Last Updated: 16 September 2026
The Standard Visitor visa is the route South Africans use for most short UK trips. This page covers its rules. For requirements, fees and where to apply start with UK Visa South Africa.
Not sure if your trip fits the visitor rules? Get a provider to check.
Get Visa AssistanceWhat You Can and Cannot Do
| Allowed as a visitor | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Tourism and visiting family or friends | Paid or unpaid work |
| Business meetings, conferences, negotiations | Doing work for a UK client |
| Short courses up to 6 months | Living in the UK through repeated visits |
| Private medical treatment | Accessing public funds |
Long-Term Visitor Visas
Frequent visitors can apply for a visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years. Each visit is still limited to 6 months, and the fee is higher than the 6-month visa. Check the current long-term fees on GOV.UK.
Visitor Visa Fees
| Option | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month Standard Visitor | £135 (approx. R2,940) | Official fee |
| Long-term 2, 5 or 10 years | Higher - see GOV.UK | Official fee |
| Priority decision | £500 (approx. R10,900) extra | Optional official |
| Super Priority decision | £1,000 (approx. R21,800) extra | Optional official |
| Visa assistance | R1,500 - R4,500 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay on a UK visitor visa?
Up to 6 months per visit, including on long-term visas.
Is a long-term UK visitor visa worth it?
It can suit frequent visitors, but a history of genuine visits helps and each visit is still limited.
Can I study on a UK visitor visa?
Short courses of up to 6 months are generally permitted. Longer study needs a Student visa.
Requests sent through Visa Application go to independent providers who handle UK visitor visa applications regularly.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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