Operating on a first come first serve basis, for those South Africans looking to make a last minute UK visa application can now do so.

Emergency and urgent applications can now be efficiently dealt with the help of Move Up and VFS (Visa Facilitation Service). Effective 14 November 2011, South Africans can expect a 3 day processing time (subject to applying in accordance with immigration law). Applicants that have previously been refused visas for any other countries and those that have criminal records are likely to experience processing delays.

General Visitor Visas lodged within South Africa generally have a 5 working day processing time. The announcement of the 3 day processing time will cater for those really last minute applications. The South African courier systems offer an infrastructure where overnight delivery is possible.

This means that South Africans can arrive at VFs on Monday morning to submit their express application and VFS can send it through to Pretoria for overnight delivery. Thereafter the visa can be approved (subject to immigration compliance) and be returned via courier that Tuesday evening. Which means applicants can expect a Wednesday return of application with visa inside passport.

“As great as this breakthrough in efficient processing times is, South Africans must remember that these rushed applications have always been the most stressful means of travelling. Further to this, South Africans are encouraged not to purchase flights before applying for their visas” recommends Ryan Rennison, Move Up’s Director.

Further Visitor Visa information can be found here: Move Up’s Visitor Visa Page