With the large diaspora of South Africans living and working in the United Kingdom (UK), it is no surprise that many South Africans frequently travel to the UK to visit friends and family. Others want to make a more permanent move to the UK to study or explore job and business opportunities.

Our consultants have compiled some answers to some of the most frequently asked UK visa questions from South Africans.

Tourist visas

Can I work while in the UK on a tourist visa?

No. A person on a standard UK visitor or tourist visa is not allowed to take up any employment.

I need to travel to the UK urgently. How long will it take to apply for a visa?

UK tourist visas are normally processed within four weeks from the date you submit the visa application, however, the British High Commission does have a priority service available at an additional cost. This priority service processes UK tourist visa applications within five working days.

Payment in priority service does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, and all the necessary requirements must still be met. Also, keep in mind that tourist visa applications are non-refundable. Should your tourist visa application be unsuccessful, you will lose your visa application fee.

Our South African offices are able to assist with priority UK visa applications.

Traveling to South Africa with my foreign passport

I have dual nationality – South African and EU passport. Can I travel with my EU passport in and out of South Africa?

We get regular queries from South Africans with dual nationality on whether they should travel to South Africa with their foreign passport or with their South African passport.

It is important to note that, in accordance with the South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No. 88 of 1995) it is an offense to travel to South Africa using a foreign passport if such a person has the right to make use of a South African passport.

We, therefore, urge all people who have the right to make use of a South African passport to ensure that such a travel document is always kept valid and up to date for travel purposes to South Africa.

English language requirement

I am applying for a UK student visa and apparently have to meet an English language requirement. Is this necessary, as my home language is English?

Applicants who are nationals of majority English-speaking countries and those who have obtained a degree taught in English will not be required to fulfil the English language requirements. South Africans, especially those whose mother tongue is English, are always taken aback to find out that they have to take the English Language Test. This is due to South Africa not being considered a majority English speaking country by the Home Office.

Note that different study courses require different levels of English language requirements. Please contact one of our consultants for more specific advice in your case.

UK transit visas

I will be flying via Heathrow, London later this year. Do I need a transit visa?

You will not require a transit visa if you:

• Arrive and depart by air.
• Have a confirmed onward flight that leaves on the day you arrive or before midnight on the day after you arrive.
• Have the right documents for your destination (e.g., a visa for that country).
• Are traveling to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA and have a valid visa for that country.

If you are traveling to any other destination (other than stated above) you will need a transit visa.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants specialises in UK and SA immigration matters. Our head office is in London and we have affiliate offices in Pretoria and Cape Town.

If you need more information on any UK or SA immigration matter, please feel free to visit our website at http://www.bic-immigration.com/ or email us at info@bic-immigration.com.