Important Changes to UK Visa Application Process

The British High Commission announces that, with effect from 1 July 2009, all South African passport holders wishing to visit the UK will be required to obtain a visit visa before travelling. This announcement effectively removes the visa exemption that was in place for those South African passport holders who had previously visited the UK using their current passport.

Also with effect from 1 July 2009, all UK visa applications in South Africa will need to be submitted online and an appointment booked to visit one of our VFS application centres. This is a straightforward procedure that will allow customers to complete their visa form online, choose a convenient appointment time/date and to pay online. The customer will then take a printout of their online form to the VFS office. This revised process will help customers receive a faster and more efficient service when applying for their UK visa. Applications must be completed and appointments booked online using the www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk website.

Applicants will also have the option of paying online (with a credit or debit card) when completing their online application form. Existing payment options of paying in advance at any branch of Nedbank or at an application centre by bank guaranteed cheque will remain in place however customers who do pay at Nedbank must bring proof of their payment to the VFS application centre when they attend their appointment.

The VFS application centres in South Africa have recently relocated to newer and larger premises and have revised their opening times for the submission of applications to 08:00 to 15:00 hrs Monday to Friday. Full details of these changes can be found on the VFS website www.vfs-uk-za.com or by calling 082 234 4450.