New visa requirements for South Africans travelling through the UK

South Africans now require Visas to enter or transfer through U.K.

Following Britain’s first global review of who needs a visa to come to the UK, a visa regime has been introduced in South Africa.

Since 3 March 2009, South African nationals have been required to have a visa to enter or transit the UK. A temporary exemption is in place for any South African passport holder who has previously travelled to the UK and has evidence of their visit in their current passport, for example a UK entry stamp. This temporary exemption ends on the 1 July 2009 and from that date all South African passport holders will require a visa to enter or transit the UK.

From 1 July 2009 all Swaziland and Lesotho passport holders will also require a visa to travel to the UK.

The visa you choose depends on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you plan to stay. Use the links on the left to find out more information on how to apply for a UK visa.

Please see the guide to new visa regulations for South African Nationals. All of the Visa Applications Forms (VAFs) and General Guidance on visas can be found on the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.