How much UK, US, Australian and other popular visas will cost South Africans in 2018

 ·9 Apr 2018

The issue of visas has continued to dominate local news over the past few weeks, with Australian home affairs minister Peter Dutton stating that he is now actively considering “several” applications from South African farmers for refugee or humanitarian status in Australia.

The country also recently announced a new visa scheme aimed at attracting highly skilled migrants from countries such as South Africa, in a bid to help grow Australian businesses.

However, Australia is not the only country that is looking overseas to boost its workforce, with the UK also looking to boost foreign employment due to a high employment rate and an exodus of workers following the announcement on Brexit.

While these moves are considered good news for working professionals, it may actually be more difficult to obtain a visa for South Africans looking to travel in 2018, as a number of countries (notably those in the Schengen area) have introduced an overall tightening of documentation from ‘high-risk’ countries such as South Africa.

Below you can find the costs for these and other countries when applying for a short-term visa in 2018.

The below prices do not include collection fees and other additional surcharges.


United Kingdom

Visa Cost (in rands)
6 months (visit)  R1 601
2 years (visit)  R6 026
5 years (visit)  R10 950
10 years (visit)  R13 739
Skilled Worker  R1 670
Student worker  R13 739

Australia

Visa Cost (in rands)
Tourist visa (3 months) R1 290
Working holiday (6 months) R4 055
Student visa (varies) R5 160
Temporary work visa (short stay specialist) R2 580

New Zealand

Visa Cost (in rands)
Visitor visa (up to 9 months) R1 490
Student visa R2 450
Temporary work visa R2 275
Limited visa – seasonal work visa R2 450

USA

Visa Cost (in rands)
Student visa R1 920
Tourist visa R1 920
Temporary work visa R2 280
Specialised work visa R2 460
Fiancé or Spouse of a U.S Citizen R2 460

UAE

Visa Cost in local currency
96-hour R650
Tourist – short term (30 days) R1 080
Tourist – long term (90 days) R2 615
Tourist – long term (multiple-entry) R5 720

Shengen

South African passport holders currently need a Schengen visa to visit large parts of Europe.

The Schengen visa allows access to all the 22 European Union member states as well as four members of the European Free Trade Association including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Hungary and Sweden.

A Schengen visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen Territory for up to 90 days per six months; however, pricing differs slightly according to age and location.

Since May 2008, the fee for a short stay Schengen visa (less than 90 days) is €60 (R885), while the fee for a long stay visa (more than 90 days) is €99 (R1,460).

Children between the ages of 6 and below 12 years old pay €35 (R369).


Read: Australian home affairs looking at “several” applications from South African farmers

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