British passport · South Africa
Do British citizens need a visa for South Africa?
In brief
No. British passport holders can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days.
South Africa visa-free stay for British citizens: up to 90 days. Official rule. Source: Department of Home Affairs, South Africa, checked .
South Africa visa fee for British citizens: none for visa-free entry.
The attached Schedule outlines national passport holders from countries who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements, the category of passport holders who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements and the period for which such visa exemption applies.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa
Checked 6 Nov 2026Source: Department of Home Affairs, South AfricaVisas only at eta.dha.gov.zaReport a change
Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.
ContentsIn brief
At a glance
| Access | Visa-free · 90 days |
|---|---|
| Stay | Up to 90 days |
| Validity and entries | Not stated by the official source |
| Official fee | None for visa-free entry |
| Official processing | Nothing to apply for |
| Where to apply | Nothing to apply for to visit visa-freeOfficial site: eta.dha.gov.za |
| Before arrival | Since 1 July 2026 every traveller entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online customs traveller declaration before travelling, except in a few paper-based cases.2 |
Do British citizens need a visa for South Africa?
The Department of Home Affairs, South Africa lists the UK among the countries whose nationals can visit without a visa. Stay: 90 days.
“The attached Schedule outlines national passport holders from countries who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements, the category of passport holders who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements and the period for which such visa exemption applies.”
Conditions and exceptions
British ordinary passport holders are exempt from South African visas for visits of up to 90 days.
PASSPORT HOLDERS WHO ARE EXEMPT FROM VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICA ... Issued on 09 December 2025 ... United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 90 Days No
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026
Fee
Visa-free entry costs nothing.
Processing time
Nothing to apply for to visit visa-free for up to 90 days. For visas, the official sources we read state no processing time.
Documents and entry checks
What changed
- Since 1 July 2026 every traveller entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online customs traveller declaration before travelling, except in a few paper-based cases. South African Revenue Service (SARS), Customs · checked
- South Africa launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on 12 August 2026 for nationals who need visas; it is not required of visa-exempt travellers such as British citizens, who will be able to use it voluntarily for a faster arrival queue or to extend a stay by up to 90 days. Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked · read from an archived copy of 14 Sep 2026
- Checked against the official sources on this page: the rule above still holds.
FAQ
Is South Africa visa-free for British citizens now?
Yes: visa-free for up to 90 days. Checked on 6 Nov 2026 against the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.
How much does a South Africa visa cost for British citizens?
Visa-free entry costs nothing.
Can I get a South Africa visa in 7 days?
There is nothing to apply for to visit visa-free for up to 90 days. The official sources we read state no processing time.
Other trips on a British passport
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: entry rule and entry conditions
- South African Revenue Service (SARS), Customs: documents
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: documents
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: changes