additional 2k for "premium" lounge must simply put up with it as there are no alternatives! With the monopoly for UK visa applications, you are left with no other option but to suffer through an inefficient system.

Once through to the actual office, another 45 minute process to get biometrics done. In total, almost 3 hours at this centre! Done in under an hour at TLS on prior occasions. Something needs to change VFS!