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🇿🇦 Does a South African need a visa for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧?

What this means for your trip

You apply at an embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre of the destination, usually with an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.

Processing takes days to weeks, and some embassies require an interview; start the application well before your trip.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Where to apply in South Africa

If you live in South Africa, visas for the United Kingdom are issued by its missions there. Many of them use an outsourced visa application centre: the mission's website says where to apply and which office covers your region.

• British High Commission Pretoria · 255 Hill Street, Arcadia · gov.uk
• British Consulate-General Cape Town · gov.uk

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

United Kingdom at a glance

Capital: London · Currency: British pound (GBP, £) · Official languages: English · Calling code: +44

U.S. State Department travel advisory for the United Kingdom: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 8 May 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: the United Kingdom uses plug types G, South Africa uses C, D, M, N.

More about entering the United Kingdom →

Your embassy in the United Kingdom

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United Kingdom, contact the embassy of South Africa:

• High Commission of South Africa, London

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near the United Kingdom for South African passport holders

• 🇽🇰 Kosovo — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇷🇺 Russia — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇬🇧 British passport holders visiting South Africa: British passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

The South African passport at a glance

All destinations for South Africa passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the United Kingdom →

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