Access
Visa free
FStay 90 days
Policy · South AfricaPassport Atlas
United Kingdom passport to South Africa
Yes — United Kingdom passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa required
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Key facts
- South Africa lets 93 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — United Kingdom is one of them.
- United Kingdom passports get “Visa free” at 115 of 198 destinations.
- In the other direction, South Africa passports get “Visa required” in United Kingdom.
Nearby passports travelling to South Africa
Open to United Kingdom passports near South Africa
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flight corridor
Direct flights
United KingdomSouth Africa- Typical duration
- 11.5 hours
- From
- LHR
- To
- JNB · CPT
Airlines American Airlines, British Airways, South African Airways, Transaero Airlines
Search live faresDuration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
United Kingdom
Country profile
Capital
London
Population
68.3 million
Area
244,820 km²
Currency
British pound GBP
Languages
English
Time zone
UTC+00:00
Foreign-born
11.8 million · 2024
Migrant share
17.1%
Ethnic groups · 2011
- White87.2%
- other3.7%
- Black/African/Caribbean/black British3%
- Asian/Asian British: Indian2.3%
- mixed2%
- Asian/Asian British: Pakistani1.9%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type M / Type N
Mains
230 V · 50 Hz
Driving
Left
Emergency
Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177
Dialing code
+27
Airports
JNB · CPT · DUR · MQP
Highlights
- Table Mountain
- Kruger
- Robben Island
- Garden Route
United Kingdom · Visa free
FAQ
Does a United Kingdom passport need a visa for South Africa?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa free”. typical stay 90 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 90 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
South Africa typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a South Africa mission.
What about a South Africa passport entering United Kingdom?
The reverse result is “Visa required”.
How do you apply for South Africa as a visitor?
Visitor visa：Often 30–90 days。File funds, itinerary and invitation at a mission or visa centre.