UK Visa Application

Headed to the beautiful United Kingdom? Here’s everything you need to know! South African passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter the country, even for transit en route to another country, so make sure you have everything in order before you go.


You will need to start your application online, and then make an appointment for an in-person visit to your nearest UK visa application centre. Processing time can take up to 4 weeks.

Competition duration
Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.

Types of Visas

Standard Visitor Visa - to travel, go on holiday, visit family and friends or do business.

Competition duration
Validity: 6 months

Visa in Transit – to go through border control and leave the airport (en route to another country).

Competition duration
Validity: 48 hours

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – to change flights without going through border control or leaving the airport.

Competition duration
Validity: 24 hours

How to Apply

The earliest you can make your UK visa application is 3 months before your date of departure.

  1. Decide which visa you need on the UK Visas and Immigration website
  2. Complete the online application
  3. Pay the application fee online via debit or credit card (print out the receipt)
  4. Book an online appointment at the Visa Application Centre
  5. Register your details on the TLScontact website
  6. Purchase additional value services (optional)
  7. Prepare all necessary documents for your appointment (originals and copies)
  8. Attend your appointment to have your biometrics taken
  9. Collect your passport once the Visa Application Centre notifies you via email

UK Visa Costs

Standard Visitor Visa: £115
Direct Airside Transit Visa: £45
Visa in Transit: £64

Important notice: Payments must be made online prior to your appointment. Ensure that you bring a copy of the receipt with you to your interview. Cash payments will not be accepted at the Visa Application Centre.

Competition duration
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice

UK Visa Requirements

• Valid passport (valid for 6 months from departure date, with 2 blank pages)

• Completed and printed application form

• The dates of your trip

• Proof of where you will reside in the UK

• Bank statements of the last 3 months

• Confirmation of income

• Proof of residence

• Letter of employment; if self-employed please provide business registration documents

• Your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)

• Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed

Visit the official UK government website for an extensive list of supporting documents.

• Valid passport

• Travel booking confirmation

• Valid visa for the country for which you’re departing the UK

• Legal birth certificate

• Children under 5 years old must apply for their UK visa in person, but are not required to provide fingerprints

Minors travelling unaccompanied or with someone other than their parents must provide:

• Signed letter from parent(s) confirming details of anyone accompanying you, and details of care and accommodation arranged in the UK

• Copy of parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical page of their passport, which includes their signature and passport number if parent(s) do not have a passport then you must provide another official document which bears their signature

Application Centres

Address: Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Corner of De Smit and Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30

Address: 2nd - 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, 6 Gwen Lane, Corner of Gwen and Fredman Drive, Sandton

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30

Address: 1st Floor, Menlyn Corner, Frikkie de Beer Street, Corner of Lois Avenue and Atterbury Road, Menlyn

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30

Address: Ground floor, Building 66, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30

Additional Information

Collecting your passport

When collecting your passport, ensure you bring along the TLScontact checklist, and the original as well as a copy of your ID. If someone is collecting your passport on your behalf, they need to additionally submit the original authorisation form, their original ID and copy thereof.

Do I need to pay a Health Surcharge?

If you are applying to visit the UK for longer than six months, you’ll need to pay a 'Health Surcharge'. This does not apply to visitor visas. If you are receiving private medical treatment for longer than 6 months, you need to apply for a biometric residence permit.

Have you already submitted your biometrics?

If you have previously submitted your biometrics and are exempt from resubmitting them, you must supply a passport photo with your application. If you have not submitted biometric information, you no longer need to supply a passport photo.

What happens if you miss your visa applications appointment?

You can apply for a priority appointment if you miss your appointment, at an additional cost.

Need assistance with your visa application? Get a free assessment and quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!



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