ACCORDING to Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, the travel group is expecting to see a significant Christmas backlog for New Zealand visa applications after the New Zealand Immigration Department has advised travellers to submit their tourist visa applications at least two months before their planned trip, especially during the peak summer season.

As a result, the proposed visa application deadline for Christmas travel is 15 October and 15 November for New Year and Chinese Lunar New Year for those travelling to the region.

“Sadly, applications submitted later than these dates might not be processed in time. Additionally, travellers must be aware of increased visa fees from 1 October, increasing fromNZD211 (R2,315) to NZD341 (R3,740),” she added.

Machiri noted that this predicted backlog has many South African travellers booking their end-of-year escapes well in advance, knowing that New Zealand isn’t the only destination where they’re likely to run into visa hurdles.

With peak travel season for South Africans and travellers about to kick off around the world, Flight Centre offers visa-related advice for some of South African’s top December holiday destinations.

United Kingdom

For those looking to travel to the UK, the best time to book your flights to the UK and get the visa process started is at least six weeks before your departure date.

According to Flight Centre South Africa, UK visa applications were taking up to four weeks to process from the date of the biometric appointment at the time of writing.

“Luckily, it’s relatively easy to secure an appointment within a week or two, and priority options are available,” said the group.

Australia

For those looking to explore that land ‘down under’, Machiri said it’s a good idea to get the visa process started at least four to five weeks before travelling to Australia just to be on the safe side.

“After paying your Australian visa fee online, you have 14 days to provide your biometrics. If you miss this deadline, your application will be rejected, and you’ll need to reapply and pay again.

“Remember that your visa application processing only starts after you’ve attended your biometrics appointment, and it can take up to 10 working days to process from there,” she noted.

United Arab Emirates

The travel experted said that Dubai is currently high on South Africans’ radar and, thankfully, one of the most hassle-free destinations for which to obtain a visa.

“The processing time for single-entry visas is currently up to seven working days and up to 10 working days for multiple-entry visas,” said Machiri.

Canada

According to the travel expert, there’s a significant backlog regarding visa processing for travel to Canada, taking 224 days on average from the date of biometric collection.

She said that with that in mind, while it’s a bucket list destination for many South Africans, it definitely isn’t worth attempting to holiday in Canada this year and give yourself at least eight to nine months ahead of your travels to ensure all necessary visa processing can be factored in.

“Many of December’s leading destinations are popular particularly because South Africans are travelling to visit friends and family in addition to enjoying a well-deserved break.

“As a result, these destinations can’t be replaced, which is why planning well in advance is essential,” cautioned Machiri.

She added that there are other options if visas stand in the way of your reunion and as emigration continues, savvy South African travellers are turning to visa-free destinations like Bali and Thailand as affordable, accessible meeting points to spend time with loved ones scattered across the globe.

Machiri also said swapping pricey London trips for adventures in Turkey with UK relatives is a great option, as is enjoying a tropical Mauritian getaway with Aussie family members.

“These destinations offer excellent value and convenience. It’s a win-win for South Africans who want to connect with loved ones without breaking the bank or navigating complex visa processes.

“As the world becomes more interconnected, these creative solutions highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of South Africans,” said Machiri.

Visa-free gems

Unsurprisingly, most South African holiday favourites are visa-free, including Singapore, the Maldives, Thailand, Bali, and Zanzibar.

Mauritius is the ultimate beach-bum paradise for South Africans and it’s always number one on the local list of top international holiday hot spots.

“The added benefit is that many visa-free destinations promise convenience and affordability. The rand is currently stronger than the Indonesian rupiah, the Tanzanian shilling, and the Thai baht, which means greater affordability even when travelling during the peak holiday season,” said Machiri.

Lastly, Machiri said hopeful travellers should also not forget about the magic of South Africa itself with our beautiful coastlines, wildlife, remote escapes, and bustling cities, that make exploring our own backyard a seamless and equally rewarding holiday experience.

“Consider a road trip along the Garden Route, a safari in the Kruger National Park, or a wine-tasting tour in Stellenbosch.

“Whether your December dreams involve tropical beaches or reconnecting with loved ones, December holidays offer a chance to escape, recharge, and celebrate. Plan ahead, be flexible, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” she said.

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Visa guidelines for South African’s favourite destinations over the festive season