Travel Question of the Day: Simon Calder on paying for a Ugandan visa by Postal Order
Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder
Q My wife and I are visiting Uganda next month and chose to acquire visas in advance to save any delay on arrival. The £65 Postal Order for each individual visa cost £73. This is exorbitant. We’re puzzled why Embassies and High Commissions only accept payment for visas by Postal Order?
John Cox, Salisbury
A Many people are surprised to find that Postal Orders, which were launched by the Post Office in 1881, still exist. For younger readers: they comprise an unusual form of currency that you buy for cash from a Post Office, in denominations from 50p to £250. The recipient of a Postal Order can cash it in for face value, or - if it is crossed and carries the payee’s name - pay it into a specific bank account.
Not exactly PayPal or internet banking, is it? But from a diplomatic mission’s point of view, the Postal Order has several advantages. Unlike a cheque, it can’t bounce, so there is no risk of fraud or loss. Crossed Postal Orders can be safely sent through the post. The applicant pays the associated fee (12.5 per cent, with a minimum of 50p and a maximum of £12.50), so there is no handling charge for the recipient. All in all, then, a handy adjunct to the red tape associated with a visa application.
Many Embassies and High Commissions are modernising, with eVisas becoming more widespread. But the last time I bought a Postal Order it was for a visa for one of the former Soviet republics - and I imagine that kind of business will keep the form of payment alive for some time to come.
Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies