BreytenbachsBreytenbachs

English|Afrikaans
info@breytenbachs.com
Sun, 5/7/2009

Visitors - Tourists

Non-visa nationals who wish to visit the UK as tourists do not need entry clearance to enter the UK and you will need to satisfy the UK Immigration Officer on arrival that you are a genuine visitor. You will be well advised to contact Breytenbachs if you have ever been denied entry to the UK or have broken any UK immigration rules or regulations and wish to travel to the UK as a visitor. Please also contact our offices if you want to find out whether you are a non-visa national.

How do I qualify as a visitor to the UK?

  • You must be able to satisfy the immigration officer at the port of entry that you only intend to visit the UK for a period not more than six months.
  • You plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • You have enough money to support and accommodate yourself without working or recourse to public funds.

Some Rules and Restrictions on Visitors to the UK:

  • You are prohibited from working or commencing business in the UK.
  • Visitors are not allowed to enter or stay in the UK in order to receive free medical treatment from the British National Health Service. Visitors will have to pay for any medical treatment they receive and should therefore ensure that they have enough medical insurance in the event of needing medical treatment.
  • Your children cannot enrol in state schools.

South African visitors to the UK

From 3 March 2009, South Africans travelling to the UK are required to obtain a visa before travelling. South Africans who have previously travelled to the UK on their current passport, will be exempt from this requirement. However, from mid 2009 they will also be required to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK.

Additionally, South Africans travelling via the UK to another destination, will require a transit visa.

The good news for visitors from South Africa is that there are ways to obtain multiple-entry visitor visas to the UK, and clients from South Africa should endeavour to obtain these to avoid the requirement to obtain a visa on each occasion of travel to the UK.

Our South African affiliate office will be able to assist South Africans to obtain a visa for the UK, before they travel to the UK. Please contact them on telephone number +27 12 460 9959.

Newsletter sign-up

Fill in your details below to receive regular Breytenbachs news letters
 
© Breytenbachs. 2004Disclaimer | Regulated by the Law Society