
United Kingdom visa for citizens of South Africa
Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the United Kingdom that is issued through the embassy or a visa centre: it can’t be obtained online, because you must attend in person to submit documents and biometrics. Visago fills in the form, prepares your documents and books your appointment. The service costs $49.
For citizens of South Africa: the passport opens 60 countries visa-free; Pretoria — London: ≈ 9,030 km, about 12 hours of flying.
Checked by visa analyst Albert Brown, 13 years of experience · September 26, 2026
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How we achieve thisAfter payment, a manager will contact you.
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The consular fee is paid separately when you apply. Your manager will confirm the exact amount.
Apply in 10 minutesCan I travel to the United Kingdom without a visa on a South Africa passport?
No: citizens of South Africa need a visa, issued by the embassy. We prepare your documents and book the appointment for just $49.
Apply for a visaUnited Kingdom visa rules at a glance
- With a South Africa passport you can visit 60 countries visa-free, 29 with a visa on arrival and 39 with an e-visa; 70 more require an embassy visa.
- By the number of visa-free destinations, the South Africa passport ranks 96th of 199.
- South Africa passport: visa-free access to 60 countries; United Kingdom passport: 115.
- Citizens of South Africa and the United Kingdom can travel together visa-free to 51 countries, for example: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, Rwanda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Palestine, Gambia, Tunisia, Georgia, and Brazil.
- A language both countries share: English.
- United Kingdom has an embassy in your country of citizenship, so you can apply without travelling abroad.
- Citizens of the United Kingdom, in turn, don’t need a visa for South Africa. South Africa visa for citizens of the United Kingdom
Travelling to the United Kingdom: good to know
- Pretoria — London: about 9,030 km in a straight line; a direct flight takes roughly 12 hours.
- Time difference with your country’s capital: −1 hour.
- Local time: Pretoria 12:00 — London 11:00.
- Local currency: British Pound.
- Languages: English.
- Exchange rate: $1.00 ≈ £0.76.
- United Kingdom is the 129th closest of 197 destinations open to citizens of South Africa.

Combine your trip
Neighbouring countries and their visa rules for citizens of South Africa:
How citizens of neighbouring countries travel to the United Kingdom
Visa rules for the United Kingdom for citizens of countries bordering South Africa:
How to get a United Kingdom visa
- 1Application
- 2Pay for the service
- 3Manager
- 4Appointment
What documents do you need for a United Kingdom visa?
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight: Pretoria — London?
About 12 hours on a direct flight: the capitals are roughly 9,030 km apart. With a connection it takes longer.
What is the time difference with the United Kingdom?
Time difference with your country’s capital: −1 hour.
Do citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa for South Africa?
Citizens of the United Kingdom, in turn, don’t need a visa for South Africa.
The cheapest e-visas for citizens of South Africa
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Facts checked: · Government fees