UK Visa Application
South African passport holders need a visa to visit the UK. Fortunately, the entire UK visa application process is explained in this detailed guide. You need to first apply online and continue your visa application at your nearest UK visa application centre. Processing time can take up to 3 weeks.
Standard Visitor Visa - to travel, visit family and friends, take part in events, do business, and for medical purposes.
Visa in Transit – to go through border control and leave the airport (en route to another country).
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – to change flights without going through border control or leaving the airport.
The earliest you can make your UK visa application is 3 months before your date of departure.
| Standard Visitor Visa: R1970 |
| Direct Airside Transit Visa: R760 |
| Visa in Transit: R1355 |
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.
• Completed and printed application form
• Valid passport (valid for 6 months from departure date, with 2 blank pages)
• Bank statements of the last 3 months
• Confirmation of salary
• Proof of residence
• Letter of employment; if self-employed please provide business registration documents
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
• 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
Address: Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Corner of De Smit and Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Telephone: 012 472 3800
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
Telephone: 012 472 3801
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
Collecting your passport
When collecting your passport, ensure you bring along the TLScontact checklist, and original and 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.
Do you visit the UK regularly?
Should 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 they come at an extra cost. Consult their website for up-to-date fees and information.
What happens if you miss your VAC appointment?
You can apply for a priority appointment if you miss your appointment, at an additional cost.
So, whether you’re planning a trip to London, England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you'll have plenty to discover! With this guide on the UK visa application process, you'll soon be on your way.
Need assistance with your visa? Get a free assessment and quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!
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