Impact of New UK Visa For South African Travellers
Mar - 20 | 
8 comments. | 
Overseas Property News, South African Property
As of this month, South African passport holders will require a visa to visit or transit the UK – a move which will affect up to 400,000 travellers each year, despite assurances that the new rules will not impact trade between the two countries…
Although the new visa requirement has already been introduced, if you are a South African national who has previously travelled to the UK on your current passport, you will be exempt from the visa requirement until mid-2009.
South Africa is not the only country to have been hit by these new visas – the UK has been conducting a global review of its pre-entry immigration controls and is committed to strengthening its borders. In total, nearly 75 per cent of the world’s population is subject to a visa requirement prior to travelling to the UK.
However, the South African passport has been one of the most abused passports detected at UK border posts and, over the last two years, there has also been a significant increase in the number of South African nationals detected working illegally or overstaying after their leave to remain in the UK has expired.
The British High Commissioner, the Rt Hon Paul Boateng said, “The introduction of a visa requirement is in no way a reflection of any deterioration in our continuing and strong relationship with South Africa.
“We are committed to continuing to welcome South Africans travelling for legitimate reasons to the UK.
“The UK remains a favourite destination for both business and tourism for South Africans and will continue to be so. Our aim is to provide a first class service to all. Visas will provide added security and protection for travellers to the UK.
“This, together with the introduction of biometrics, will ultimately provide a safer and better experience for the ordinary travelling public,” added Mr Boateng.
The new visa rules aim to reduce the risk of South African passengers being unnecessarily delayed on arrival in the UK because of current concerns over the security of South African passports.
The new rules may not be permanent but will depend on whether or not the situation of wrongly used passports improves.
Carry on trading
The new regulations are not expected to impact trade between South Africa and the UK.
South African Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said, “No plans or programmes in terms of trade will be derailed.”
“The UK has written us a letter, acknowledging that we are doing a lot to improve the security of our passports and identity documents,” she added.
Plans are also afoot to introduce a ‘smart card passport’ instead of the traditional scanned barcode. These new passports, which will be far more secure, could be completed as early as next month.
News submitted by Dan Johnson, The Move Channel
I think this move is akin to being spat in the face by the British government despite. I am a British citizen and to my knowledge there are more US and Chinese citizens who have abused terms of entry into Britain, overstayed and work. By charging what amounts to a months wages for the average SA Joe won’t address the so-called concerns but beefs up Governments income. The South African government should impose their own mega levies on Brits visiting their country, with the noble intent of investing in the poor. As it is even the income from tourism heads out of the country. Boycott our country and visit France, Spain et al, they are more interesting, warmer, congenial and unpretentious.
Yet another money making scam by the British government. I can understand that they want to tighten the process but charging up to £600 a single visa makes me think it is more of a selection policy, I.e we don’t want poor people on rich visitors…
I am a South African living and working in Britain and now family can no longer visit due to the cost.
The problem is that all those forging visa and passports will continue so the only people who get punished by this is the law abiding people.
So for my family visits it will all now take place in France as the Schengen visas are cheaper and easier to get.
Thanks Labour, and you wonder why everyone is voting you out this year.
Hi
While I understand the concerns, I really dont understand why the cost is so high for the visa? Something definitely stinks! What I really find ironic though is that the very people the UK is concerned about bombing their country, live there! Not only are they resident, but they have been welcomed with open arms over many, many years from all different countries. Thousands and thousands of Pakistanis have lived in UK for years, some were born there. It wasn’t a South Afican that bombed the UK, look to yourselves and be careful who you invite to stay. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. You’ve made your own bed UK, now dont make SA citizens lie in it.
I think it is disgusting, and concur wholeheartedly with what Tshepo and Shawn have said…it is nothing but a money-making scam, and will, contrary to what both the British and South African governments have stated, adversely affect trade and tourism between the two countries. I feel it only fair and just that South Africa impose the same Visa restrictions on British citizens…why should we labour under these draconian measures while British people are left unaffected.Shame on the British government!
My wifes sister has a South African passport but is a resident of Canada.They live in Canada. She and a friend (both 70) planned a six week holiday starting in the UK. Their travel agent did not inform them of the new visa requirements. When they got to the airport they were sent home, totally devastated. In approaching the British Embassy in Toronto they were given very short shift and told to wait for ten days.
How cruel. I need someone to write to in the Uk to express my disgust at such treatment to two elderely travellers who plans have been ruined .
With much joy of been able to travel to Europe in early 2010 for the first time. Short lived was our hopes of going to the UK and Ireland when we found out the cost of visas charged by the UK government.
Instead we shall only travel through Europe and forget seeing our forefather’s homeland for the first time in 4 generations, no wonder they left for African and American shores.
i am glad i open this page. i don’t know what’s going on in UK as of now. I’ll be traveling next month in Europe i hope they wont charged me much.
best wishes
I totally agree with all of the above statemnts I’m a sixteen year old living in South Africa really want to visit a relative in London but now I read these things on the internet my chances of coming to London are limited now doubt my parents will go out of the way for this trip anymore…I just can’t deal! There goes my visit and excitment…