Getting a UK visa comes with a lot of ambiguity for many. So in this blog post we have tried to simplify the process for you in a step by step guide.
Disclaimer: All information has been verified during a visa application process followed in October 2021 at the Cape Town office and may have subsequently changed. Please check with the respective countries for visa requirements prior to travel. Halaal Travels cannot be held liable, as information supplied by Halaal Travels is for information purposes only. It is advisable that you do your own research prior to making any travel plans.
Visit the TLS website
Website TLS: https://pos.tlscontact.com/south-africa
Choose your location
TLS contact has offices in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.
When to apply for a UK Visa
It is recommended that you apply not longer than 3 months before your date of travel. The estimated time for processing is 3 weeks but please note that there could be delays of up to 6 or even 7 weeks.
Do I need to have my flight booked before I get my Visa?
For the UK visa you must not book your flight until you have your Visa. The process is quite admin intensive and your visa is not always guaranteed. Therefore, only book your flight once you have received your visa. You may pre-book your accommodation on booking.com with free cancellation. By doing this you can save money on accommodation by booking in advance.
Actual VISA Process
There is an online document that you need to fill in for each person applying for a visa. Ensure that you fill in everything accurately including your passport details. Once you have submitted your application you will need submit supporting documentation for processing. There are 2 ways to do this; Either upload it yourself online or print all documents and take it to the VISA office where they will assist you with uploading. Please note if you require the assistance of the VISA office they will charge you an admin fee. With regards to the documentation always upload and supply them with more documents. If your VISA is not approved you will have to start the process from scratch. So ensure you give extra documentation to make the decision making process simpler.
My Appointment Day
Ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time as there could be a queue to enter. The VISA office is generally efficient and friendly but note that sometimes there could be delays, so please be patient. Arrive at your appointment with the relevant documentation and go through the security check point. You may leave once you have completed your biometrics.
How Long will it take to receive my VISA answer?
General rule is 15 working days from the day after your appointment day but note that there could be delays and it could sometimes take upto 8 weeks. On your appointment day ask them if there are any known delays so you can be prepared to wait a little longer than usual. All you can do now is wait. You cannot call for any updates as the VISA office sends your documentation away for processing. You can follow everything online. You will receive an email when your passport is ready for collection. Only once you open your passport will you see if you have received the VISA or not. You will not receive a decision via email. The email will just state that your passport is ready for collection.
Cape Town TLSContact offices
Address: Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Corner of De Smit and Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Telephone: 012 472 3800
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30
Durban TLSContact offices
The Atrium
430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor Office Tower, Durban 4001
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:3
Johannesburg TLSContact offices
Address: 2nd – 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, 8 Gwen Lane, Corner of Gwen and Fredman Drive, Sandton
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30
Port Elizabeth TLSContact offices
Address: Ground floor, Building 66, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30
Pretoria TLSContact offices
Address: 1st Floor, Menlyn Corner, Frikkie de Beer Street, Corner of Lois Avenue and Atterbury Road, Menlyn
Telephone: 012 472 3801
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30
Have you applied for a UK visa? How was your experience? You can comment below and share you experience with the readers of Halaal Travels.