The UK visa cost for South Africans in 2026 ranges from R2,895 for a 6-month visitor visa to R42,089 for a spouse visa. South African nationals enjoy an exceptional 96% visitor visa approval rate — one of the highest globally, placing South Africa among "low-risk" nationalities. This guide provides complete 2026 UK visa fees in South African Rand (ZAR), processing times, and requirements for South African citizens.
UK Visa Cost South Africa 2026: Overview
UK visa fees for South Africans in 2026: 6-month visitor visa R2,895, 2-year visitor R10,826, student visa R11,172, skilled worker R16,393, and spouse visa R42,089. Priority processing adds R11,400 for 5-day service or R22,800 for next-day super priority.
UK Visa Success Rate for South Africans 2026
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
UK Visa Prices South Africa: Complete Fee Table
UK Visitor Visa Cost for South Africans 2026
The UK visitor visa cost for South Africans is R2,895 for a 6-month visa, R10,826 for 2 years, R19,327 for 5 years, and R24,136 for 10 years. All visitor visas allow stays of up to 180 days per visit. South Africans enjoy an excellent 96% approval rate.
South African citizens require a visa to visit the United Kingdom. The only exception is for South Africans with dual citizenship from visa-exempt countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or EU member states. For detailed requirements, see our Standard Visitor Visa UK guide.
UK Tourist Visa South Africa Cost in Rands
UK Priority Visa South Africa Cost
Other UK Visitor Visa Fees from South Africa
UK Student Visa Cost from South Africa 2026
The UK student visa cost from South Africa is R11,172 (£490). Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of R23,598 per year (£1,035). South African students must also demonstrate they meet UK student visa financial requirements.
UK Student Visa Fees for South Africans in Rands
After graduation, South African students can access the Graduate route for 18 months post-study work (reduced from 2 years from January 2027). PhD graduates receive 3 years. Students must also meet UK visa English requirements.
UK Work Visa Cost for South Africans 2026
UK work visa fees for South Africans range from R6,475 for Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) to R32,376 for Skilled Worker (over 3 years). The minimum salary threshold is £41,700 for most Skilled Worker roles.
Can South Africans Work in the UK?
Yes, South African citizens can work in the UK with appropriate work visas. The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route, requiring a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor. South Africans with a UK-born grandparent may also qualify for the Ancestry visa.
UK Work Visa Fees for South Africans in Rands
UK Family Visa Cost from South Africa 2026
The UK spouse visa cost from South Africa is R42,089 (£1,846) with standard processing of 12-24 weeks. Priority processing (6 weeks) costs an additional R11,400. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement, increasing to £38,700 by 2027.
UK Family Visa Fees from South Africa in Rands
How to Apply for UK Visa from South Africa
South Africans apply for UK visas online at gov.uk, then attend a biometrics appointment at VFS Global centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, or Port Elizabeth. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas (or 5 days with priority service).
UK Visa Application Steps for South Africans
- Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa category for your purpose
- Complete Online Application: Fill out the UK visa application form on gov.uk
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable fee in South African Rand
- Book VFS Appointment: Schedule biometrics at a VFS Global centre
- Attend Appointment: Submit documents and provide biometrics
- Await Decision: Typically 3 weeks for visitor visas, 12-24 weeks for settlement visas
- Collect Passport: Collect from VFS or receive via courier
UK Visa Application Centres in South Africa
- Visitor visa: R2,895 — 96% approval rate (excellent!)
- Exchange rate: 1 GBP = R22.80 ZAR
- Student visa: R11,172 + IHS R23,598/year
- Work visa: Skilled Worker R16,393 (up to 3 years)
- Family visa: R42,089 for spouse/fiancée
- Priority: +R11,400 for 5-day processing
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: UK Visa Cost for South Africans
How much is a UK visa from South Africa?
The UK visa cost from South Africa in 2026 is R2,895 for a 6-month visitor visa, R10,826 for 2 years, R19,327 for 5 years, and R24,136 for 10 years. Student visa costs R11,172, skilled worker visa R16,393 (up to 3 years), and spouse visa R42,089. All fees are at the Home Office rate of 1 GBP = R22.80.
What is the UK visa success rate for South Africans?
South African nationals enjoy an excellent 96% visitor visa approval rate (year ending September 2025) — one of the highest globally. Out of 80,816 applications, only 2,765 were refused. South Africa is classified as a "low-risk" nationality, placing it alongside Ukraine, China, and Thailand for approval rates.
How long does UK visa processing take in South Africa?
Standard processing for UK visitor visas from South Africa takes approximately 3 weeks after biometrics. Priority service (R11,400 extra) reduces this to 5 working days, while super priority (R22,800) delivers next working day. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take 12-24 weeks standard, or 6 weeks with priority service.
Do South Africans need a visa for the UK?
Yes, South African passport holders require a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any purpose. The only exception is South Africans with dual citizenship from visa-exempt countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or EU member states. The standard 6-month visitor visa costs R2,895.
Can South Africans work in the UK?
Yes, South Africans can work in the UK with appropriate work visas. The Skilled Worker visa (R16,393-R32,376) requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor meeting the £41,700 minimum salary. South Africans with a UK-born grandparent may qualify for the Ancestry visa (R16,393), which grants full work rights without needing a job offer.
How much is the 10 year UK visa from South Africa?
The 10-year UK visitor visa cost from South Africa is R24,136 (£1,059). This long-term visa allows multiple entries over 10 years, with each stay limited to 180 days per visit. It's ideal for South Africans with frequent travel needs to the UK. Applicants must demonstrate consistent travel history and strong ties to South Africa.
What documents are required for UK visa from South Africa?
UK visa applications from South Africa require: valid South African passport, completed online application, visa fee payment, bank statements (typically R70,000-115,000 or equivalent), proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, employment letter, and evidence of ties to South Africa. Additional documents vary by visa category — work visas need a Certificate of Sponsorship, student visas require a CAS.
For the most current fee information, refer to the official Home Office visa fees calculator. For detailed success rate information, see our UK visa statistics page.