High commission
British High Commission Pretoria
255 Hill Street, Arcadia
United Kingdom visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
GBR
United Kingdom
Visa needed
A visa for holidays, family visits and other allowed short trips.
- Visa
- Required
- Fee
- £135
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for South African citizens in United Kingdom
- Temporary Visa holders can only enter for 3 months if entering from the Republic of Ireland (Eire).
- The Crown dependencies include the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey as well as the Isle of Man.
- The same Visa Policy applies mainly to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, therefore a United Kingdom Visa can be used.
- Entry must be refused or denied boarding on vessel.
- Direct Airside or Transit Visa required depending on type of transit.
What to do
Find the United Kingdom's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your United Kingdom visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into United Kingdom
Visit for a holiday or to see friends and family.
Visa required For your passportStandard Visitor visaA visa for holidays, family visits and other allowed short trips.
- Fee
- £135
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Apply online and pay the fee.
- Upload your documents.
- Visit a visa centre for identity checks.
- Wait for a decision before travel.
Documents required
- Passport valid throughout your stay
- Visit plans
- Proof of money
- Proof you will leave
- Certified English or Welsh translations
- Fingerprints
- Decisions usually take 21 days after identity checks and documents.
- Check your visa: some allow only 1 or 2 entries.
eVisaAccess your eVisaAn online record for people already granted UK immigration permission.
- Fee
- Free
- Processing
- 0–1 days
How to apply
- Get the UK permission you need.
- Create or sign in to your UK immigration account.
- Check your eVisa and link your current passport.
- Travel with the linked passport or travel document.
Documents required
- Passport or travel document
- Access usually works at once; allow 1 day after linking.
- Your visa sets your stay and entry rules; an eVisa adds no permission.
Sources (59)Last updated 11 November 2026
- UK Visas and Immigration
- Border Force
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- British Embassy Washington
- Coming to the UK from the USA
- British High Commission New Delhi
- Coming to the UK from India
- Check if you need a UK visa
- Standard Visitor overview
- Standard Visitor application and fees
- Visitor visa national list
- Visitor immigration rules
- Visitor supporting documents
- Electronic travel authorisation overview
- Apply for an ETA
- Official ETA application portal
- ETA eligible nationalities
- ETA exemptions
- Activities allowed with an ETA
- Common Travel Area guidance
- Transit overview
- Direct Airside Transit visa
- Visitor in Transit visa
- Transit applications and documents
- Carrier visa requirements and transit exemptions
- Transit caseworker guidance
- Transit guidance version 9, including Annex A
- Processing times outside the UK
- Business visits
- Innovator Founder visa
- Student visa
- Student visa documents
- Child Student visa
- Short-term English study visa
- Short-term English study eligibility
- Short-term English study documents
- Apply for short-term English study
- Study as a visitor
- Current visa brake restrictions
- Skilled Worker visa
- Skilled Worker costs
- Skilled Worker documents
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker job requirements
- Health and Care Worker costs
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Global Talent visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Youth Mobility eligibility
- Family visa overview
- Partner and spouse family visa
- Family visa evidence
- EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- EU-family permit eligibility and documents
- Medical visits
- Access and use an eVisa
- Travel with an eVisa
- Marriage Visitor visa
- British-Irish visa scheme
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Consulate
British Consulate-General Cape Town
Cape Town
Trips to United Kingdom
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs D G MAdapter for some
- MoneyGBP £
- Time−10h
- DrivingOn the leftSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency999 or 112 police
Planning your United Kingdom trip
Best time to go: Outdoor activities are possible all year. Summers are generally warm and damp, while winters are generally mild, but northern Scotland's mountains can have heavy snow.
- LondonThe capital has palaces, museums and major attractions such as the London Eye.
- Edinburgh and CardiffBoth cities have medieval castles, and Edinburgh is also known for its festivals.
- Bath and YorkThese historic cities offer places to explore Britain's Roman history.
- Lake District National ParkThis scenic national park is a World Heritage site recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Scams to watch for in United Kingdom
- Cup and ball betting gameA person moves three cups and asks you to bet on which hides a ball. They secretly remove the ball, so you cannot win by following it. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed.
- Ticket-machine cash theftSomeone offers to help you buy a ticket. Once your money is in the machine, they reach across, cancel the purchase and take the returned cash.
- Phone snatchingThieves snatch phones, often while riding fast-moving mopeds. They may then try to access personal information and banking apps.
About United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an island state made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Capital
- London
- Money
- British pound (£)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- 9 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +44
Other Africa passports
Going to United Kingdom
Easier trips nearby
Places close to United Kingdom with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Is entry to United Kingdom restricted for South African citizens?
Temporary Visa holders can only enter for 3 months if entering from the Republic of Ireland (Eire). The Crown dependencies include the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey as well as the Isle of Man.
Do south african citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a United Kingdom visa?
At the United Kingdom's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter the United Kingdom?
We have no record of the United Kingdom relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do british citizens need a visa for South Africa?
British citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to the United Kingdom?
Mauritius and Seychelles can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near United Kingdom are easier for south african citizens?
Kosovo, Russia, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the United Kingdom?
Find the United Kingdom's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in the United Kingdom?
British pound (£). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the United Kingdom?
English.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck