If you’re a South African citizen and you’re contemplating a trip to the United Kingdom (UK), a visa is mandatory. This well-rounded guide delivers all the details you need to go about the UK visa application process. It covers a range of visa types, application procedures, and crucial documents.
Types of Visa
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | Ideal for travel, visiting kin and friends, attending events, conducting business, and seeking medical treatment. | Up to 6-month stay. |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | For those intending to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK. | Varies. |
| Student Visa | For longer courses and requires sponsorship from a licensed college or university. | Depends on course duration. |
| Work Visa | Based on skills, qualifications, job offers, and purposes. | From under 6 months to over 6 months. |
| Permitted Paid Engagement Visa | For experts invited by UK-based clients or organizations for a one-month stay. | One month. |
| Family Visa | If you have a British citizen or settled family member in the UK. | Varies. |
For short term courses up to 6 months, a Standard Visitor Visa can be utilized. If keen on studying English language courses for a period extending 6 months but not exceeding 11 months, the Short-term Study Visa is recommended. A Student Visa is available for longer courses, which may have some work opportunities. This visa involves backing from a licensed college or university. A Child Student Visa has also been structured and caters to 4 to 17-year-olds attending independent schools with work options for those aged 16 and above.
Diplomatic and government business visits may not require a visa, but can apply for an exempt vignette.
The Visa for Parents option is available to you if your child is studying in the UK.
A Transit Visa is a valid option for those seeking to exit the airport and cross the border for up to 48 hours. This visa type allows for a flight change without crossing the border and is valid for 24 hours courtesy of the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV).
Applying for the Visa
You are recommended to apply at least 3 months ahead of your intended departure date. The appropriate visa type can be determined from the UK Visas and Immigration website. Upon completion of the online application, the fee is paid online, and a receipt is obtained. An online appointment can be scheduled at the Visa Application Centre. Details need to be registered on the TLScontact website, which is the exclusive UK Visa application partner in South Africa. An optional service available involves purchasing value-added services. Originals and copies of all required documents need to be prepared and the biometric data collection appointment must be attended. Await notification from the Visa Application Centre to collect your passport.
Requirements for UK Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa requires a completed application form, a valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity and with two blank pages), recent three months’ bank statements, proof of income, proof of residence, and letter of employment (or business registration documents for self-employed individuals). Visit the official UK government website for a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
Both Transit Visas require a valid passport, travel booking confirmation, and a valid visa for the destination country. Minors require a birth certificate, and those under 5 must apply in person but do not need to provide fingerprints. If traveling without or with non-parental figure adults, a signed parental note and accommodation details, with copies of the parent(s) or legal guardian’s passport page must be submitted.
Timing and Application Centers
You must apply for your UK visa up to three months before you plan to travel to the UK. If you’re already in the UK and your visa is set to expire soon, you must apply for a new visa prior to the expiry of your current one. Processing times can span from three to twelve weeks. You can take advantage of priority services for quicker decisions at an added cost.
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 Important Points
- When collecting your passport, bring your TLScontact checklist and a photocopy/original of your ID. In case someone is collecting on your behalf, they’ll need the original authorisation form and their ID.
- A Health Surcharge may apply for visits exceeding six months or for those seeking private medical treatment.
- If your visa demand is urgent, priority appointments can be arranged at an extra cost.
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