UK Visa South Africa Cost 2024 Tips and Entry Requirements

1. Overview: UK Visa from South Africa

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South Africans must obtain the appropriate UK visa for visits, work, or studies. Visa requirements vary based on the visa category.

Cost of a UK Visa from South Africa

The cost of a UK visa for South African citizens depends on the visa type. Here’s a breakdown:

• Standard Visitor Visa:
  • Around R2,747 for up to 6 months.
• Long-term Standard Visitor Visa:
  • R9,553 to R22,999, depending on length.
• Skilled Worker Visa:
  • R13,160 to R33,914, depending on specifics.
• Student Visa:
  • Around R11,703.
• Marriage Visitor Visa:
  • Approximately R2,747.
• Spouse or Partner Visa:
  • Around R44,088.

Note: Additional costs for South Africans may include the Immigration Health Surcharge, translation services, and legal advice.

UK Visa Processing Time in South Africa 2024

• Non-settlement visas:
  • Typically take around three weeks.
• Priority non-settlement applications:
  • Take about five working days for an extra R11,941.
• Settlement visas:
  • Usually process within 12 weeks after biometrics.
• Priority settlement visas:
  • Take around six weeks for an extra R11,941.

Duration of Stay for South Africans in the UK

• Visitor visas:
  • Allow a stay of up to 180 days per visit.
• Spouse, student, or work visas:
  • Have specific validity periods.
• Extension options:
  • Exist for those meeting Leave to Remain (LTR) criteria.

Cost of Travel to the UK from South Africa

Travel costs from South Africa to the UK range from US$1,750 to US$5,225 per person for a 7-15 day trip. This includes visa fees, optional priority service fees, flights, living expenses, and travel insurance.

6-Months Passport Validity for South Africans Travelling to the UK

The United Kingdom generally does not enforce a strict 6-month passport validity rule for South Africans. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to have a passport that remains valid throughout the entirety of your intended stay in the UK. Following this guideline can help you avoid potential complications during immigration checks and throughout your visit. Always consult the latest travel advisories for the most current and accurate information.

What Visa Do I Need to Live in the UK from South Africa?

The visa type you need depends on your specific situation:

• Family Visa:
  • For South Africans to join a family member in the UK.
• Spouse or Partner Visa:
  • For South Africans moving to live with a spouse or partner in the UK.
• Skilled Worker Visa:
  • For South Africans with a job offer in the UK.
• Student Visa:
  • For South African students intending to study in a UK institution.
• Business Visas:
  • Includes Innovator, Start-up, and Investor visas for South African entrepreneurs and investors.
• Retirement Visa:
  • Although the UK doesn’t offer a specific retirement visa, South African older individuals may opt for an Investor visa.
• Ancestry Visa:
  • Available to South Africans with a UK-born grandparent.
• Youth Mobility Scheme:
  • Limited availability for South Africans aged 18-30 to experience life in the UK.

This guide outlines the necessary information for South Africans considering a move to the UK, ensuring that they choose the appropriate visa category and understand the associated costs and requirements.

2. Visiting Visa from South Africa to UK

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South Africans must apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. The only exception is for South Africans with dual citizenship from visa-exempt countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or EU Member States.

Standard Visitor Visa from South Africa to UK

The standard visitor visa allows South Africans to engage in various activities, including tourism, family visits, business engagements, and short-term studies. Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial before submitting an application.

Essential Criteria: UK Visitor Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

UK immigration personnel scrutinize multiple elements, such as:

• The objective of the trip
• The applicant’s financial status
• Lodging arrangements
• Exit strategies

In the year ending September 2022:

• 79,129 South Africans applied for a UK visitor visa.
• 75,902 applications were resolved.
• 73,667 visit visas were granted to South African nationals.
• 1,742 applications were rejected.

Therefore, the UK visitor visa success and refusal rates from South Africa are 97.06% and 2.30%, respectively.

How Much is a Visa from South Africa to the UK?

In 2024, the UK visa application fees from South Africa are categorized as follows:

• 6-month visa: R2,747
• 2-year visa: R9,553
• 5-year visa: R18,414
• 10-year visa: R22,999

All these visa categories limit your stay to a maximum of 180 days per visit.

Under normal circumstances, the processing time for a standard visitor visa is around three weeks. For quicker processing, there’s a one-week priority option available for R11,941, and for even faster service, a next working day super priority option at R23,883.

Tourist Visa to the UK from South Africa

For South African citizens applying for a UK tourist visa, the procedure entails filling out an online application form, paying the necessary visa fee, and submitting biometric data at a local visa application center. Additionally, applicants are required to submit various supporting documents.

Required Documentation for Tourist Visa to the UK from South Africa

• Proof of intent to return to South Africa: Supported by employment or educational commitments.
• Bank statements: Verifying adequate funds for the stay.
• A detailed travel itinerary and proof of accommodation: Such as hotel reservations.

Show Money for UK Tourist Visa for South African Citizens

Applicants are required to have sufficient financial resources, typically between GBP 3,000 and 5,000, to support all expenses during their UK trip. The precise amount needed depends on the trip’s duration and the number of people involved.

Can My South African Girlfriend Visit Me in the UK?

A Standard UK Visitor Visa is required for your South African girlfriend to visit the UK. The process involves an online application, payment of the visa fee, and biometric data submission.

London Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

The standard visitor visa caters to trips particularly to London. This entails an online application, document verification, and providing biometric information.

Other Visit Visas from South Africa to the UK

• Marriage Visitor Visa
  • Purpose: For South African citizens planning marriages or civil partnerships in the UK.
  • Duration: Up to 180 days.
  • Cost: R2,747
• Private Medical Treatment Visa
  • Purpose: For South Africans traveling to the UK for medical treatment lasting 6-11 months.
  • Note: Attendants must apply as visitors.
  • Cost: R4,777
• Visiting Academics Visa
  • Purpose: For South African academic professionals engaging in research or educational exchange in the UK for up to 12 months.
  • Cost: R4,777
• Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa
  • Purpose: For South Africans undertaking short-term paid tasks like lecturing in the UK, valid up to 30 days.
  • Cost: R2,747
• Parent of Child Student Visa
  • Purpose: For South African parents whose children are enrolled in UK fee-paying day schools, valid for 12 months.
  • Cost: R15,213
• Transit Visas
  • Purpose: Essential for South Africans passing through the UK en route to another nation.
  • Types:
    • Airside Transit: R836
    • Visitors in Transit: R1,529

3. Study Visa from South Africa to UK

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The UK Student Visa permits South Africans to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles.

In the year ending September 2022:

• A total of 892 South Africans applied for a student visa to the UK.
• 925 applications were resolved.
• 863 student visas were granted to South Africans.
• 57 applications were rejected.

Therefore, the UK student visa success and refusal rates for South Africans are 93.30% and 6.16%, respectively.

Cost of British Visa in South Africa for Student Applications

• Standard fee: R11,703
• Processing period: Approximately 3 weeks
• Expedited service: Additional cost of R11,941 for quicker processing

Additionally, students from South Africa must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is set at £776 annually, as part of their student visa application.

Short-term English Language Visa from South Africa to UK

• For 6-11 months: R4,777
• For a 6-month course: R2,747

Work Rights for South African Students

• Work Rights During Studies
  • Degree-Level Students: Up to 20 hours of work per week allowed during term.
  • Sub-Degree Level Students: Limited to 10 hours of work per week.
• Work Rights During Academic Breaks
  • Degree-Level and Sub-Degree Level Students: Full-time work allowed during academic breaks.
• Post-Study Work Opportunities
  • Graduates: Eligible for a 2-year post-study work visa.
  • PhD Holders: Eligible for a 3-year post-study work visa.
• Recent Changes to the Student Visa Process
  • Dependents: International students will no longer be able to bring dependents unless enrolled in research-based postgraduate programs.
  • Switching from Study to Work Routes: The ability of international students to switch from study to work routes before completing their studies has been restricted.

This updated information ensures that South African students and their families understand the current requirements, costs, and opportunities available for studying in the UK, including the latest changes in UK immigration policy.

4. Family Visa from South Africa to UK

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The family route is for those South Africans who can apply for a UK visa because of their relationship to a person settled in the UK or a British citizen. This includes spouse settlement visas, adult dependent relatives, parent of a British child visa, etc.

In the year ending September 2022:

• A total of 2,224 South Africans applied for a family settlement visa to the UK.
• 1,812 applications were resolved.
• 1,708 family settlement visas were granted to South Africans.
• 89 applications were rejected.

Therefore, the UK family (spouse) settlement visa success and refusal rates from South Africa are 94.26% and 4.91%, respectively.

UK Spouse or Partner Visa for South African Citizens

• Application Criteria for South Africans:
  • Must adhere to Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules.
  • Essential aspects include proving a genuine relationship, ensuring financial stability, having secure accommodation, and meeting English language proficiency standards.
• Visa Validity and Extension:
  • The spouse visa for South Africans is initially valid for 33 months and can be extended for an additional 30 months.
  • After 5 years, South African applicants are eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the partner route, contingent on continual adherence to visa requirements.
  • A 10-year settlement route is also an option if certain criteria such as financial stability or English proficiency are not initially met.
• Spouse Visa from South Africa to UK Fees:
  • Base application fee: R44,088.
  • For expedited processing within 6 weeks, an additional charge of R11,941 is applicable, totaling R56,029.

Other Family Visas from South Africa to the UK

• Fiancé(e) Visa:
  • Purpose: For South Africans planning to marry or engage in a civil partnership in the UK.
  • Validity: Valid for 6 months, with an option to switch to a spouse or civil partner visa post-marriage/partnership.
  • Cost: R44,088
• Parent of a British Child:
  • Purpose: For South Africans with sole guardianship of a British child.
  • Cost: R44,088
• Adult Dependent Relative:
  • Purpose: For South Africans needing extended care from a UK relative.
  • Cost: R77,620
• Returning Residents:
  • Purpose: For South Africans who were previously settled in the UK and wish to return.
  • Cost: R15,213

5. Work Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

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The primary route for South Africans seeking UK employment is through the Skilled Worker Visa. Other options include visas like Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, and Health and Care Worker.

In the year ending September 2022:

• A total of 10,015 South Africans applied for a UK work visa.
• 9,862 applications were resolved.
• 9,593 work visas were granted to South African nationals.
• 216 applications were rejected.

Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rates from South Africa are 97.27% and 2.19%, respectively.

Cost of UK Visa from South Africa: Work Permits

Skilled Worker Visa UK from South Africa

South Africans can work in the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa is for those sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor for specific skilled roles. It offers a path to permanent UK settlement.

• Cost of Skilled Worker Visa for South Africans in 2024:
  • Up to three years: R17,172
  • Longer durations: R33,914
• Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa
  • This is a specialized category of the Skilled Worker Visa with reduced fees.
  • Up to three years: R13,160
  • Longer durations: R25,889
• Health and Care Work Visa UK from South Africa
  • This visa is specifically designed for qualified doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals from South Africa who are sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor.
  • It also provides a route to permanent UK settlement.
  • UK Visa Price South Africa:
    • Up to three years: R6,783
    • More extended periods: R13,160

Global Business Mobility Visa UK from South Africa

A brief overview of UK work visas available for South Africans under the Global Business Mobility category, along with their 2024 fees.

• Senior or Specialist Worker:
  • For high-level South African managers or specialists transferring to a UK branch.
  • UK Visa Cost South Africa: R17,172 (up to 3 years), R33,914 (over 3 years)
• Graduate Trainee:
  • For individuals in graduate programs leading to specialist roles in the UK.
  • UK Visa Price South Africa: R7,117
• UK Expansion Worker:
  • For South African specialists or senior personnel expanding a business into the UK.
  • UK Visa Fees South Africa: R7,117
• Service Supplier:
  • For individuals providing services as per UK trade commitments.
  • UK Visa Price South Africa: R7,117
• Secondment Worker:
  • For South Africans seconded to the UK for high-value contracts or investments.
  • UK Visa Fees South Africa: R7,117

Quick Guide to Other Work and Business Visas

Below is a brief overview of various UK visa categories along with their associated fees for South Africans looking to work or do business in the UK.

• Start-Up Visa:
  • For South Africans starting an innovative business in the UK.
  • Cost: R10,389
• Innovator Visa:
  • For South Africans with innovative, viable, and scalable businesses. Requirements include an endorsement, £50,000 investment, and B2 IELTS level.
  • Cost: R28,445
• Innovator Founder Visa (Introduced April 2023):
  • Streamlined for international entrepreneurs. Leads to potential permanent UK residency for family members. Endorsement and application fees included.
  • Endorsement: R23,883
  • Application: R28,445
• Investor Visa:
  • For high-value South Africans investing in the UK.
  • Cost: R44,996
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa:
  • For South African graduates from top-50 global universities seeking employment in the UK.
  • Cost: R19,632
• Scale-Up Visa:
  • For South Africans with a job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company. Leads to potential UK settlement after 5 years.
  • Cost: R19,632
• Global Talent Visa:
  • For South Africans who are leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology. UK visa costs vary based on application type.
  • Approval Letter: R12,515
  • Main Applicant with Letter: R4,586
  • Without Letter/Dependents: R17,100
• T2 Minister of Religion Visa:
  • For South Africans intending to undertake preaching and pastoral work.
  • Cost: R17,172
• International Sportsperson Visa:
  • For elite South African sportspersons or coaches contributing to UK sports.
  • Up to 12 months COS: R7,117
  • More than 12 months COS: R17,172
• T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa:
  • For South Africans in various sectors, such as seasonal, religious, or creative workers.
  • Cost: R7,117

6. How to Apply for a UK Visa in South Africa?

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Estimated Cost: 2747 R

Supply:

• Application form
• Valid South African Passport
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Payment for visa fee in USD
• Proof of UK accommodation

Tools:

• Internet access
• South African Passport
• Financial documents

Materials: Carbon copies of primary documents, Hard-copy application confirmation, Mail envelope for documentation.

UK Visa Application Centres in South Africa

• Durban
  • 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, The Atrium, Durban.
• Cape Town
  • Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Corner of De Smit Street and Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town.
• Johannesburg
  • 2nd – 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton, Johannesburg.
• Port Elizabeth
  • Ground Floor Building 66, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth.
• Pretoria
  • 1st Floor, Menlyn Corner, Growth Point building, Corner of Lois/Atterbury Road, Menlyn, Pretoria.

7. What documents are required for UK visa from South Africa?

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Applying for a UK visa requires careful preparation and submission of several supporting documents. The type of documents required may vary based on the visa category and individual circumstances. Below is a general list of documents that South Africans may need to submit for a UK visa application:

General Documents: UK Visa from South Africa

• Visa Application Form:
  • Print out of the UK visa online application form.
• Passport:
  • Current valid South African passport and previous passports, if applicable.
• Translation of Documents:
  • Translation of documents not in English/Welsh.
• Contact Details:
  • Residential address and telephone or mobile number in South Africa.
• Financial Evidence:
  • Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds, evidence of assets, if applicable.
• Tax Information:
  • Tax registration certificate and tax returns.

UK Visa from South Africa: Additional Documents for Specific Visa Categories

• Visitor Visa
  • Invitation Letter: If visiting friends, family or for a specific event.
  • UK Address: A UK address for staying during the visit.
  • Travel Itinerary: Travel itinerary or plans.
• Work Visa
  • Sponsorship Certificate: Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your UK employer.
  • English Proficiency: Proof of your knowledge of English.
  • Salary Evidence: Salary slips (for employed persons).
• Study Visa
  • CAS: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
  • English Language Proficiency: Proof of your knowledge of English.
  • Financial Capability: Evidence of financial capability to support your studies and living costs.
• Family Visa
  • Relationship Proof: Marriage or civil partnership certificate, proof of your relationship with your family member.
  • Family Member’s Status: Evidence of the family member’s immigration status in the UK.

Note: This is not an exhaustive checklist. Providing false or forged supporting documents can result in a 10-year ban under General Grounds for UK visa refusal.

8. FAQs: UK Visa South Africa Cost and Guidance 2024

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