Visas
If you are a South African passport holder intending to travel abroad, it is extremely important that you keep on top of any news regarding visas. For example, it used to be easy to travel to the United Kingdom, but the UK Home Office announced in February that South African passport holders entering Britain after March 3 must have a visa in order to do so. Visit visas can be valid for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years. It is recommended to apply for a 6 months visa if you are applying for a UK VISA for the first time. Not only does a six-month visa add an extra R1000 on to your travel expenses, but applicants must travel in person to British embassy application centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, adding a further strain to their holiday budget.
There are some other important points to keep in mind and to check:
- Every person traveling to a foreign country must possess their own passport, including infants and children.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you are due to arrive back in South Africa.
- The name that appears on your ticket must be identical to that on your passport.
- Most other countries require South African citizens to carry a visa – check that you have a valid visa for the countries you intend to visit, because you will NOT be allowed to enter if you do not. It will take 2 – 3 weeks for each visa you require, so allow yourself plenty of time for all of the visas you require.
- You may need a visa even if you are just transiting through a country – check.
- You can download your visa requirements and visa application forms here