Online visa system launched for South Africans visiting UK

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After success in countries like China and India, the online visa application service to the UK, Access UK, has been expanded to South Africa. If you’re planning a British holiday you can now apply for your visa, make an appointment, and pay online.

Online visa application system for the UK
Access UK, an online visa application system for visitors to the UK, launches for South Africans on 22 April 2016. (Image: Pixabay)

Access UK, an online visa application service, has been launched for South Africans wanting to visit the UK.

After being successful in China and India, the portal has been extended to Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Nigeria, Benin and South Africa. “Over 270 000 applicants have already used Access UK and feedback is really positive,” the UK Home Office said.

Applicants can use the website to apply, book an appointment and pay for their submission through the standard, priority or super-priority visa service, where applicable.

People are able to review, revise or download partially finalised applications before submission, with the visa fee displayed in rands, according to travel news site Traveller24.

The following visas can be applied for:

  • Standard visitor
  • General and Family
  • Child
  • Business
  • Entrepreneur
  • Religion
  • Sportspersons
  • Creative
  • Private medical treatment (six months)
  • Visitors undertaking the PLAB test, objective structured clinical examination, clinical attachment and dental observations
  • Visitor – marriage and civil partnership
  • Visitor – permitted paid engagement

Prices

Prices vary depending on the visa required. Standard visas are £87 (about R1 920). The longer the visa, the higher the cost:

  • Two years: £330 (about R7 288)
  • Five years: £600 (about R13 250)
  • Ten years: £752 (about R16 610)

The new service is running parallel with the old system, Visa4UK. New applicants will be directed to the new improved Access UK service. Users will not be charged when changing services, said the UK home office.

Sources: Traveller24 and UK Home Office

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