Types of South African Visas for British Nationals and Permanent Residents in the United Kingdom.
There are various type of South African visas are available for you to apply. The type of South African visa you will need to apply depends on the purpose, length of your trip and the frequency of trips you will be taking to South Africa. If you require information such as South African consulate contact details , visa forms for South Africa, and other travel information please use the dropdown menu, below.
- South African tourist visa for British nationals and permanent residents in the United Kingdom is issued for a short period of leisure travel in South Africa and no business activities permitted with the short term tourist visa for South Africa.
- South African visitor visa for British nationals and permanent residents in the United Kingdom is issued for a short period of travel to visit friends and family in South Africa and no business activities are permitted.
- South African business visa for British citizens and permanent residents in the United Kingdom is issued for participating in short-term business activity in South Africa.
- South African transit visa for British nationals and permanent residents in the United Kingdom is issued and is generally valid for 3 days or less, for transferring through a port in South Africa to a third destination.
General Documnets Required to Apply for a South African Visa for British Nationals and Permant Residents in the United Kingdom
The below items are generally required to apply for any type of South African visas in the United Kingdom:
- Fully completed Visa Application Form and essential declaration
- Passport size photographs
- Valid national passport
There are other types of South African visas such as student visas, temporary worker visas, parent visas, spousal visas or partner visas for British nationals which are available to apply. Please contact the South African Embassy in London or the nearest South African consulate accredited to the United Kingdom for more information.
Please note: In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents. Angolan Embassy rules and regulations can and do, very occasionally change overnight. We accept no responsibilty for any such changes. To learn more information click on Disclaimer Information.
South African Entry Visa Types Available for British Nationals and Permanent Residents in the UK
Single Entry visa for South African: A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter South African only once, within the given period of time, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits the territory of South African or visa region associated with South African, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spend in South African the number of days as permitted by the South African embassy that issued them the visa.
Double Entry visa for South African: In general, a double-entry visa applies the same way as the single-entry visa explained above. The sole difference between a single-entry and a double-entry visa is that the second gives you the chance to go once more back to South African
Multiple Entry visa for South African: This type of visa allows the holder of the visa to enter South African mutiple times with visa validity period.
What Are The Steps to Apply for an South African Visa for British Nationals?
To apply for an South African visa in the United Kingdom, then follow the steps given below:
- Check if you need to apply for a South African Visa.
- Know when is the right time to apply for your South Africa visa!
- Figure out what type of South African visa you will need.
- Find out where you should lodge your South African visa application.
- Fill in the right South African visa form.
- Collect the documents required for South African visa.
- Make a visa appointment and attend the visa interview.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Pay the South African visa fee.
Please Note: Please consult South African consulate in the United Kingdom as visa regulations for South Africa can and often change overnight. In individual cases, additional documents required for South African visa. We accept no responsibility as we have no affiliation with the embassy of South Africa in the United Kingdom or their visa section.
What are the common questions asked by a South African visa officer?
Going for a visa interview at the South African consulate in London? The visa officer at the South African consulate will look over your application and ask you questions if they wish to clarify anything. It is best to answer these questions honestly.
Typical questions asked at the South African visa interview include:
- What is your purpose of your trip to South Africa?
- Do you know anyone living in South Africa?
- What is your current occupation? How long have you been in your current occupation?
- If you are a student, when will the studies finish?
- How will you support yourself whilst in South Africa?
- Have you ever travelled to other countries?
- Who will pay for your trip to South Africa?
- What are your plans when you return from your trip from South Africa?
- What will you do if your South African visa application is rejected?
What are the usual reasons for getting your South African visa denied?
Common reasons why your South African visa application got rejected include:
- Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip South Africa and you must provide documents to show that you can.
- Proof of accommodation not provided – you must be able to show where you will be staying in South Africa and you can easily do this by providing a hotel reservation in South Africa.
- The visa officer thinks you will not return to your home country – you must make it clear that you intend to leave South Africa and return to your home country before the expiry of your visa. You can do this by providing documents that show you have ties where you live, such as an employment letter or proof that you own your home etc.
- No proof of residence – you must be able to prove that you can live in the country of your residence legally, so you must provide proof of residence.