What is the rationale for requiring payment "in cash in euros" when applying for a UK visa at the Pyongyang embassy?
The UK government has a specific page on applying for a UK visa from North Korea on which they state the following:
the correct visa application fee, in cash in euros
[...]
You must pay the visa application fee in cash in euros at the British Embassy in Pyongyang. You should ensure that you get a receipt. We cannot accept payment by any other method.
Is there any rationale on requiring the payment be made in euro (rather than, let's say pound sterling or United States dollar)?
This seems weird because the UK does not use the euro (instead it uses pound sterling) and North Korea doesn't officially either. I know some communist countries use foreign currency on a regular basis, however, the Wikipedia article on the North Korean won mentions the euro isn't used as much because Chinese and American currency is more common.
Best Answer
Generally the Euro (EUR), the US Dollar (USD), and the Chinese Reminbi (RMB) are the most widely used foreign currencies in North Korea. In Britain the currency is the British Pound (GBP) but the Euro is easy to exchange here. As it is the British Embassy you probably will find they have chosen the Euro as it is also easily exchangeable in the UK.
Pictures about "What is the rationale for requiring payment "in cash in euros" when applying for a UK visa at the Pyongyang embassy?"
What is VAF document?
The Diplomatic Visa Application Form (VAF DIP) \u2013 Diplomatic Position or Official Duty in UK. This category of visa application forms is for applications for an entry visa, if the application is to be submitted from out of the UK, for a foreign diplomat or a member of a foreign government on an official duty.What does VAF mean on UK visa?
VER.09 10/12. 1. You should read this information guide to help you decide which documents will be useful in supporting the statements that you have made on your visa application form (VAF). It is not a list of documents that you must submit.How do I fill in a UK visa application form?
If you already have an account, just sign in and fill the areas with the required information....Complete the online application formDo I need to send original documents for UK visa?
All documents, apart from passports, can be originals, scans or photocopies. If you submit a document that is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office.Pyongyang calling: we spent a week in North Korea
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: cottonbro, cottonbro, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska