United Kingdom: do South Africans need a visa?

Tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, trade fairs without selling, training) as long as you are not paid by a UK-based organisation, short courses, some medical treatment. No work.26

Confirmed on an official government source

Must be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. No additional 6-month rule on gov.uk.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Apply online via gov.uk (Standard Visitor visa), then attend a VFS Global visa application centre in South Africa for fingerprints and photo. Fees from 8 April 2026 (unchanged in the 8 October 2026 table): GBP 135 (up to 6 months), GBP 506 (2-year), GBP 903 (5-year), GBP 1,128 (10-year). Decision usually within 3 weeks of the appointment; Priority (GBP 500) and Super Priority (GBP 1,000) services may be available. Earliest you can apply: 3 months before travel. Passport returned same day at the appointment.245

Confirmed on an official government source

VFS Global UK visa application centres (operator since 22 October 2024, replacing TLScontact): Johannesburg (Rivonia Village, Sandton), Pretoria (The Podium at Menlyn, Lynnwood Glen), Cape Town (2 Long Street), Durban (Glass House, 309 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga), Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth (Greyville House, Greenacres).78

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Not published by official sources

You must show you can pay for your return or onward journey (or have someone else fund it). A booked ticket is not formally required at application.6

Confirmed on an official government source

You must show you can support yourself (and dependants) for the trip without working or public funds, or have funding from someone else. No fixed minimum amount; bank statements are typically submitted.6

Confirmed on an official government source

Accommodation details and travel dates are asked for in the application. No formal invitation letter is required; a letter from a host is useful supporting evidence when staying with family/friends.4

Confirmed on an official government source

No vaccinations required by the UK. UK is not a yellow-fever-risk country, so no SA yellow fever certificate issue on return.

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

No landing card. Present passport with visa at the border (South African visa holders generally use staffed desks, not eGates).

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Extension possible only if you were given less than 6 months and the total stays within 6 months (exceptions for medical treatment, academics, PLAB). Extension fee GBP 1,172 (GBP 2,172 with super priority). Overstaying can lead to removal and re-entry bans of 1 to 10 years.9

Confirmed on an official government source

South Africa is on the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) list. Changing flights airside in the UK requires a DATV (GBP 41.50) unless you hold a qualifying document, e.g. a valid visa for the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand (or one expired less than 6 months since last entry), a US green card, Canadian PR card, a valid Irish biometric visa, an EEA/Swiss long-stay (Category D) visa or EEA/Swiss residence permit. A Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa does NOT exempt. Passing through UK border control and leaving within 48 hours needs a Visitor in Transit visa (GBP 74.50), unless you qualify for landside Transit Without Visa (same document list, onward flight before 23:59 the day after arrival). Holders of a valid Standard Visitor visa do not need a transit visa.3510

Confirmed on an official government source

Children under 18 need written consent from a parent/guardian if travelling alone, with the parents' contact details and details/consent for the person they will stay with. Accompanied children apply with up to 2 adults identified. South Africa's own exit rules for minors (birth certificate etc.) apply separately.11

Confirmed on an official government source