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Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens must obtain a visa prior to travel to the UK. Check specific requirements on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from your departure date and contain at least 2 blank pages).
  • A completed and printed visa application form.
  • Travel dates for your intended trip.
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK (e.g., hotel booking or invitation letter).
  • Bank statements for the past 3 months.
  • Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, investment statements).
  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or lease agreement).
  • A letter of employment; if self-employed, provide your business registration documents.
  • Your parents’ full names and dates of birth (if known).
  • Disclosure of any past criminal, civil, or immigration offences, if applicable.

Tourist Visa

  • A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from your departure date and contain at least 2 blank pages).
  • A completed and printed visa application form.
  • Travel dates for your intended trip.
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK (e.g., hotel booking or invitation letter).
  • Bank statements for the past 3 months.
  • Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, investment statements).
  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or lease agreement).
  • A letter of employment; if self-employed, provide your business registration documents.
  • Your parents’ full names and dates of birth (if known).
  • Disclosure of any past criminal, civil, or immigration offences, if applicable.

  • Approximately 3 weeks

Tourist Visa:

  • Single or multiple entry: £115

Tourist Visa:

  • 6 Months

Embassy

British High Commission in Pretoria:

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 Consulate General Cape Town:

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

WEATHER

Wales has a mild and variable climate, often influenced by Atlantic weather patterns.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Wales sees nature reawaken, with blossoming daffodils and lush green landscapes. Temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C, gradually warming through the season. Rain is common, but sunnier days become more frequent by May. It’s a great time for countryside walks, especially in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer brings the warmest weather, with average highs of 18°C to 22°C. Coastal areas such as Tenby and the Gower Peninsula are popular for beach visits. Rain showers are still possible, but longer daylight hours and festivals make it the busiest tourist season.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn transforms the Welsh landscape with golden foliage and misty mornings. Temperatures cool from 15°C in early September to around 8°C by November. It’s a quieter time for travel, ideal for exploring castles and scenic drives through national parks.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold and damp, with temperatures averaging between 2°C and 8°C. Snow is rare at low levels but more common in upland areas like Snowdonia. Coastal towns are peaceful, while Christmas markets and cosy pubs add charm to the cities.
  • Best Time to Travel: Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and coastal breaks, while winter suits those looking for a quiet, atmospheric escape.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Wales
Capital City: Cardiff
International Airports: Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Area: 20,779 km² (8,023 sq mi)2
Population: 3.1 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0), BST (UTC+1 in summer)
Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Church of Wales, Roman Catholic), with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious.
Language: Welsh, English
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: – Mari Lwyd: A traditional New Year’s custom involving a decorated horse skull carried from house to house, where participants engage in rhyming challenges.
– Eisteddfod: A festival of literature, music, and performance, with roots dating back to the 12th century.
– Nos Galan: A New Year’s Eve tradition where people run through the streets of Mountain Ash, commemorating the legendary runner Guto Nyth Brân.
– Bog Snorkelling: An annual event in Llanwrtyd Wells where participants snorkel through a water-filled trench cut through a peat bog.

FESTIVALS

  • Hay Festival: A world-renowned literary festival held in Hay-on-Wye.
  • Green Man Festival: A music and arts festival held in the Brecon Beacons.
  • National Eisteddfod: A celebration of Welsh culture, language, and arts.
  • Royal Welsh Show: An agricultural show held in Llanelwedd.
  • Machynlleth Comedy Festival: A comedy festival held in the town of Machynlleth.
  • Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: A festival celebrating music and dance from around the world.

MAP

“Wales is blessed with some truly magnificent castles, full of history and a must see for visitors.”

– Luke Evans