South African citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom (UK) must obtain a visa. This comprehensive guide outlines the entire UK visa application process for South Africans, including the various visa types, application procedures, and necessary documentation.
Visa categories
Standard Visitor Visa
Purpose: This visa is suitable for travel, visiting family and friends, attending events, conducting business, and seeking medical treatment.
Duration: Allows a stay of up to 6 months.
Marriage Visitors: Those planning to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK should apply for a Marriage Visitor visa.
Study Visa Options for South Africans
Duration and type of study influence the visa choice.
Standard Visitor Visa: For short courses lasting up to 6 months.
Short-term Study Visa: For English language courses exceeding 6 months but up to 11 months.
Student Visa: Intended for longer courses, requiring sponsorship from a licensed college or university. Some work opportunities are available.
Child Student Visa: Designed for 4 to 17-year-olds attending independent schools. Those over 16 can work.
Work Visa for the UK
Various work visas available based on skills, qualifications, job offers, and purposes like sports, charity work, or religious activities.
Temporary Workers Visa (for under 6 months), Skilled Worker Visa (for over 6 months), and other options exist.
Diplomatic and government business visits may not require a visa, but you can apply for an exempt vignette.
Other Visas
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa: For experts invited by UK-based clients or organizations for a one-month stay.
Visa for Parents: If you have a child studying in the UK.
Family Reunification
If you have a British citizen or settled family member in the UK, you can apply for a family visa. The sponsor may need to demonstrate financial support, and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) might be an option after residing in the UK for a specified period.
Visa in Transit
Transit Visa: Allows you to exit the airport and pass through border control for up to 48 hours.
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): Permits flight changes without passing through border control, valid for 24 hours.
Visa application process for South Africans
Apply at least 3 months before your departure date.
Determine the appropriate visa type on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Complete the online application.
Pay the application fee online (retain the receipt).
Schedule an online appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
Register your details on the TLScontact website, the exclusive UK Visa application partner in South Africa.
Optional: Purchase additional value-added services.
Prepare all required documents (originals and copies).
Attend your appointment for biometric data collection.
Await notification from the Visa Application Centre to collect your passport.
UK Visa requirements
Standard Visitor Visa:
Completed application form.
Valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages).
Three months’ bank statements.
Proof of income.
Proof of residence.
Letter of employment or business registration documents (if self-employed).
Visit the official UK government website for an extensive list of supporting documents.
For Transit Visas (Both Types):
Valid passport.
Travel booking confirmation.
Valid visa for the destination country.
Minors (Under 18):
Children under 5 must apply in person but don’t need to provide fingerprints.
Minors traveling unaccompanied or with others must submit a signed parental letter with accommodation details and copies of the parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical passport page.
Documentation Requirements for UK Visas
In addition to the above, prepare a document portfolio as evidence containing the following:
Proof of identification (passport or valid ID with at least one blank page).
Two passport-sized photos.
Proof of financial capability to support yourself and accompanying family.
Visa fee payment proof.
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Non-English documents require translation.
Depending on the type of visa you want to apply for, you might also need to submit a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate (also known as a SAPS365)
Visa Application Timing
It is essential to apply for you UK visa up to 3 months before your intended travel to the United Kingdom. If you’re already in the UK and your visa expires shortly, you must apply for a new visa before the current one expires. Processing times range from 3 to 12 weeks. Priority services are available for quicker decisions at an additional cost.
Visa Application Centers (VACs)
TSLcontact is the sole partner of the UK Government in South Africa and all applications for visas must be done at one of their local branches. They have offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth.
TSL Cape Town
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.
TSL Johannesburg
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.
TSL Pretoria
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.
TSL Port Elizabeth
Address: Ground floor, Building 66, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth.
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30.
Additional information
- When collecting your passport, bring the TLScontact checklist and original/copy of your ID. If someone collects on your behalf, they’ll need an original authorisation form and their ID.
- Health Surcharge may apply for visits over six months or for private medical treatment.
- Submit a passport photo if you’ve previously provided biometrics. You may not need a photo if biometrics haven’t been submitted.
- For urgent visa needs, priority appointments are available at an extra cost.
Disclaimer
This information was accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice. Apostil.co.za is not affiliated with immigration authorities or application centers and is not liable for any losses or inconveniences arising from the use of this information.
