Property Search
Cars Online
Buy DVDs online
Win the Lottery
Local sleepovers
Book flights online!
Work money smarter
Wine of the Week
Life Insurance Quote
Online Dating
Save on your insurance
Houses for sale
Go shopping!
Convert anything 
Henrie's Recipes
More UK visa trouble
Travel Industry Review
Posted Thu, 16 Apr 2009
Fees for the United Kingdom's recently imposed visa for South African travellers is set to increase, according to British High Commission representative Murray Dulgety.
Speaking at a travel industry conference in Johannesburg recently, Mr. Dulgety said he was unsure of the rate of the increase at that stage, but a further announcement is expected this week.
Currently South African travellers are forking out £45 (R600) for a transit visa, £65 (R870) for a six-month visa and £205 (R2747) for a long-term multiple entry visa.
In addition, all travellers have to apply for their visas in person to comply with the biometric testing requirement. Mr. Dulgety said "no exceptions will be made for the elderly or incapacitated", but the High Commission will encourage the UFS visa branches to "show compassion". Children under the age of five are exempt.
The visa application offices will also soon be able to offer an appointment system for travellers who may not have time to sit in a queue.
Mr. Dulgety admitted that the service provided at the visa offices has so far not been "up to scratch", but he said travellers can expect improvements: "We are here to help genuine South African travellers get to the UK, and are committed to making this work."
Meanwhile, the High Commission has confirmed that the temporary visa exemption granted to South African passport holders with proof of previous entry into the UK in their current passport will end on June 30. As a result, all South Africans travelling to the UK will require a visa from July 1 onwards.
Published courtesy of www.tir.co.za — Travel Industry Review.
