How to apply for a South African visa from London
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
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The South African High Commission in London ↗ states that British passport holders are visa-exempt for visits of up to 90 days. This cannot automatically be applied to a UK resident's foreign passport. Check the exempt nationality list, document type, purpose and visit length.
Relocation, work and other special purposes may require permission even where tourism is visa-free. If you hold dual nationality, establish the rules for using each passport before applying.
Use VFS for a required conventional visa
The mission's authorised UK route leads to VFS South Africa UK ↗. Select the short-visit category and current checklist. Confirm that your UK status allows application here; simply visiting Britain should not be treated as an ordinary residence basis.
Prepare your passport, photograph, application, UK residence, purpose, accommodation, finances and itinerary according to the list. If another person funds the trip, check whether and how that support is accepted. For a child, check separate documents and consents rather than relying solely on their passport.
Check electronic ETA separately
South Africa's government ETA portal ↗ provides an electronic process for eligible applicants. It is not a universal replacement for VFS: passport, category eligibility and the supported entry point matter. Do not extend a pilot electronic procedure to every nationality, age or land route.
Use the official DHA address and follow its current eligibility checks. An electronic submission and permission to travel are separate stages; do not depart with only a payment acknowledgement.
Plan time, charges and arrival documents
Check visa fees, exemptions, VFS charges and optional services for your actual basis. Different categories have different timeframes; a published employment visa period is not a promise to a tourist. Allow separately for appointments and passport return.
From 1 July 2026, SARS ↗ requires an online traveller declaration before entry or departure, with specified paper exceptions. This is a customs step, not a visa or ETA. Before travel, check passport validity, blank pages, permission and onward travel evidence. For a conventional visa, inspect the sticker on return; after arrival, comply with the period granted by border officials.