Country guide
Britain / United Kingdom
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
British Pound (GBP), also known as Pound Sterling. Scottish Pounds are also widely accepted.
Time zones
No UTC / GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa
Dialing code
+ 44
Best time to go
Year-Round. Winters are chilly and can be rainy, but hotel rates are better during the off season (November – March, excluding Christmas and New Year). July and August are peak seasons.
Drinking water
Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available.
Visa guide
Entry 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.
Biometrics
You will need to submit your biometrics at your closest VFS Global branch. Appointments to be made online.
Web: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/gbr/
Hours: Mon-Fri 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
Visa requirements
South African passport holders require a visa in order to visit or transit the United Kingdom.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Issuing authorities
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.
Tel: 021 405 2400 / 012 421 7500
Web: www.gov.uk/world/south-africa/news
Visa Information: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Visa processing time
Usually 15 days. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
Visa validity
6 months.
Visa cost
Standard Visitor visa £115
SA representative
South African High Commission
South Africa House, 9 Duncannon Street, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP
Tel: +44 20 451 7299
E-mail: london.sahc@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco.gov.za/uk/
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Apr 3; May 4, 25; Dec 25-26, 28