Britain / United Kingdom

Please Note

From 1 July 2026, the UK has moved to an e-visa system. Before you travel to the UK you will need to sign in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa and check your details are correct. You will not be able to access your eVisa until you receive confirmation that your visa has been granted

British Consulate General Cape Town

15th Floor, Norton Rose House, 8 Riebeek Street, Foreshore, 8000

Visits by appointment only

British High Commission, Pretoria

255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002

Visits by appointment only

Telephone: 021 405 2400 / 012 421 7500
Website: www.gov.uk/world/south-africa/news

Visa Information: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

2026

January: 1
April: 3
May: 4, 25
December: 25 - 26, 28

You will need to submit your biometrics at your closest VFS Global branch

Appointments to be made online
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/gbr/
Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 17:00

Cape Town: No 2 Long Street ,9th Floor, Cape Town
Durban: 309 Umhlanga Rocks Drive Summerset Park
Joburg: 3rd, Cnr Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Rivonia Village. Sandton
Port Elizabeth: Greyville House, Greyville Road, Newtown Park, Port Elizabeth
Pretoria: The Podium at Menlyn 4th Floor, 43 Ingersol Road, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria

South African passport holders require a visa in order to visit or transit the United Kingdom

Application Process

1. Apply online at www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

Fill out an online application form, pay the visa fee and book your appointment at a Visa Application Centre

• If you’re applying with family members, each person must have their own application and pay the fee. They need to attend their own appointment at a visa application centre.
• Receive a unique GWF Number

2. Book your appointment through VFS Global to submit biometrics and any additional documents (if applicable)

• You will need to bring your passport
• NOTE: You must attend your appointment in person, however you can arrange for your passport / documents to be collected via a courier after the visa has been processed

Documents/Requirements

If you are intending to visit the UK you will need to show that you are a genuine visitor who is coming to the UK to undertake a permitted activity, that you will leave at the end of your visit and that you have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit

Documents may be submitted online via your application portal, or at the visa application centre

• Valid passport with 1 blank page
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of residency (if applicable)
• Proof of employment
• Proof of sufficient funds / sponsor
• Additional documents which provide evidence that you are a genuine visitor, and have intentions to return after your stay
• If you are staying for longer than 6 months, you will need a TB X-ray and may have to pay a medical surcharge

• Usually 15 days
• The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel

6 months

Standard Visitor visa £115

Compulsory:

None

Recommended Travel Vaccines:

Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio

South African High Commission

South Africa House, 9 Duncannon Street, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP
Telephone: +44 20 451 7299
E-mail: london.sahc@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco.gov.za/uk/