Applying for a UK Visitor Visa from South Africa

 


Planning a trip to the United Kingdom from South Africa? Whether you’re visiting friends or family, attending an event, or exploring the sights, you’ll need a UK Visitor Visa before you travel. At Immigration Assist, we make the process simple, fast, and stress-free — guiding you every step of the way.

What Is a UK Visitor Visa?

A UK Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) allows South Africans to travel to the UK for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or medical treatment. It’s usually valid for six months, but you can also apply for longer-term visas if you travel frequently.

How Much Does a UK Visitor Visa Cost in 2025?

As of April 2025, the UK Government has set the following visa fees:

  • 6-month visa: £127

  • 2-year visa: £480

  • 5-year visa: £842

  • 10-year visa: £1,052

These fees are charged in British pounds, and the amount in South African Rand will depend on the current exchange rate when you pay. You can always confirm the latest rates on the official UK Government fees page.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Visitor Visa from South Africa?

Most applications are processed in about three weeks after your biometric appointment. However, if you need your visa urgently, you can pay for priority processing, which takes around five working days.

What You’ll Need to Apply

To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, you’ll need:

  • A valid South African passport

  • Proof of financial means (such as recent bank statements)

  • Details of your travel plans (flights, accommodation, or invitation letters)

  • Evidence you’ll return to South Africa after your visit (such as employment or family ties)

Our team at Immigration Assist helps you prepare a complete, error-free application to avoid delays or refusals.

Why Use Immigration Assist?

We take the stress out of the UK visa process by:

  • Completing your online application correctly

  • Booking your biometric appointment

  • Preparing a professional cover letter

  • Tracking your visa progress until a decision is made

With our help, you’ll avoid costly errors and unnecessary delays.

Useful Links

For related topics, check out our blog articles:

You can also visit our UK Visitor Visa information page or contact us directly for personalised assistance.

Need help applying for your UK Visitor Visa?
Let Immigration Assist handle it for you.
📧 Email: dean@immigrationassist.co.za
🌐 Visit: www.immigrationassist.co.za
📞 WhatsApp: +27 82 973 0454

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