The British Embassy is introducing a ‘super priority visa’ in Istanbul for Turkish citizens heading to the UK

The introduction of the Super Priority Visa Service in Istanbul will give customers, applying for most visit or work visas, the option to apply, receive a decision and collect their documents within 24 hours.

And from March 16,  applicants for all visit visas and most work routes will be able to use the paid for Priority Service, which gives customers a visa decision between 3 to 5 days. The service costs £100.

In a statement, the Embassy said: “Extending the Super Priority Visa Service to Istanbul is another example of how the UK is leading the world in the provision of premium visa services for those coming to the UK to visit or work.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “As part of our long-term economic plan, we are determined to do everything we can to back business, support investment and create jobs.

“The new 24 hour visa service will persuade more business travellers, investors and tourists to visit Britain, to trade with Britain and to expand in Britain.

“This is good news for British business and tourism, helping us to build a more resilient economy and secure a brighter future for Britain.”

The service costs an additional £600 and is available to customers applying in one of the following immigration routes: tourist and short stay visit visas for those with authority to live in Turkey; Points Based System Tier 2 applicants with authority to live in Turkey and Points Based System Tier 5 applicants with authority to live in Turkey.

Appointments are available Monday to Thursday from 08:30 until 09:30am. Once an application has been submitted at the Visa Application Centre in Istanbul, applications will be processed and a decision made in the usual way. Customers will then be able to collect their documents from 09:00 the next working day.