New Visa requirements for South African nationals visiting the UK
With effect from Tuesday 03 March, South African passport holders will require a visa in order to visit or transit the United Kingdom.
However, until mid-2009, South African nationals who have previously travelled to the UK in their current passport will be exempt from the visa requirement. This decision follows a global review of the UK's pre-entry immigration controls and reflects the UK government's commitment to strengthen its borders.
Avoid the visa and travel to the UK in the next few months.
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You need to fill in only one of the forms, depending on what type of visa you want to apply for.
The guidance notes will tell you which form you should fill in.
At the back of the VAF there is a checklist that gives advice about additional documents that you need when making your application.
The following documentation is mandatory
Valid passport (Minimum Validity of 6 months from the date of submission of Application).
Completed and signed Visa Application Form.
Supporting documents (It is recommended to submit originals along with photocopies for all supporting documents)
Proof of payment of the visa fee as per the purpose of travel.
Two clear, passport sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photographs. Details of the photo specification are available.
Photo Specifications
Please provide two recent photographs of yourself.
The photographs should be in color and taken against a plain, evenly lit, light colored background so that your features are distinguishable against the background.
Your full face should be visible.
The photograph should be taken without a hat, helmet or other headgear, unless you wear such an item for religious reasons.
The photograph should be taken without sunglasses, although everyday glasses can be worn.
The photographs should be clear and of good quality, and should be printed on normal photographic paper.
They should be unmounted, passport style photographs where the size of the image is 45 mm x 35 mm.
Visa Application Charges
Single, double and multiple visit, valid up to 6 months – R991.00
Business visitor - general - R991.00
Longer term multiple entry (1, 2, 5 and 10 years) – R3126.00
For a guide to new Visa Regulations for South African Nationals click here.
