Introduction
Applying for a visa is a daunting task but if you have the correct paperwork it is just another process that you have to go through.
We have put together a basic checklist of documents that you will need before applying and where to apply in South Africa.
A word of advice is to not get uptight when applying. The reason is that no matter how much you scream and howl about something - unless they are satisfied with the documents - you will not get a visa. In the end, they have a job to do and they have to make sure that all is correct before issuing the visa.
Where to go for a visa
The best way to find out if you can get a visa is to visit the British High Commission in South Africa's web site (see the link below). There site is well presented and gives you all the information that you may require including the ability to download the forms.
The High Commission is based in Pretoria and the contact details are as follows:
Physical Address:The Consular Section
Liberty Life Place
Block B, 1st Floor
Glyn Street
(off Schoeman Street)
Hatfield
Pretoria 0083
Phone:(012)483-1400
Fax:(012)483-1444 (Passports)
(012)483-1433 (Visa Section)
The office hours are:Mon-Fri: 7:45-12:00
(They close the waiting room at 11:00 if the queue is too long)
Remember that the High Commission is closed during UK holidays.
Documents you will need
Depending on the visa you are applying for you may not need all these documents. However it is worth putting them together just in case they ask for them.
- Get the application forms. Go to their website and download them
- Your Passport. Check the expiry date and if you have an old passport - take it with you
- Proof of accommodation. You will need proof that when you arrive in the UK you will have somewhere to stay. This proof can be a pre-paid hotel conformation, a landlords letter or a letter from a home owner with a copy of the title deeds to go with.
- 2 Passport Photo's. Make sure that they are colour photographs
- Proof of funds. Recommended that you have at least £2,000 worth of funds
- Bank Statements. Last 3 months worth that are not from an ATM machine
- Copies of Qualifications. These must be certified
- The correct fee. Must be cash (no cheques or credit cards are accepted)
- Marriage Certificate. This must be a full unabridged version and not the smaller size one you get when marrying. This can be obtained at the Department of Home Affairs
- Birth Certificate. This must be a full unabridged version
- Proof of employment. This can be in the form of a letter from your new employer or from an agent.
Applying in person
As processing of the visa is done at the South African British Consular Section in Pretoria, the queues can be long. Our advice is to arrive very early (at least 7am), as they will only process a certain number of applications each day. Please be aware that they will reject your application if you do not have the correct documentation or if anything else is missing so make sure you have everything before you go.
Everything should go smoothly, however, you may have to attend an interview or provide additional information.
It is a good idea to plan on spending at least two days in Pretoria as I have seen many people come to Pretoria for the day just to be turned away due to insufficient documentation.
Any money that you must pay for the visa must be in cash! They will not accept anything else so be prepared to have the cash on you.
Additional Resources
More information on visa categories can be found at the following web sites:
Foreign and Commonwealth websiteThe British High Commission in South Africa
