Jump to Section 

Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visa requirements vary based on nationality. Check specific requirements on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • Visa Application Form: DHA-84 Form 11, completed in black ink and signed in original (no copies accepted).
  • Original Passport: Valid for at least 30 days after your visit to South Africa, with at least three blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years.
  • Photographs: Two passport-sized photos, adhering to Passport & ID Photograph Specifications.
  • Current UK Visa or UK Residence Permit (BRP Card): Original and a copy, with a share code valid for at least 30 days beyond your return from South Africa.
  • Proof of UK Residency for EU Nationals: Council tax bills, utility bills, or bank statements showing a UK address, dated more than 6 months prior.
  • Bank Statements: Three months’ worth showing a closing balance of £600.00, stamped or accompanied by a bank verification letter, and not older than 7 days.
  • Salary Bank Statement: Three months of salary bank statements stamped or verified by the bank, and not older than 7 days.
  • Flight Booking: Provisional return flight booking or itinerary with your name.
  • Hotel Booking: Provisional booking for the entire stay in South Africa with your name included.
  • Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit.
  • Employer Letter: Signed letter from your current employer, dated within the last 7 days, along with three months of payslips.
  • Invitation Letter from South Africa: Signed letter from your host in South Africa, including a certified copy of their South African passport (not older than 3 months).
  • Residence Permit: Certified copy of the residence permit for the person representing the South African institution, if you are not South African.
  • Host Information: Host must confirm your stay at their residence, provide proof of residence (e.g., utility bills or bank statements), and state they will cover all costs related to your stay and any necessary removal from the country.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required if traveling to or from a yellow fever-affected country within 14 days before arriving in or after leaving South Africa. Check the current list of affected countries.

Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry): ZAR 2,786

Approximately 3 weeks

UK Visas and Immigration

Johannesburg:

  • Address: 2nd – 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton
  • Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 15:30
  • Standard and Premium Appointments: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 15:30
  • Prime Time Appointments: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 09:00; 12:00 – 13:00; 15:00 – 16:00; Saturday 09:00 – 13:00
  • Passport Return: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 15:30

Cape Town:

  • Address: Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Corner of De Smit Street and Somerset Road, De Waterkant
  • Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 15:30
  • Standard and Premium Appointments: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 15:00
  • Prime Time Appointments: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 09:00; 12:00 – 13:00; 15:00 – 16:00
  • Passport Return: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 15:00

Durban:

  • Address: 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, The Atrium
  • Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 15:30
  • Prime Time Appointments: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 09:00; 12:00 – 13:00; 15:00 – 16:00
  • Passport Return: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 15:30

British High Commission Pretoria:

  • Address: 255 Hill Street, Arcadia
  • Phone: +27 12 421 7500

British Consulate General Cape Town:

  • Address: 15th Floor, Norton Rose House, 8 Riebeek Street, Foreshore
  • Phone: +27 21 405 2400

WEATHER

Scotland’s weather is known for its variability, often experiencing “four seasons in one day.”

  • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. A great time for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside.
  • Summer (June to August): Warmest season with long daylight hours. Ideal for festivals and outdoor events. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
  • Autumn (September to November): Cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. A quieter time to visit with fewer tourists.
  • Winter (December to February): Cold and often snowy, especially in the Highlands. Perfect for winter sports and cozying up by the fire. Average temperatures range from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).

Best Time to Travel: The best times to visit Scotland are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Scotland
Capital City: Edinburgh
International Airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI),
Glasgow Airport (GLA),
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ),
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
Area: 77,910 km² (30,090 sq mi)
Population: 5.775 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0), BST (UTC+1 in summer)
Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic), with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious
Language: English, Scots Gaelic
Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
Exchange Rate: 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD (rates vary)
Credit Card Payment Availability: Widely accepted
ATM Accessibility: Readily available in cities and towns
Dialling Code: +44

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz.
Plug type G
Water: Tap water is safe to drink
Business Hours: Typically, 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday
Banking Hours: Usually 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday; some branches open on Saturdays
Photography Restrictions: Generally allowed, but avoid photographing military installations and certain private properties.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated (10-15% in restaurants)
Vaccination Requirements: No specific vaccinations required for travellers
Dress Code Restrictions: Casual, but layers are recommended due to variable weather
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Haggis Hurling: A fun and unique sport where participants throw a haggis as far as possible.
– Blackening the Groom: A pre-wedding tradition where the groom (and sometimes the bride) is covered in soot, treacle, flour, and feathers, then paraded around town.
– Coal Carrying: An annual race in Kelty where participants carry heavy sacks of coal over a kilometre.
– The Kirkwall Ba’: A traditional ball game played in the streets of Kirkwall, Orkney, on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

FESTIVALS

  • Hogmanay: New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks and street parties.
  • Burns Night: Celebrated on January 25th to honour poet Robert Burns.
  • Edinburgh Festivals: Includes the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, held in August.
  • Highland Games: Traditional Scottish sports and cultural events held from May to September.
  • St Andrew’s Day: Celebrated on November 30th, honouring Scotland’s patron saint.
  • Jazz and Blues Festival: Held in July, featuring performances from top Scottish and international artists.

MAP

“The Scottish Highlands are incredible. There seems to be magic and poetry everywhere.”

– Caitriona Balfe