South Africa
United Kingdom
United Kingdom visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 3 missions
- Visa guide
- United Kingdom visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at gov.uk
Which United Kingdom visa?
Standard Visitor visa (tourism)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 6 months per visit
- Fee
- £135
- Processing time
- Usually within 3 weeks of the biometric appointment
All visa types for the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s tourist visa costs £135 at the standard rate published by its authorities; the official site for it is gov.uk. Processing time, as the United Kingdom states it: Usually within 3 weeks of the biometric appointment. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Up to 6 months per visit.
British missions in South Africa
All missions of the United Kingdom in South Africa
The United Kingdom has 3 missions in South Africa, with its embassy in Pretoria. Consulates: Cape Town and Johannesburg.
British citizens travelling to South Africa
United KingdomSouth Africa Visa-free, 90 days South Africa visa for citizens of the United Kingdom
Travel advice for the United Kingdom
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from South Africa to the United Kingdom, the published travel advice reads as follows: the US State Department rates the United Kingdom at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 8 September 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United Kingdom (updated 13 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in the United Kingdom
How long South African citizens may stay in the United Kingdom is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How South African citizens apply
In South Africa, applications go to the British embassy in Pretoria and the consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or to a visa centre acting for the United Kingdom; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom’s neighbours for South African citizens
Ireland requires South African citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
British citizens travelling to South Africa
South Africa admits British citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom, obtained before travel.
Where is the British embassy in South Africa?
The British embassy in South Africa is in Pretoria; there are also consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
How much does the United Kingdom tourist visa cost?
The United Kingdom’s official sources give a standard fee of £135 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Usually within 3 weeks of the biometric appointment.
Do British citizens need a visa for South Africa?
South Africa admits British citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Can South African citizens enter the United Kingdom visa-free?
No; South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.