Visitor visa
South Africans need a visitor visa — not an ETA
Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa
South Africa is not on the UK ETA national list. A green South African passport needs a Standard Visitor visa for a holiday in London. That surprises people because South Africans are visa-free in much of Europe/Schengen for short trips — the UK is different. BA from Johannesburg will not board you on an ETA printout. Apply on GOV.UK. British–South African dual nationals should use the British passport and skip both visa and ETA. Youth Mobility is a separate visa if you qualify by age and nationality rules on GOV.UK. Do not treat a Schengen trip stacked onto London as one permission.
Standard Visitor visa on GOV.UK →
South African travel facts
| Passport | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa |
| What you need | Standard Visitor visa |
| Stay | Usually up to 6 months as a visitor |
| Work | Not allowed on visit permission |
| Landside transit | Usually a visa or transit visa — check GOV.UK |
Mistakes south africans make
- Assuming Schengen visa-free means UK visa-free.
- ETA websites targeting .za users anyway.
London notes for South African arrivals
JNB–LHR is usually T5. After a granted visa, Elizabeth line into town. A visitor visa does not let you pick up paid work in London, including hospitality.
FAQs
- Is South Africa on the ETA list?
- No. You need a visitor visa for ordinary visits.
- What about a UK Youth Mobility visa?
- That is a different product with its own eligibility. It is not an ETA.
Other passports
Bodhixt is not affiliated with UKVI. Confirm on GOV.UK before you book. Apply via https://www.gov.uk/eta only.