Get the United Kingdom visa for South African citizens

Q: Do South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, South African citizens must have a visa for stays in United Kingdom for tourism purposes .

Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for South African citizens traveling to United Kingdom

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United Kingdom visa requirements for South African citizens

South African citizens require a visa to visit the United Kingdom for stays of up to 6 months (tourism, business, visiting family, or short study). They can start their application online and need to visit an embassy, consulate, or visa center to provide biometrics and prove their identity. iVisa offers one UK visa for South African citizens: United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa: This visa is valid for multiple entries over 2, 5, or 10 years (depending on application), and stays up to 6 months. General United Kingdom visa requirements for South African travelers are: A South Africa passport valid for the duration of the stay Photo Proof of funds and/or employment Travel history  Proof of accommodation and flights TB test (for SA applicants)  * Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel

United Kingdom visa cost for South African citizens

UK Standard Visitor Visa

Prices starting from ZAR 6,939.99

Valid for 6 months after issued

Multiple entry

Stay up to 180 days per entry

Get it as fast as 30 days

Fast facts

Interview needed?

Usually no interview, but UKVI may request one

When to apply?

At least 3 weeks before travel

Documents required upon arrival?

Valid South Africa passport (valid for entire stay), UK Standard Visitor Visa, proof of return/onward travel (if requested)

How to apply for a United Kingdom visa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, determine whether you need the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa, UK ETA, or another UK visa or document, pay securely, and upload your documents. You can save your progress and come back anytime. We'll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

We review your application

The United Kingdom visa system can be complicated for South African citizens, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We're not the British government, but we review your application for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we're here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.

Get your United Kingdom visa

We'll email your approved United Kingdom document and let you know how to use it for your trip from South Africa to the United Kingdom.

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Why South African citizens choose iVisa

Benefit	Applying by yourself	iVisa
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

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24/7customer support

71,000+ reviews

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98% visa approval rate

Verified United Kingdom visa reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 by travelers to United Kingdom.

4.9 out of 5

Suraish Singh

May 5, 2026

"Luis is a super guy who will guide you through the process with ease. I could not get my laptop camers to take my picture and Luis chose another option via Whatsapp and walked me through the whole process without a problem."
Cheryl Hamilton

May 13, 2026

"IVisa provides such quick turn around in completion of necessary travel documents - even when you make a mistake - that I was actually able to complete a critical document in only a few hours! I was happily shocked!"
Robin Ingram

April 6, 2026

"Streamlined operation. Easy to fill out and quick turnaround on approval."
Julie Stufkens

June 28, 2026

"Easy to follow but additional costs added to actual visa"
Glenda Hamilton

June 29, 2026

"Great service. Almost unbelievable"
Carlos Malaga

July 11, 2026

"Very satisfied. Good service,"
Jennifer

June 28, 2026

"The application was so easy"
Hazel Jackman

May 13, 2026

"Keep up the good work"
Elena

June 18, 2026

"Very quick service"
Ion Balotescu

June 9, 2026

"Thanks so much"

See all 427 reviews

United Kingdom visa FAQs

What South African travelers commonly ask about United Kingdom visas

Do South African citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, South African citizens must have a visa for stays in United Kingdom for tourism purposes.

What is the processing time for the United Kingdom visa or South African citizens?

The United Kingdom visa process can take at least three weeks from the biometric appointment, so make sure to apply well in advance.

Processing times may vary depending on your application details and whether additional checks are required.

How long can South African citizens stay in the United Kingdom?

South African citizens can stay in United Kingdom for up to 6 months visit under the UK ETA rules.

Do South African citizens need a visa when transiting through the United Kingdom?

Yes. The type of visa depends on whether you pass through border control: a Direct Airside Transit visa is needed if you stay in the airport, and a Visitor in Transit visa is required if you pass through immigration.