Frequently Asked UK Visa questions during Covid-19. Image credit: AdobeStock
Frequently Asked UK Visa questions during Covid-19
(Partner Content) South Africans looking to migrate to the UK have several concerns relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic. Contrary to what many people believe, it is unnecessary to put your plans to move to the UK on ice. It is still possible to proceed.
Frequently Asked UK Visa questions during Covid-19. Image credit: AdobeStock
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants specialise in UK Immigration and Nationality matters. Our consultants have addressed some of the concerns of South African applicants.
Is it possible to apply for a UK visa, from South Africa, during the Covid-19 pandemic
Yes, all the TLS Contact in South Africa is open and accept UK visa applications.
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants can prepare all the necessary documents and the application is submitted at the TLS Contact offices in South Africa.
Visa applications from within the UK are also continuing as per usual. In the UK, immigration and visa services are classified as essential services and will not be affected by any lockdown rules.
Can I apply for a Visitor Visa to the UK?
Unfortunately, it is not currently possible for South Africans to visit the UK for tourist purposes.
However, if you need to travel urgently to the UK for compassionate reasons, you can still apply for a UK tourist visa. We strongly recommend that in such cases, you contact a Breytenbachs consultant for further assistance.
We will update clients as soon as the situation regarding travel from South Africa changes.
Do I still need to take a TB test to include with my UK visa application?
Yes, you still need to include your TB test for all UK visa applications longer than six months.
You must ensure that your TB test certificate is from an approved Home Office clinic. The Home Office will not accept a TB test certificate from a clinic not approved by them. Your Breytenbachs consultant will provide you with the contact details of the clinics closest to you.
Do I need to take an English language test for my UK visa application?
Yes, if the visa you are applying for requires this test.
Some UK visa applications require you to fulfil the English language requirement. Most clients meet this requirement by sitting an English language test. Breytenbachs can confirm that all English language test centres are open in South Africa, and it is indeed possible to sit these tests. Your Breytenbachs consultant will be able to refer you to your closest English language test centre.
Do I need to quarantine when I travel to the UK with my approved visa?
Yes, at present, there are hotel quarantine rules in place for travellers from certain countries. If you have travelled from such a country in the past ten days, you will not be allowed to enter the UK without following the hotel quarantine rules.
You can read more about these rules on our website.
How Breytenbachs can help you
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants has been practising in London since 1998. We also have offices in Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria. Our consultants are highly trained and experienced and can assist with all UK immigration and Nationality matters. For peace of mind, and fast results, contact us for a consultation. You can visit our website or email us for more information at info@bic-immigration.com
Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.
