From 8 April 2026, South African passport holders will have to dig much deeper into their pockets to visit one of Europe’s most popular destinations, as the United Kingdom officially hikes its entry costs.
As reported by SA People, the standard six-month visitor visa for the UK will increase from £127 to £135 (R3 082). Those looking for longer access will also feel the financial pinch, with a 10-year visit visa soaring to a staggering £1 128 (R25 750).
How do American and Chinese visas compare?
If the royal price tag is making you reconsider your holiday plans, the United States remains a pricey alternative. South Africans applying for a standard B-2 visitor visa to the US must pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $185 (R3 110).
Travelstart advises that this must be paid online before securing an interview at consulates in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban, and recommends applying at least three months in advance due to high demand.
However, if you are looking for a travel bargain, heading East is undeniably your best bet. The Chinese Embassy in South Africa has officially extended its policy of reducing Chinese visa fees until 31 December 2026.
While express service fees are excluded from this cut, this ongoing reduction makes China the absolute cheapest visa option among these three global superpowers – R300 for a single entry and R675 for multiple entries over a 12-month period.
Despite these mounting international costs, the South African passport recently climbed to 48th place on the Henley Passport Index, offering citizens 101 visa-free destinations worldwide.