BRADES, Montserrat (May 14, 2013) – The Government of Montserrat and the Department for International Development (DFID) are full of praises for the new online visa system which is making it easier for travelers to visit the island.
MOVA, the Montserrat Online Visa Application which was designed by local software firm Lavabits went online last September. It allows anyone wishing to travel to Montserrat, who is on a country identified as needing a visa, to apply online and get a response within one day for a one-time fee of US$50.
“Prior to MOVA, people wishing to come here had to travel to the nearest British embassy whether it was in their home country or not, stand in line and hope they are approved for a visa,” said Kato Kimbugwe, the DFID rep who pushed for the implementation of the system.
“MOVA helps meet the Strategic Growth Programme plans of increasing tourism development and facilitating easier access for travelers,” he added.
The online programme which can be accessed via www.immigration.ms is very simple to operate, explained Sargeant Maleka Newell of the Royal Montserrat Police Service who processes the applications.
“Once I have internet access, I can approve the visa applications no matter the time of day or where ever I am,” Sgt. Newell said. “Recently a woman on a yacht came in from a country which required a visa and she was able to go online fill in the form and we approved her in a matter of minutes and she is now enjoying the island.”
Another plus for MOVA is that it is adding revenue directly to Montserrat with each application processed. Previously, no earnings for approved visas reached the government and stayed with whatever embassy and country it was processed in.
According to the first MOVA Report Card which covers September 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013, 46 applications were submitted. Only one was declined and 45 approved. Many of those visa recipients have since visited the island said Newell.
The average processing times is 26.3 Hrs with the longest taking 265.25 Hrs and the shortest 0.02 Hrs.
The Top 5 places where applications are received from are: Ukraine 12; United Arab Emirates 10; Russian Federation 9; El Salvador 6; and Philippines 5.
MOVA was funded by the Tourism Development Programme 2 (TDP2). Kimbugwe stated that work has already begun to create a similar system to process resident permits online as soon as July 1, 2013.
“MOVA shows the level of innovation that can happen on Montserrat as it was developed here and will have the on-going support of Lavabits. It also demonstrates that Government is serious about offering online services to facilitate the needs of its clients and sends the right message to investors and travellers that we are open for business,” Kimbugwe noted.
Read the visa guide and learn how you can apply to visit Montserrat at www.immigration.ms/guide.
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