Important message from Visa section

Notice regarding disruption to UK visa services in Pretoria

Please note that the Visa Section of the British High Commission in Pretoria will be having a new IT system installed between 27 November and 4 December 2009. This is likely to mean that there may be some delays in the processing of UK visa applications during this period. The Visa Application Centres will still be able to accept applications during this period and will not be affected but the Visa Section will not be able to accept the direct submission of any applications between 27 November and 3 December.

If you are planning to travel during or shortly after this period you should consider submitting your application early, preferably by 20 November, in order to avoid possible disruption to your travel plans.

New Visa requirements for South African nationals visiting the UK

With effect from Tuesday 03 March, South African passport holders will require a visa in order to visit or transit the United Kingdom. However, until mid-2009, South African nationals who have previously travelled to the UK on their current passport will be exempt from the visa requirement. This decision follows a global review of the UK's pre-entry immigration controls and reflects the UK government's commitment to strengthen its borders.

Please note new locations of Visa Application Centres , for full details visit www.vfs-uk-za.com or call 082 234 4450

How to apply for a UK visa

Where can I get information?

UK Border Agency and the British High Commission in South Africa work in partnership with a commercial organisation, Visa Facilitation Service (VFS).  

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through VFS website. VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 082 234 4450. All the information provided is supplied and approved by UKvisas.

Do I have to pay?

There is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge.

Where can I get advice?

VFS and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.   If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner  or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.  Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

VFS manages Visa Application Centres in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UKvisas staff will process and decide your visa application. VFS and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way.  If any member of staff employed by VFS say they can influence your application, you should tell the British High Commission immediately.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

• If you wish to complain about the service you received from UKvisas at this High Commission, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at Liberty Life Place, Block B, 256 Glynn Street, Pretoria, 0028, or by e-mail to ptavisaenquiries@fco.gov.uk .
• If you wish to complain about the service you received from VFS, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager above.
  

'Due to technical difficulties the visa section is not able to receive any emails sent to the visa enquiry address.  We are working hard to resolve this problem and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.  In the meantime, please refer to the visa application centre website www.vfs-uk-za.com  for advise.'