Guide to Processing Times

How to use the guide

This UK Border Agency guide gives visa applicants information on how long their applications may take based on recent visa processing performance. The visa application centres in each country are listed alphabetically. Processing times are given in working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Performance figures are updated monthly.

Guide to visa application processing times

Visa applicants should bear in mind that each application is subject to an individual assessment and processing times may vary. This guide cannot be used as a guarantee of processing times.

Processing times in South Africa

If you do not need an interview, we should return your passport within 5-10 working days of your application being made. If we need to interview you we will contact with you within 10 working days to arrange an interview date and time.

Unfortunately, there will be times - particularly at very busy travel times - when we cannot reach these standards with all applications. We recommend that you allow at least 3 months for settlement visas (if you are applying to live in the UK) or 1 month for non-settlement visas (all other types of applications).

Customer Service Standards

UK Border Agency Visa Services staff, and staff at VFS are committed to providing a high level of service to our customers. Information on our processing time standards can be found on the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.