South Africans need a visa to visit the UK, whether it's for a holiday, to see family or for a business meeting. Here's what it costs in pounds and rands, what extras to budget for, and when it's worth paying for a long-term visa or faster processing.

All rand figures use R21.92/£ (Oct 2026) unless stated otherwise.

Do South Africans need a visa to visit the UK?

Yes. South Africa is on the UK's visa-national list, so you need a Standard Visitor visa before you travel. You can't fly in on an ETA, because the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation is only for nationalities that don't need a visa.

The visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings, and short courses. You can stay up to 6 months per visit, but you can't work or live in the UK on it.

How much does a UK visitor visa cost?

VisaFee (GBP)Approx. ZARMax stay per visit
Standard Visitor (6 months)£135R2,9606 months
Long-term, 2 years£506R11,0906 months
Long-term, 5 years£903R19,7906 months
Long-term, 10 years£1,128R24,7306 months
Visitor for medical treatment£234R5,13011 months
Academic visitor£234R5,13012 months

These fees have applied since 8 April 2026, when the 6-month visa went up from £127. Children pay the same as adults, so a family of four pays £540 (about R11,840) for 6-month visas.

Why the rand price on the Home Office site is higher. South Africans pay the visa fee in rands, at an exchange rate the Home Office sets itself and doesn't update daily. So the rand amount you're charged is usually slightly higher than today's market conversion. That's normal. The rand has strengthened since the rate was set, and you pay what the Home Office fee checker shows on the day you apply.

What other costs should you budget for?

The visa fee is the only compulsory charge. Everything else is optional, and VFS shows its current add-on prices when you book.

ExtraCostNotes
Priority service£500 (R10,960)Decision in about 5 working days, per applicant
Super Priority service£1,000 (R21,920)Next working day, if offered at your centre
VFS courier return of passportExtra feeSaves a second trip to the centre
VFS Premium LoungeExtra feePrivate appointment; doesn't speed up the decision
VFS SMS updatesSmall feeYou can track online for free
Travel to a VFS centreVariesCentres are in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban only

If you live in Gqeberha, East London, Bloemfontein or elsewhere, you'll need to get to one of those four cities for your biometrics. Factor the flight or drive into your budget.

All fees are non-refundable, including if your visa is refused. Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.

Is a long-term visitor visa worth it?

If you go to the UK at least once a year, usually yes.

VisaFeeCost per year of validity
6-month visa (one trip)£135£135 per trip
2-year visa£506£253
5-year visa£903£181
10-year visa£1,128£113

The 10-year visa works out cheaper than a 6-month visa per year if you visit annually, and you skip the VFS appointment every time.

Things to know before you go long-term:

  • Each visit is still capped at 6 months, and you can't use frequent back-to-back visits to effectively live in the UK.
  • A refusal costs more. You lose the full fee if you're refused, and a refusal goes on your record for future applications.
  • Under 18? A long-term visa only lasts until 6 months after the child turns 18, with no refund for the unused years.

How long does it take, and should you pay for priority?

The standard service takes about 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. In peak season (December holidays, the UK summer) allow longer and book your VFS appointment early.

If you're short on time, go with the Priority service (£500). It gives a decision in about 5 working days and is the faster option most likely to be available in South Africa. Super Priority (£1,000, next working day) isn't reliably offered for visitor visas at South African centres, so don't plan around it. You'll see which services are available when you book your appointment.

Paying for priority only speeds up the decision; it doesn't improve your chances.

Do you need a TB test for a UK visitor visa?

No. South Africa is on the UK's TB-testing list, but the test is only required if you're going to the UK for more than 6 months. A Standard Visitor visa is capped at 6 months per visit, so you don't need one, even on a 2, 5 or 10-year long-term visa.

You will need a TB test for most longer visas, like Skilled Worker, Ancestry, Student and Spouse visas. The exceptions are fiancé(e) visas and Returning Resident visas, which need one even for shorter stays.

How do you apply from South Africa?

  1. Apply online on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee (and priority fee, if you want it).
  2. Book your VFS Global appointment in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town or Durban.
  3. Upload or bring your documents. Usually that's your passport, bank statements, proof of employment or business, and your travel plans.
  4. Give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the centre.
  5. Wait for the decision, then collect your passport or have it couriered back.

There's no fixed minimum bank balance. You need to show you can pay for your trip and that you have reasons to come back to South Africa, like a job, a business, property or family.