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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

99% of the applications we submit are approved

How we achieve this

After payment, a manager will contact you.

Choose your visa

Document preparation and appointment bookingWe fill in the form, prepare your documents and book the visa centre appointment$49

The consular fee is paid separately when you apply. Your manager will confirm the exact amount.

Apply in 10 minutes

Can 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.

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United 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.
South Africa → United Kingdom

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

  1. 1Application
  2. 2Pay for the service
  3. 3Manager
  4. 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

More destinations for citizens of South Africa

Where you can travel with a passport of: South Africa

Facts checked: · Government fees

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