How Long Does It Take To Get A Uk Visa In South Africa
These can be two confusing subjects for people, especially for those who are in business and travelling on a regular basis. So how long does it take to get a UK visa in South Africa? There are some important things you need to know about these visas, most importantly the time it takes to process your application. But first let’s talk about the difference between a visa and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).As a fast-developing country, South Africa is one of the most convenient destinations for investment. The UK Immigration Service makes it clear that they welcome applications from investors and entrepreneurs when they talk about opportunity to create wealth. You might have thought if you have a full amount of money in your bank account when you apply for visa or not. But it is not true that you should have full money in your bank account to get the UK visa.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Uk Visa In South Africa
There are many services and facilities provided by UK government to eligible people. They are designed to help them and their families whenever they face difficult situations in their life. One of the most common services is beneficiary visa obtained from British Embassy in South Africa for a limited period or for an unlimited period. Generally there are two types of UK visitor visas that are issued by UK visa office in South Africa.
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.
Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.
Overview
Type of visasHow to applyVisa costsVisa requirementsWhere to applyAdditional information
Types of Visas
Standard Visitor Visa – to travel, visit family and friends, take part in events, do business, and for medical purposes.
Validity: 6 months
Visa in Transit – to go through border control and leave the airport (en route to another country).
Validity: 48 hours
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – to change flights without going through border control or leaving the airport.
Validity: 24 hours
How to Apply
The earliest you can make your UK visa application is 3 months before your date of departure.
- Decide which visa you need on the UK Visas and Immigration website
- Complete the online application
- Pay the application fee online via debit or credit card (print out the receipt)
- Book an online appointment at the Visa Application Centre
- Register your details on the TLScontact website
- Purchase additional value services (optional)
- Prepare all necessary documents for your appointment (originals and copies)
- Attend your appointment to have your biometrics taken
- Collect your passport once the Visa Application Centre notifies you via email
UK Visa Costs
| 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.
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice
UK Visa Requirements
Standard Visitor Visa:
• 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.For both UK Transit Visas:
• Valid passport
• Travel booking confirmation
• Valid visa for the country for which you’re departing the UKMinors (under 18):
• 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
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 – 15:30TSL Johannesburg
Address: 2nd – 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, 6 Gwen Lane, Corner of Gwen and Fredman Drive, Sandton
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30TSL 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 – 15:30TSL Port Elizabeth
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 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.