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Do's & Don'ts for South African
Citizens Who Intend to Travel to the UK
It is strongly recommended that South Africans travelling
to the UK, especially younger South Africans taking
advantage of working holiday or student arrangements,
confirm their specific visa requirements with the nearest
British government representative before departure.
The British government administers a very strict entry
regime and South Africans are likely to be refused entry
upon arrival if they fail to comply with visa requirements.
The UK visa policy in respect of South African passport
holders has been changed. As from 13 November 2003,
South Africans wishing to stay in the UK longer than
six months will have to apply for a EURP (European Common
Residence Permit) unless they already hold a visa (including
Working Holiday Maker visas).
There is no mandatory entry clearance (visa) requirement
for South African nationals wishing to come to the United
Kingdom as visitors. However, there is provision for
prospective visitors to apply for an optional entry
clearance (visa) at the nearest British Diplomatic Post
if they are in any doubt whether they will qualify for
entry. Possession of an entry clearance does not guarantee
admission, but it does provide a measure of likely eligibility
prior to travel, and affords a right of appeal before
removal in the event that entry is refused.
A prospective visitor must satisfy the Immigration
Officer amongst other things that he or she is genuinely
seeking entry only for the period and purpose stated,
and will be maintained and accommodated without recourse
to public funds or taking employment. If the Immigration
Officer is not satisfied, entry may be refused after
reference to a Chief Immigration Officer or Immigration
Inspector. It should be emphasised that entry to the
United Kingdom is not simply a formality if a prospective
visitor is in possession of a passport, return ticket
and adequate funds. The onus rather is on the person
seeking entry to satisfy the immigration officer as
to his or her intentions.
Decisions to refuse entry cannot be appealed and can
result in considerable inconvenience and distress. South
African travellers refused entry into the UK may be
required to return to South Africa. There is also a
risk that other countries may also refuse admission
on the basis of the British government's decision, which
in all cases is recorded in the traveller's passport.
Travellers seeking entry as visitors to the UK are
likely to be refused entry if they request to enter
the UK, as a visitor, for a six month holiday but carry
with them copies of their resume and/or work references.
It should be mentioned that a baggage search is a standard
part of the further examination process and that immigration
officers have the right to search for and examine any
documents which they consider relevant to an application
for entry. They are also likely to be refused entry
if they do not have proof of adequate funds to support
themselves during their stay and do not have a return
or onward ticket.
Working holiday visas can not be issued at the immigration
port of arrival in the UK. The traveller must acquire
an Entry Certificate from a British consular or diplomatic
mission before departure.
Further information pertaining to visa requirements
can be obtained from the
British High Commission in Pretoria:
Consular Section
Liberty Life Place
Block B, First Floor
Glyn between Pretorius & Schoeman Sts
Hatfield 0083
Tel: (012) 483 1400/2
Fax: (012) 483 1444
E-mail address: VisaSection.PRECG@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.britain.org.uk
Consular Assistance to SA citizens in the United Kingdom:
South African High Commission
South Africa House
Trafalgar Square
London
Website: http://www.southafricahouse.com
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