Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- VFS Global handles South African visa and permit applications for UK residents on behalf of the South African Department of Home Affairs.
- UK passport holders can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. VFS is for longer stays, work, study and residency.
- South Africa is rolling out an electronic e-Visa for eligible nationalities, but UK applicants for long-stay still typically use VFS.
- UK centres are usually based in London, with limited coverage outside the capital.
- VFS does not decide visas. The South African Department of Home Affairs makes the decision.
Address and Contact Details
VFS Global runs the South African visa application centre in London on behalf of the South African Department of Home Affairs. The London centre has historically been located in the Wandsworth area within a shared visa application building.
To find the current South African visa centre address, open vfsglobal.com/SouthAfrica/UnitedKingdom and select your city. The portal will show the precise address, postcode, opening hours and contact information.
Verify the current South African visa centre address at vfsglobal.com/SouthAfrica/UnitedKingdom before travelling. Country-specific helpline numbers and email addresses are listed on the same portal.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
VFS Global processes the full range of South African visas and temporary residence permits for UK residents who are not visa-exempt. Common categories include:
- Visitor visa (where the visa exemption does not apply).
- Tourist visa for stays over 90 days.
- Study visa.
- General work visa.
- Critical skills visa.
- Intra-company transfer visa.
- Business visa.
- Retired person visa.
- Relative's visa (family reunion).
- Medical treatment visa.
- Permanent residence permit.
UK passport holders do not need a visa for short tourism visits of up to 90 days. Holders of many other passports living in the UK may still need a visitor visa for any visit. Always check South African Home Affairs guidance for your nationality.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open vfsglobal.com/SouthAfrica/UnitedKingdom and create an account.
- Select your visa category and complete the application form (DHA-84, BI-1738 or other relevant form depending on category).
- Pay the consular visa fee and VFS service fee online.
- Book an appointment at the London centre (or other UK location if available).
- Print the appointment letter with barcode.
Appointment availability can be tight during peak periods. Long-stay categories such as critical skills and general work often need to be booked weeks in advance.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed appointment letter with barcode.
- Current passport with at least 30 days validity beyond the intended stay and two blank pages.
- Signed visa application form.
- Passport-style photographs to South African specification.
- Proof of UK residency (BRP, vignette, settled status, or utility bill).
- Yellow fever certificate if you have travelled through a yellow fever risk country.
- Documents for your visa category: bank statements, employer letter or contract, school or university acceptance, sponsor letter, retirement income proof.
- Marriage, birth and divorce certificates for family or dependent applications.
- Radiological report and medical certificate for long-stay categories where required.
- Police clearance certificate for stays of 12 months or more.
Processing Times and Fees
South African visa fees depend on visa category and nationality. The VFS service fee in the UK is charged in addition to the consular visa fee. Optional courier passport return is available at extra cost.
Processing times vary widely by category. A standard visitor visa can take 5 to 10 working days, while work and critical skills visas can take 4 to 8 weeks or longer due to background checks. Permanent residence applications can take many months.
Featured Immigration Adviser - Paid Placement
This placement is reserved for a regulated immigration adviser specialising in VFS Global South Africa visa applications. OISC-registered firms only. Enquire about this slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a South African visa for a holiday?
No, for stays up to 90 days. Longer stays, study, work and residency require a visa through VFS.
Can I apply for a South African visa entirely online?
South Africa is rolling out e-Visas for certain nationalities and categories. UK-based long-stay applicants still typically use VFS for biometrics and document submission.
What is a critical skills visa?
It is a work visa for occupations the South African government has identified as in short supply. The applicant does not need a job offer to apply, although securing employment is required within a set period after arrival.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter South Africa?
Only if you have travelled through a country with yellow fever risk before entering South Africa. UK direct travellers normally do not need one.
Can my children join my work visa in South Africa?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can apply for accompanying or relative's visas linked to the main applicant. Documentation requirements include marriage and birth certificates, often legalised.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced the VFS Global South Africa UK portal, the South African Department of Home Affairs website and gov.uk foreign travel advice for South Africa. Visa categories and fees change, so we direct readers to the official portal for current details.
