Visas to be considered for SA travelers to the UK.?

Question

THE UK is a step closer to introducing a visa regime for South African travellers after its visa waiver test showed that South Africa, along with 10 other countries, poses a significant threat to the UK.

The other countries are Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The Home Office is giving these countries until the end of the year to reduce the risk they pose or face visa requirements for short-term visitors.

The UK says it will work with the countries over the next six months and if they show evidence of change there will be no need to introduce a visa regime. The criteria for the visa waiver test included:

* Passport security and integrity

* Co-operation over deportations/removals from the UK

* Levels of illegals working in the UK and immigration abuse

* Levels of crime/terrorism risk posed to the UK

* How each country’s government dealt with these issues.

How will this impact on SA travelers

Answer 1

Once again, it is the actions of a few who spoil things for everyone else. The UK is considering these steps for South Africans because of the huge amount of passport and visa fraud being committed, not only by govt officials, but also by fraudsters and forgers in SA and UK, as well as South African who overstay or immigrate illegally. I don't see it decreasing actually, so I guess it is inevitable that the UK will bring in this measures before long. This is going to make life difficult for even the law abiding South Africans who want to travel, work, etc in the UK.

Answer 2

It will be made as difficult as it is to get a Schengen visa, then many people are not even going to be allowed into the embassies to apply for a visa!!!

It has been a palaver for us to get the necessary documentation for my sister-in-law and my niece to visit us here in Germany.

We, the hosts, have to supply proof of income, and show our rental contract to prove that we can house these people, that we can feed them, that we will vouch for any medical costs incurred by them, and that we will pay for any possible deportation should our guests not wish to leave Europe after their visa expire.

Then they have to apply at the necessary embassies in SA for a visum which will only be granted after this "visitor´s invitation" has been issued from the host at a cost of 25 euros per person, plus expense of registered mail to SA.

SO, basically, for people who have no friends or family in Europe, this is difficult.  They might have to produce proof that they have a few 100 000 dollars (as a sort of deposit) to secure any expenses that incur, and to pay for their possible deportation.

It is not good news at all.

Answer 3

That just goes to show the British arrogance.

Everyone must comply with their standards.

What ever happened to negotiating  and being diplomatic instead of giving people ultimatums.  

This is just basic bulling.

To answer your Q

The Saffa's will have to apply and see if they get granted a visa.

Answer 4

Travellers will not have much of a choice, but to apply for a visa if required.

This has been in the newspapers for quite a while and we will have to wait and see.

Answer 5

I think that as many people as possible will try to get out of SA before this happens. It will reduce the number of people trying to leave the $hit hole! Isn't that what the government wants, less skilled people leaving. Ooops sorry I have mistaken that for a government that cares about it's people. Wrong country.

I think that this will have a big impact on travelers. I know of many people who go on those "working holidays"