Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Consular Fees Regulations 1981 (“the 1981 Regulations”). The 1981 Regulations prescribe the manner in which all fees taken by persons authorised by the Secretary of State to exercise consular functions, or functions in the United Kingdom which correspond with consular functions, shall be levied, accounted for and applied, and may be remitted.

These Regulations amend the 1981 Regulations to allow for consular fees to be paid in Sterling by debit or credit card at the discretion of a consular officer. Payment can still be made in currency circulating at the place of payment.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.