South Africa eVisa Requirements for British Citizens

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.

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.