Visa application

[Priapus]

That's exactly my point and the reason I don't bother flying this route. This thing take longer to get than a Schengen

I unfortunately need a visa. Applied last Monday. Flying to Heathrow as that’s the only direct flight to UK. Was not prepared to do a layover with an infant.

Will see if they even approve the visa. My 5th one now. But we always flew into gatwick.

When we flew back from Vegas in 2019 - we were going through London and did not need a visa normally. But. They were striking during that time and they had to issue me a temp visa to go to a local hotel to catch another flight the following day.

 

[Priapus]

That's exactly my point and the reason I don't bother flying this route. This thing take longer to get than a Schengen

I’m still not understanding the reasoning for a DATV. What’s the point if you’re not going through passport control?

 

[bwana]

Wasn't that more because they were forced to offer it (the Surinder Singh judgement) rather than because they felt like being nice?

No idea why a EU citizen doesn't have to pay for a visa for their non-EU spouse.

While America does charge for a spousal tourist visa it's a 10 year multiple entry one that costs roughly the same as the UK 6 month visa.

 

[upup]

I’m still not understanding the reasoning for a DATV. What’s the point if you’re not going through passport control?

exactly.

 

[Priapus]

No idea why a EU citizen doesn't have to pay for a visa for their non-EU spouse.

While America does charge for a spousal tourist visa it's a 10 year multiple entry one that costs roughly the same as the UK 6 month visa.

Yeah even the normal US visitor visa is ten years. Mine is still valid till 2029.

I’ve considered just getting a 10 year visitor visa for UK as I go there, roughly once a year. But it’s 20k and you need to convince the ECO with a lot more info. If they say no, it’s 20kk down the drain.

 

[bwana]

Yeah even the normal US visitor visa is ten years. Mine is still valid till 2029.

I’ve considered just getting a 10 year visitor visa for UK as I go there, roughly once a year. But it’s 20k and you need to convince the ECO with a lot more info. If they say no, it’s 20kk down the drain.

Yeah - £837 and now is not the time to get that with the rand the way it is.

I go yearly but my wife/family only accompanies me every other year or so it's really not cost effective.

 

[Priapus]

Yeah - £837 and now is not the time to get that with the rand the way it is.

I go yearly but my wife/family only accompanies me every other year or so it's really not cost effective.

If you’re going that often; no thoughts about moving back?

 

[bwana]

If you’re going that often; no thoughts about moving back?

Roughly every other day I entertain dreams of returning to the UK and/or US. My wife isn't keen on the idea though. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Snyper564]

exactly.

This.

 

[Priapus]

Roughly every other day I entertain dreams of returning to the UK and/or US. My wife isn't keen on the idea though. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Due to family ties?

 

[bwana]

Due to family ties?

Basically. The kids have already decided that they want to move to the US and UK so we'll probably retire there eventually.

 

[upup]

Queries cost £2.74. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry.

Help with your visa application or other problems - Contact UK Visas and Immigration for help - GOV.UK

www.gov.uk

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

Anyone remember the days when SAns didn't need a visa for the UK?
Oh well, guess things change.

 

[bwana]

Anyone remember the days when SAns didn't need a visa for the UK?
Oh well, guess things change.

Considering they approve over 97% of SA applicants it seems a bit farcical.

 

[Priapus]

Considering they approve over 97% of SA applicants it seems a bit farcical.

I was once refused in 2015. But was a due to lack of documentation.

Where did you get that stat from?

Hoping my visa is back next week.

 

[Priapus]

Anyone remember the days when SAns didn't need a visa for the UK?
Oh well, guess things change.

That was many years ago. It was abused, so it had to go. Can’t blame the UK for that.

 

[bwana]

I was once refused in 2015. But was a due to lack of documentation.

Where did you get that stat from?

Hoping my visa is back next week.

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/why-cant-my-constituents-family-get-a-visa-to-visit-the-uk/

 

[Priapus]

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/why-cant-my-constituents-family-get-a-visa-to-visit-the-uk/

Some cool stats there.

 

[Dave]

Considering they approve over 97% of SA applicants it seems a bit farcical.

Remember that the buying of genuine fake SAn passports has been reported to about as easy as buying a newspaper.

Home Affairs nails 500 fake South African passports

The Department of Home Affairs has identified 500 fraudulent passports in the last three financial years - with 185 documents blocked in 2022 alone.

businesstech.co.za

 

[Priapus]

Remember that the buying of genuine fake SAn passports has been reported to about as easy as buying a newspaper.

Home Affairs nails 500 fake South African passports

The Department of Home Affairs has identified 500 fraudulent passports in the last three financial years - with 185 documents blocked in 2022 alone.

businesstech.co.za

You need more than just a SA passport to get into the UK though.