Travelling to the UK for South African passport holders has become somewhat daunting with the current visa restrictions that were introduced in 2008. The days of travelling freely in and out of the UK are something of the past.
While Isabel Potgieter, SA’s British High Commission spokesperson, is making no promises about any change in the foreseeable future, she has given South Africans a glimpse of hope that we will once again be able to travel in and out of the UK as we once did.
Isabel Potgieter says, “There are no current plans to change the UK visa requirement for South Africans. The UK Government keeps its visa regime under regular review and we continue to work closely with South Africa on migration and border security issues.”
“The UK offers a high quality visa service in South Africa, with a clear and simple application process. In year ending June 2016, 98% of South Africans who applied for a UK visa were successful in their applications, with 99% of all visit visa applications resolved within our global service standard of 15 working days.”
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for decisions about who can come into the UK and who can stay here.
We recently attended UK visa training conducted by UKVI in partnership with British T.I.P.S (a fully fledged wholesaler offering an extensive range of products and services for budget, corporate and leisure travelers) and were given some key insights and a clearer understanding of the current requirements needed to apply for your UK visa.
Since the introduction of the visa restrictions the requirements have become less complex and far more streamlined over the years, making the visa application experience less intimidating. To keep you up to date of the current process Travelstart have drawn up a few frequently asked questions which we hope to provide clarity.
HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A UK VISA?
When Applying for a UK Visa
Whether you have plans to work, study or merely just to visit family and/or friends, all visa applications are required to be completed online using the Access UK service.
- Before you can apply for a visa you will first have to check which visa you will need to apply for and the accompanying documents.
- Depending on how long you intend to stay in the UK you may also need to consider a tuberculosis (TB) test.
Once online complete the application form. The application form will be presented in a variety of languages but only applications completed in English will be considered. Pay the visa fee online, print out your form and book your appointment at the visa application centre (VAC). You will be able to book an appointment at any VAC within 5 working days of your online application.
- Non-Settlement VS Settlement
Non-Settlement Visa
A non-settlement visa applies to anyone who is visiting the UK with no intention of staying long-term. These visas take up to a maximum 15 days to resolve from date of VAC meeting and are valid for up to a maximum of 6 months. There are 4 types of ‘visitor routes’ which fall under this category:
- Standard Visit – This covers leisure and business purposes
- Marriage and Civil Partnership Visit – If you intend to enter the UK to get married only and return back to your original destination
- Paid Engagement – If one is paid by a UK based company to perform a service such as a concert or a lecture. This not a multiple entry however. It is a single entry specifically for the event they wish to attend
- Transit Visa – When your connecting flight is via London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport.
99% of non-settlement applications are processed within 15 working days.
Settlement Visa
A Settlement visa applies to any anyone who intends to moves to the UK on a long-term basis and not return to South Africa in the foreseeable future. This visa application can take up to 60 days to be resolved.
*In the event you are needing your visas to be resolved a bit quicker than expected you will be able to purchase a priority service at the time of application only. You will NOT be able to purchase the priority service once the application has been submitted at a later stage.*
For all other visas including study and work visas the Visa4UK service would be applicable.
- What if My Passport has expired?
If you are in possession of one (South African) passport and it has expired then you will have to have your passport renewed.
If you are in possession of both a South African passport and a British passport you still have the authority to travel freely in and out of the UK.
If you are a South African with a British passport and South African passport and your British passport expires, as a British citizen you will not be able to apply for a visitor visa on your South African passport.
If you are traveling on a South African passport and your passport book runs out of pages with your 6 month visa period and you are required to order to renew your passport, you will not however have to apply for a new visa but you will need to be able to present both passports at immigration.
- I’m only travelling in 3 months’ time. Is it too early to get my 6 month Visa?
The sooner you apply for your visa the better. However if you apply 3 months in advance ensure that you stipulate this in your application and your visa will be post-dated from intended date of travel.
- What Visa will I need if I am travelling for a Business Visit?
A standard visit visa is suitable to travel to the UK for a short time to carry out activities relating to your business or work. The following business activities would apply to a standard visa:
- Attend a meeting or conference.
- Negotiating or signing trade agreements.
- Undertake fact finding mission.
- Checking details or goods.
- Conducting site visits.
- Promotional activities.
Business visits mean you will not be conducting weeks of work in an office as you would normal business hours (8am – 5pm).
If you find you travel to the UK quite regularly for business, you should probably consider a long term visa. You can apply for a 2 year, a 5 year, or a 10 year long term visa.
- What Other Visa Routes Should I be Aware of?
Here are a few other scenarios which will require visas other than the standard visas previously mentioned:
- Minors – Anyone under the age of 17.
- Domestic Workers – A domestic worker/Nanny may accompany you on your trip as long as they have been employed for a minimum of 1 year, there is an employment contract in place and you the employer requesting the visa will need to be able to pay the domestic the minimal UK wages of 7.50 GBP an hour over the duration in the UK.
- Overseas Dependant Territory – such as British Virgin Islands or Gibraltar. If the traveler goes via or into the UK they would need to apply for either a Visit Visa or a Transit Visa.
- EEA Family Permit – If a family member is an EU passport holder. They can travel with that passport holder with no visa fee. You HAVE to travel with the passport holder.
- UK Ancestor Visa – If you are able to prove that a grandparent was born in the UK and you are able to provide their birth certificates as well as your unabridged birth certificate.
- Vignette Transfer – In the event that your passport is complete destroyed and you were in possession of a long-term visa, you may apply for a vignette visa transfer.
- Do I need proof of my flights and hotel booking when applying visas?
UKVI will never ask for any proof or travels details when applying for your visa. However they do provide guidelines on the website for what supporting documents are needed. All of the below would be advised:
- Proof of income – i.e. Payslip and Bank accounts to prove you can fund your visit.
- Genuine reason and intention to travel to the UK. A letter from a family member or a friend / an invitation from a company.
- Intent to fully return to your country of residence or carry on with your journey.
- I am travelling via the UK. Do I need a UK visa?
If you are travelling via the UK and catching a connecting flight to your next destinations you will need a transit visa. Depending on which airport your connecting flight is flying out from will depend on the type of transit visa:
- Direct Airside Transit Visa – London Heathrow to London Heathrow Transits
OR
- Landside Transit Visa – London Heathrow to London Gatwick transits
SA Passport holders require a transit visa when transiting through the UK at all times. With the following exceptions:
- Valid USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand visa in a passport and you are travelling via the UK to any of those countries. If you need to change airports (London Heathrow to London Gatwick) passenger needs to arrive and depart by air. Must depart by 23:59 the following night.
- Transit with any of these counties visa in passport and travelling to another destination. I.e. Germany, Netherlands etc. but have to be transiting through the same airport and only be travelling to a Schengen state.
*Schengen Visit visa is not an exception document for a transit waiver.*
- I have an emergency and I need to get to the UK immediately?
In the event that you find yourself in a situation where you need your visa within the minimal time possible there are added value services provided by UKVI, but it will cost you:
- 5 Day turnaround time for a visa – Priority fee of 184 GBP over and above your visa fee
- 24 hour turnaround time – Super Priority fee of 919 GBP over and above your visa fee
- What happens if I miss my VAC appointment?
Unfortunately if you miss your VAC appointment or you arrive late you will either have to apply for a new appointment online and pay for a new visa application or you have the option to pay for a priority appointment
While there is still quite a process when applying for a UK visa, if you can afford the opportunity to plan timeously then follow the steps carefully and collect as much proof required so that UKVI has no reason to send back your application. More often than not there may be 1 or 2 minor issues and you will be able to resolve it and start the application process again.
For information on the visa process contact the UK Immigration Service. Each email inquiry will cost 5.48 GBP.
*Disclaimer!
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.
Hi There,
I went for my visa appointment on Thursday May 3, I fly out of JHB to the UK on the night of the 18th May. I am in a bit of a panic that I will not get my visa in time.. Do you know how I can make sure I get my visa in time!! Please assist if possible
Hi Adam,
I can believe it’s quite a panic.
I’m afraid there is no way to make sure you get your visa in time. We always recommend once applies as soon as possible within the recommend time (but again if the embassy has a backlog there is no way to speed it up) They do have the option to pay extra at the time of applying for an emergency visa but that can only be requested at the time of applying for ones visa.
We hope you get your visa before you leave.
We are a family of 4 traveling together (2 children) , and I was under the impression that would VISA Application Interview at the VAC needs to be together, however when applying I was unable to get appointments for all of us on one day ? How should be remedy this ?
I will need to provide a lot of the same information for each child’s application so I do not understand why the system would not allow us to all attend interviews at the same time ?
I have also read through all of the information on the UK online application website and no where do they address this issue.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
It could be that they do not have enough availability (for all 4 applicants on the days you have requested)
However as we do not specialise with in Visa applications it would be best to contact them direct and they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi Marcelle, I am travelling on 17 May to the UK. if I have an expired passport and have made application for a new one, which I should have by 9 May. Can I complete the application with my expired passport details or can I leave this section partially completed and make a note at the end of the application advising that the passport will accompany me at my TLS appointment?
Hi Shareen,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge one needs to complete the form with the passport details you will be travelling on.
However I would suggest contacting the official visa handling agency you will be applying through as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow.
Hello,
I will have a South African passport and will be holidaying London soon with a UK tourist visa. While I am there I would like to have a day trip to Paris by train.
Do I need a Schengen visa too to get into Paris for a day?
Hi Gregory,
That is correct.
As the UK is not part of the Schengen State, the UK visa will not cover you when wanting to visit Paris.
You will need to apply for a separate visa when visiting France.
Hello. Could u Pls recommend a good travel insurance Co. They need to cover schengen and uk insurance requirements.
Hi Mragaret,
Thanks for getting in touch.
When booking with Travelstart we offer comprehensive Travel Insurance through Hepstar.
The medical cover is sufficient / and what is required when applying for a Schengen Visa.
When making a booking through Travelstart our comprehensive Travel Insurance is one of the products we offer during the booking process.
When applying for your visa you will need to print the policy out and submit it with your application.
Hi there
I am travelling to the US via Heathrow on 18 April. My passport expires on 26 May 2018. Will I be allowed to fly to the UK for my connecting flight due to the imminent expiry of my passport. In terms of the US rules they only require passport validity for your stay – no 6 month rule but I cannot find any info from the UK side?
Hi Theunis,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Ones passport needs to be valid for 6 months after date of return from their travel.
If it is not, they would not be permitted to travel. You welcome to contact the airline you travelling with as well as the Embassies to see what they advise.
can anyone advise, if i am visiting the UK with my children both under 17 year of age, do i have to apply online for separate visas for them, and is it the same visa as what i would apply for (coming from South Africa
Hi Jane,
Thanks for contacting us.
All passengers travelling abroad need to travel on their own passport.
This means they need to apply for a visa if required to show in their passport.
However please contact the Embassy or official visa handling direct they will advise on the correct procedures to follow and what documents are required as well as cost.
Hi,
I would like to visit my son & Family in Ireland during August 2018. We have a valid South African passport and a valid USA visa (expiring May 2019).
What type of Visa do I need to transit from LHR to either Dublin / Shannon?
Can you give me a estimated cost if I do need a transit visa.
This will be our Fifth visit to Ireland.
Regards
Blackie Swart
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge if you hold a valid US visa and travelling via the UK to Ireland it should cover you while in transit.
However you need to contact the Embassy direct, as they need to provide you with the most up to date information if this is the case or not.
They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information if a transit visa is required and if so the correct procedure to follow and the cost involved.
Hi There, I have just returned from the UK holding a standard visitors visa and I am wanting to go back.
My current visa ends on the 11th of April.
Is it possible for me to apply and get a new standard visitors visa before that date or do I need to wait until after the 11th to apply for a new one?
I.e: can I apply now wait the 8-10 days and go then (example 25th of March) in other words can my visas overlap? OR can I apply 8-10 days before the 11th of April so I can get my results around that time so I can go back on say the 12th? or do I need to wait until the 11th and then apply?
Hi Grant,
Thanks for the interesting question.
One usually needs to wait 3 – 6 months after the original visa expires before you are able to apply for a new one.
You would need to contact the Embassy direct as they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information on when they would allow you to apply again for your next visa.
Hi Marcelle
I have applied for a standard UK visitor visa and am waiting for the return. I know that it is valid for 6 months but would like to know if it’s valid for 6 months from my date of entry into the UK or is it valid for 6 months from the date of application?
Thank you.
Hi Sylvia,
It should be from date of issue.
We do advise you contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency, as this information could change or could have changed at any time. They are granting the visa’s and would be able to provide you with the most up to date info.
Please! If I have a ten year standard visa , when does the six month period start? I was in UK from 22 September 2017 till 12 December 2017, when may I go back to UK?
Hi Johanna,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’ve gone onto the following website: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/eligibility however nothing is mentioned about when one can return for their next visit. The only info provided is:
If you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.
I would suggest contacting the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi there,
Thanks for the information. In the above, you mentioned we could apply 3 months in advance and post-date the visa. My husband and I want to go the UK at the end of Nov but we leave for Zambia in May, where we work, and only arrive back mid-Nov and I know visas can take up to 15 days to approve. Are we able to apply in April for November? So when we come home we can then just leave for the UK in a weeks time?
Thank you
Hi Lyndie,
You would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to see if they would permit this, as you will be applying for the visa through them. They would only be able to advise accordingly.
Some people applying for a UK visa have also waited more then 15 days for it to be approved. This all depends on the documents submitted if their is a backlog etc
Hello Marcelle, I just need to verify what it means for a settlement visa to be decided within 12weeks of the application date. Does it mean when the application was made and submitted online or when the UKVI received the application along side supporting documents?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I would day from when the application is received along with supporting documents. However as we are not the ones specialising in visa’s and granting them please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency for the most up to date information. As this info could change at anytime.
Hi Marcelle
I want to apply for a 10 Year visa for the UK. My current passport expires in March 2019 and I will only apply for a new passport next year.
Is it acceptable to travel with the visa in my old passport?
Hi there,
In the past one was able to travel with both passports. The expired passport with the valid visa and the new passport.
However the rules could have changed. For the most up to date info you would need to contact Home Affairs as well as the Embassy they will be able to provide you with the most up to date info.
I WANT TO A WORKING VISA, HOW DO ONE APPLY. WHAT MUST DONE.
Hi Angie,
I’m afraid we do not specialise in work visa’s.
Please contact the Embassy or the official visa handling agency.
They will be able to advise on what documents would be required, documents from the company sponsoring you/where you will be going to work, the correct procedures to follow as well as cost involved.
I’ve been offered to help out doing a Harvest at Gusbourne wine estate for two months, which visa will I be needing to apply for? I will be earning an income?
Hi Gillian,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you will be working and earning an income in the UK you will need to apply for a UK Work visa.
I’m afraid we do not specialise in work visas. For this, you need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct.
They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow when applying for a work visa, what documents would be required as well as the cost.
I am planning to take my daughter to the UK as a birthday gift.She is a 20 year old student with no proof of income and we are applying ftom different countries.She is applying from South Africa.How much money will I have to deposit into her bank account to prove that she can support herself during her stay?
Hi Ruby,
Thanks for getting in touch.
This is not stated. If you are travelling together with your daughter they would see if you have sufficient funds to support yourself as well as your daughter while on holiday. The officer will look at your Visa Application Form and any financial supporting documents to assess whether you have sufficient funds. Your financial documents include your bank statement, bonds and shares certificates, fixed deposits, etc. The officer will consider your total monthly income as stated by you and as shown on your documents. In assessing your monthly income they will consider the source and regularity of the income and whether it will continue to be paid to you whilst you are visiting the UK.
You welcome to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency to see what guideline they provide. As they are the ones deciding if the visa will be granted.
i am pakistani citizen i live in south africa for pass 26 years i am a south african permanent resident holder i would like to go to visit friends and family in u k.what will be the requirments for me for a visitors visa
Hi Abdul,
Thanks for contacting us.
If you a SA passport holder you would require a UK Tourist visa to visit family and friends in the UK. If you travelling on any other passport I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.
Hi where in S A , I mean to which town should I go to for the interview to visit the UK ?
Hi Hettie,
thanks for getting in touch.
You welcome to read our blog: FAQS About South African UK visa application. Here we provide all the relevant information.
I did a quick look on our blog, if you scroll down to “HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A UK VISA?” here we provide links to book your appointment and which cities one can go for their appointment.
I’m in the process of planning a holiday to my son in uk. Have to apply for visitors visa an have done so before..no problem
whilst in uk I would like to visit forva day /weekend..Belgium or/paris.. do i need a schengen visa an how would i go about this application
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you are travelling on a South African passport to the UK and Belgium and Spain you will need a UK visa as well as a Schengen visa.
For this you will need to contact the Embassies of the countries they are the ones granting the visa’s and will be able advise on the correct procedures to follow, what documents will be required as well as the cost.
i will be traveling with my wife to Germany (who is a German resident) on a three month visa . while in Germany can i apply for a UK visa to visit my daughter for a week or do i have to apply in my country of residence which is Cape Town South Africa
Hi William,
Thanks for getting in touch and the interesting question.
For this you would need to contact the British Embassy direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date info, if this would be possible or not. As they grant the visa’s.
Please could you let me know how much money per day of travel the UK requires visitors to have in their bank account? This would be very useful information.
Thank you
Hi Ann,
I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa’s and for this, you would need to contact the Embassy direct. As they are granting the visa’s they will be able to advise on the visa requirements and how much funds are needed in one’s bank account.
Hi
My wife has dual passports (South African & British) and our baby daughter has a South African one and are planning on visiting family for 3 weeks.
Can you please confirm if our daughter needs a visa? If yes, which one? And do I complete the form online on behalf of her, including funds etc to be supplied by me (the father)
Does she need to do the TB test? I have received different replies regarding this.
Looking forward to your reply
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa’s. I would suggest contacting the Embassy direct as they are the ones granting them. They will have the most up to date information and will be able to advise on the correct procedures you would need to follow, what documents are required as well as the cost.
Thank you for the information.
I will be traveling with my family for leisure in March 2018 to Portugal. We are a family of 10, with 4 under 18 years. We all have valid South African passport since they will be expiring in 2020.
I intend applying for Visa now in January 2018, is it too early? What kind of Visas do we need? The duration is for a week. When should we purchase the return tickets. As parents we are the one to pay for this visit, accommodation is already booked.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
One can usually only apply for a Schengen visa maximum 3 months prior to departure.
Please contact the Embassy of the consultant you will be applying through. As they are the ones granting the visa’s they will be able to advise the correct procedures to follow, what documents are required as well as the cost involved.
My passport expires in 6 months and I have a valid UK visa (5 years) can I still travel to the UK during the next 6 months?
Hi Anita,
In the past I have heard where one travels with both passports. Their expired passport with the valid visa in it. As well as their new passport.
However, this could have changed so please contact the Embassy direct to see what they advise.
Hi
I want to apply for a 5 year UK visa. My passport is valid until Feb 2023. If I apply in January 2018, is there any reason why they might not give me the 5 year visa (my passport expire 1 month after the visa would lapse)?
Hi there,
I’m afraid we are not able to say.
This is up to the discretion of the Embassy who grants the visa’s.
Please contact the Embassy direct, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.