Hurry up and wait: Expect delays in UK entry visas due to global backlog

With the United Kingdom having finally ditched its “Red List” which has severely impacted tourism and hospitality businesses in many countries, South Africans are again able to make discretionary trips to the UK.

South Africans (those not in possession of UK or European Union passports) travelling to the UK are required to obtain visas that grant them entry in to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK’s dropping of restrictions against 11 countries, including South Africa, means that a number of South Africans are again planning trips to the United Kingdom and now need to navigate the bureaucracy this entails.  

NO EXTENSIONS FOR EXISTING UK VISAS

There will be no reprieve for visa holders whose UK visas expired during the periods of restricted entry. British High Commission head of communications Isabel Potgieter said that no such extensions would be granted.

“People should, where they can, speak to their travel insurance companies about claiming,” she told TimesLive.  

DELAYS IN VISA PROCESSING

At present, there is a backlog in the processing of UK visas.  Travellers who plan to visit the UK and need to obtain entry visas, are advised to apply well in advance as visa processing is delayed due to a global backlog.

“UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) are experiencing very high volumes of visa applications globally and are working through existing cases and new applications as quickly as possible,” she said.

WARNING TO UK VISA APPLICANTS

The UKVI advises travellers not to book and pay for accommodation or flight tickets prior to receiving their passports with UK visas.

“Customers who want to travel soon, should apply for their visit visa as early as possible. We urge all customers not to make travel plans including booking flights until they receive their visa,” it said.

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COST OF VISA ENQUIRIES

Telephonic enquiries regarding the status of one’s UK visa are charged in British currency. The difficulty and cost of speaking to anyone at UKVI could be navigated by enquiring via e-mail instead. There is a charge of £2.74 (R58) for inquiries sent by e-mail.

Applicants are however advised not to query the status of their visa applications except if needing to travel urgently.    

“We strongly advise customers not to enquire about the status of an existing application unless there is a compelling or compassionate emergency need to travel.”

UKVI