It may seem quite daunting leaving behind family, friends and your general routine. But travelling is also extremely exciting and you will be making memories that will last a lifetime, you will meet people from all over the world and in a lot of ways you will change as a person as you would’ve experienced a different way of life and how can that NOT change you?
Be sure to make all your preparations before heading to the UK well in advance. The first step must be to apply for your passport if you are not already in possession of one. You must then decide what the purpose of your intended trip or your stay in United Kingdom is and this will have some bearing of what visa or permit that you should require:
·Get passport well in advance. It is best to apply 3 – 6 months in advance.
·Make sure you are aware of all the visa and work permits requirements and options available to you. Seek professional advice if need be and don’t rely on advice from other people. The rules for visas change constantly in the UK.
·Check your passport validity. Make sure you have enough time to see out your visa plus a few extra months - just in case.
·If you can get an EU passport – go that route even if it takes longer. It is easier to travel around Europe as you do not need a Schengen Visa.
·Go to your travel agent, a specialist company or the British Consulate and get a list of the things you need before you apply. Follow the instructions to the latter – you want to get it right the first time.
·Get all X- rays and certified documents done as quickly as possible. Get bank statements later as they should be fairly up to date.
Applying for a Visa
All visa applications will need to be lodged through VFS who have visa application centres in South Africa in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. There are also visa application centres in Maputo, Lilongwe, Windhoek and Harare. You can also apply directly at the British High Commission in person in Pretoria and your application is usually processed on the same day while you wait. You must supply the following:
·A completed visa application form, with one application form per person (including any children/dependants)
·Your current passport. South African temporary passports are no longer accepted for travel to the UK.
·Documents to support your application. Please provide photocopies of any originals which you would like returned.
·Ensure that your photograph is glued to your application form in the correct area and that you provide two passport-sized photographs. Guidance on the format of these photographs is available at http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/
·Write your full name in capitals and date of birth on the back of your application fee cheque. This ensures we can link it to your application.
·Payment is only acceptable in the form of a bank issued cheque or a cash payment through a designated bank. However please note that cash is not accepted at the VFS office and online payments cannot be accepted.
If you fail to provide these documents your application will be returned to you unprocessed. Insufficiently documented applications will take longer to process or can be refused.
More information:
The British High Commission - Visa telephone enquiry line Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
Telephone: +27 (0) 82 234 4450
How do I check my visa application?
To check the progress on an application, if you have not heard within the current 5-10 working days processing time, please track your application through the VFS website. You will have been given these details and a reference number when you submitted your application. If after 10 working days your application is still listed as being at the High Commission then please email
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This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applicants should only email after 10 working days have elapsed.
What happens next?
Once a visa officer has assessed your application, they will decide to:
·Issue your visa or
·Refuse your visa or
·Invite you for an interview so that an assessment to better understand your visa requirement
This process is the same whether you are applying for a settlement visa or a non-settlement visa. If an interview is required you will be contact by a member of UKvisas staff in Pretoria and you will be given a date and time for your interview.
Where are interviews held?
At the British High Commission in Pretoria.
What to take to the interview
Take the interview letter and any original documents (as well as photocopies of these) which you did not send with your application.
After the interview
At the end of the interview, we will tell you whether your visa will be issued, or whether your application has been refused.
If VFS issue the visa
You will receive your passport and visa back shortly after your interview.
If we refuse the visa
Your passport and other documents will be handed over to you at the British High Commission after the interview or they will be returned to you by VFS with reasons for refusal clearly provided.
You know you're going away for a very long time. Looking around your bedroom all you can think is "How will I fit all of this in my suitcase?" Well, first of all, you won't. Try to pack enough clothes for a 10 day period and try not to weigh your luggage down with books, shampoo, hairdryers etc. All that sort of thing can be replaced in the UK. Don’t bring CD’s or sentimental stuffed toys, they just take up space (you can get them sent over if you absolutely have to have them!). Clothing wise, bring pieces that can be worn in layers. A typical British day can go from freezing cold to comfortably warm in a matter of hours. The general rule in packing to go overseas for an extended period of time is to pack what you think you need and then take out a third! South African shops are not known for having winter coats etc and you can buy your first winter coat at a charity shop anywhere in London that will set you back about £20 and which you will replace the following year when you know exactly what to expect from a European winter!
Try to bring:
·comfortable shoes as you'll walk a lot
·A dressy outfit or two
·Gloves, scarf and a hat (beanie)
·Rainwear and a folding umbrella
·A heavy sweater or two
·A camera
·Two copies of your passport and copies of visa stamps
Getting Started 
