United Kingdom visa fees increased as of yesterday, according to a release from the British High Commission.

"The price increase is solely due to a change in the rate between the Jamaican dollar and sterling," the release said.

Fees are effective for all visa applications made from July 25.

The fee covers the cost of processing an application. If an application is refused, the fee is not refundable. Family members are charged the same as the main applicant. All family members who are travelling must pay the fee, whether or not they are included in the main applicant's passport. There is no charge for family members of an EEA national/Swiss national.

Fees are payable in Jamaica dollars and are subject to periodic review. The draft must be for the exact amount, in Jamaican dollars made payable to the British High Commission, Kingston.

For further information, please visit www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/jamaica

New fees

J$6,600

Handling applications on behalf of Commonwealth countries

Handling applications on behalf of U.K. Overseas Territories

Direct Airside Transit (DAT)

Visitors in Transit

Join ship or aircraft

J$9,500

Visit, single, double and multiple, valid up to six months

J$30,000

Visit, multiple, valid for one, two, five or 10 years

Visa of any length for other purpose, including employment

Certificate of Entitlement

J$14,800

Student

J$75,000

Settlement; marriage (fiancé(e)

Consular rate of exchange: £1 = J$150