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South Africa to UK & Ireland

Travelling from South Africa to both the UK and Ireland? These two neighbouring countries have separate visa systems, meaning you’ll likely need two different visas.

Common Visa Requirements

    • UK – South Africans require a Visitor Visa (or Transit Visa if only passing through). Options include 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years validity.

    • Ireland – South Africans need a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa for visits up to 90 days. Ireland is not part of the UK and does not fall under the Schengen Visa system.

Why Order Matters

    • The UK and Ireland do not share visas – a UK Visitor Visa does not cover entry to Ireland, and an Irish visa does not cover entry to the UK.

    • Supporting documents (like flights, accommodation, and financial proof) can often be prepared for both applications at the same time to save effort.

    • Depending on your itinerary, we help you decide whether to apply for the UK visa first or the Irish visa first.

How We Help

Our Visa Bundles take the stress out of planning by combining both UK and Ireland visa requirements into one clear process – including timelines, costs, and application strategy.

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Travel Planning

To help tackle the green mamba, we have put together a Travel Planner platofrm. We are here to help navigate the multi-visa hudles.

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South Africa to UK & Ireland Travel FAQs

Visa Basics

Do South Africans need a visa for the UK?
Yes. South African passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor visa for holidays, business, or family visits. Applications are submitted online with biometrics at VFS South Africa.
Do South Africans need a visa for Ireland?
Yes. Since 2008, South African travellers require a visa to visit the Republic of Ireland. This is separate from the UK visa, unless covered by the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS).
Can South Africans travel to Ireland with a UK visa?
Generally no. A UK visa does not grant entry into Ireland. The only exception is when travelling under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), which allows certain categories of visas to be recognised in both countries.
Can I visit the UK with an Ireland visa?
No. An Irish visa does not allow travel to the UK, unless specifically covered under the BIVS program. Both systems remain separate.
Has Ireland stopped visa-free travel for South Africans?
Yes. Ireland removed South Africa from its visa-free list in 2008. All South African passport holders now require a visa to visit Ireland.

British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)

What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)?
The BIVS allows certain short-stay UK and Irish visas to be recognised for travel in both countries, mainly benefiting Indian and Chinese nationals. Currently, South African nationals are not eligible under BIVS.
Can I travel to Ireland with a UK visa on a South African passport?
No. South Africans are not covered by the BIVS program. A separate Irish visa is required, even if you already hold a UK visa.
Does Northern Ireland follow UK or Irish visa rules?
Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so a UK visa is required. An Irish visa is only valid for the Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway, etc.).
Can I apply online for a British-Irish Visa Scheme visa?
Yes, but currently only Indian and Chinese nationals can apply under BIVS. South Africans must still apply separately for UK and Irish visas.

Application Process

How do I apply for an Irish visa from South Africa?
Applications are submitted online via AVATS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service system). Biometrics and supporting documents are submitted at VFS Ireland centres in South Africa.
What is the processing time for an Irish visa in South Africa?
Standard processing can take 6–8 weeks, depending on season and case complexity. Apply early to avoid delays during peak travel months.
How long does it take to get a UK visa from South Africa?
UK visitor visas usually take around 15 working days. Priority options (5 working days or faster) are available for an additional fee.
How long can a South African stay in Ireland on a visa?
A short-stay Irish visa allows visits of up to 90 days. Long-stay visas (for work or study) must be applied for separately before travel.
What documents are required for an Irish tourist visa?
Typically: valid passport, application form, bank statements, proof of accommodation, flight bookings, invitation letters (if visiting family), travel insurance, and proof of ties to South Africa.

Costs & Practicalities

How much does a UK visa cost for South Africans?
Prices vary by length: a 6-month visitor visa is around £115, with longer validity options (2, 5, or 10 years) costing more. Priority services add to the cost.
How much does an Irish visa cost for South Africans?
Irish short-stay visas cost around €60 for single entry and €100 for multiple entry, payable in rands at the VFS centre.
How much bank balance is required for an Irish visa?
No fixed figure applies, but applicants should show enough funds to cover flights, accommodation, daily expenses, and insurance. Consistent financial history strengthens applications.
Does an Irish citizen need a visa to visit South Africa?
Yes. Irish passport holders require a South African visitor visa for stays beyond 90 days. For short visits under 90 days, they are visa-exempt.
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