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South Africa vs United Kingdom: tourist visa

South Africa or United Kingdom for a tourist visa? Side by side: $85 vs $238 all-in, 10 to 15 days vs 3 weeks decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.

Verdict

  • South Africa is cheaper ($85 vs $238 all-in)
  • South Africa decides faster (10 to 15 days)
  • South Africa asks for less money in the bank ($1,500 vs $2,500)

South Africa vs United Kingdom: tourist visa side by side

South AfricaUnited Kingdom
Visa formatStickerSticker
Processsticker visasticker visa
BiometricsRequiredRequired
InterviewNoNo
Government fee$26$179
vistolane filing fee$59$59
All-in per traveller$85$238
Decision window10 to 15 days3 weeks
Validity90 days6 months
StayUp to 90 daysUp to 6 months
EntriesMultipleMultiple
Funds to show (tourist visa)$1,500$2,500
tourist visa routeVisitorStandard Visitor

Which is cheaper?

South Africa costs $85 all-in ($26 government fee plus $59 filing) and United Kingdom costs $238 ($179 plus $59). South Africa is cheaper by $153 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.

Which is faster?

South Africa: 10 to 15 days (10 to 15 days). United Kingdom: 3 weeks (3 weeks (15 working days)). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.

Which needs less money in the bank?

South Africa asks for about $1,500 and United Kingdom about $2,500 for a tourist visa. South Africa is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.

How the processes differ

South Africa: sticker visa with biometrics. United Kingdom: sticker visa with biometrics. The steps are the same shape, so documents prepared for one largely serve the other.

Which should you pick for a tourist visa?

For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: South Africa decides in 10 to 15 days. If you are choosing purely on cost, South Africa wins.

South Africa vs United Kingdom: common questions