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South Africa eVisa Requirements for British Citizens
The South Africa eVisa is an online visa application that permits holders to travel to South Africa without having to apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate.
The eVisa for South Africa is currently being piloted to expedite the process of applying for visas to travel to South Africa. At the moment, only Kenyan and Indian citizens may use the system, although further eligible countries, including the United Kingdom, are expected to be permitted once the pilot phase is complete.
The South Africa eVisa requirements for British citizens are expected to be straightforward. The online system will allow British passport holders to complete an easy application process to gain a visa ahead of their leisure or business trip.
What Is a South Africa eVisa for UK Citizens?
The South Africa eVisa is a digital visa that allows eligible passport holders to enter South Africa without visiting a South African embassy or consulate beforehand. Travelers can stay in the country for short visits. The eVisa, which is applied for online, can be used to enter South Africa once or multiple times depending on the traveler’s needs.
The South Africa eVisa is valid for different lengths of stay according to the nationality of the applicant and the reason for visiting South Africa. Validity is confirmed once the eVisa has been granted.
The eVisa application form is straightforward and quick to complete. Applicants from approved countries must meet certain requirements to have their travel authorization granted.
The eVisa for South Africa can currently be used by Kenyan and Indian travelers to enter South Africa at Lanseria and Ortia airports. Passport control officers at these airports can automatically check a visitor’s travel authorization by scanning their passport.
Although not a requirement, it is recommended that travelers who have been granted an eVisa carry a printed copy or ensure they can gain access to a digital copy in the unlikely event of problems with the electronic system.
Do British Citizens Need a Visa for South Africa?
British citizens who wish to travel to South Africa for short-term tourism or business purposes are currently not required to obtain a visa. Each year more than 400,000 British travelers take advantage of the visa exemption scheme to visit South Africa.
The United Kingdom is among a list of almost 50 countries that can enter South Africa without a visa. Citizens of these countries who hold valid national passports can arrive at any port of arrival and enter South Africa for up to 90 days.
However, to visit the country for longer periods of stay, it is currently necessary to apply for a South Africa visa for British citizens from a South African embassy or consulate in the UK.
However, one the eVisa application has been implemented for citizens of the UK, it is expected that British travelers requiring a visa for South Africa will be able to apply exclusively online.
Moving to South Africa from the United Kingdom
Citizens of the United Kingdom who wish to travel to South Africa to live, take up work or study, must contact a South African embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
In addition, any British traveler who intends to remain in South Africa for longer than 90 days for business or tourism must obtain a long-stay permit, either from an embassy, or through the online system once available for UK passport holders.
How Can I Apply for the South Africa eVisa from the United Kingdom?
When the pilot scheme is extended to include other nationalities, UK passport holders will be able to apply online by filling in the South Africa eVisa application form.
This online form will require travelers to input personal information and passport details, answer a few questions about health and security, and supply details of their planned visit to South Africa.
Ahead of applying for the eVisa, travelers should ensure they have:
- A UK passport valid for more than 6 months beyond the intended date of arrival in South Africa
- A current email address
- A credit card or debit card to pay the eVisa processing fee.
Applicants will also have to submit proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay, evidence of a return or onward travel ticket, and a yellow fever certificate, if they have visited countries in Africa or South America where there is a risk of yellow fever.
It is advisable to ensure that all the information provided on the application form is correct, in order to avoid any processing delays or rejection of the application due to small errors.
Upon approval, the eVisa will be automatically electronically linked to the traveler’s UK passport and its validity period will be confirmed by email.
If a British applicant wishes to change travel dates after approval, they will need to apply for a new eVisa.
As the South Africa eVisa is digitally tied to an individual passport, travelers from Britain will be required to use this same passport when entering South Africa.
If the UK passport used in the application changes (for example, it is renewed, lost, stolen or damaged) it is necessary to apply for a new eVisa for South Africa.
How Will I Receive my South Africa eVisa from the United Kingdom?
A British citizen who has successfully obtained a South Africa eVisa linked to their passport will be notified via a message sent to the applicant’s current email address.
If the eVisa cannot be approved, applicants from the UK should visit their nearest South African diplomatic government office in the UK to submit an application for a South Africa embassy visa.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
South Africa Visa Policy
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Familiarize yourself with the South Africa visa policy and find out the travel requirements for your nationality.
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