Planning a Kiwi Christmas? Then you’d better get cracking on booking your flights and sorting your visa. 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.
“We expect to see a significant Christmas backlog for New Zealand visa applications, which is why the proposed visa application deadline for Christmas travel is 15 October, and 15 November for New Year and Chinese Lunar New Year,” comments Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.
“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 from NZD211 (R2 315) to NZD341 (R3 740),” she adds.
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.
Read on for Flight Centre’s visa-related advice for some of Saffers’ top December holiday picks.
- 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.
At the time of writing, UK visa applications were taking up to four weeks to process from the date of the biometric appointment. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to secure an appointment within a week or two, and priority options are available.
- Australia
Just to be safe, it’s a good idea to get the visa process started at least four to five weeks before travelling to Australia.
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.
- UAE
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.
- Canada
There’s a significant backlog regarding visa processing for travel to Canada, taking 224 days on average from the date of biometric collection. 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. 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,” cautions Machiri.
That said, there are other options if visas stand in the way of your reunion. 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. 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,” comments Machiri.
Visa-free gems
Unsurprisingly, most South African holiday favourites are visa-free, including Singapore, the Maldives, Thailand, Bali, and Zanzibar. Of course, Mauritius is the ultimate beach-bum paradise, according to Saffers – 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,” says Machiri.
And don’t forget about the magic of South Africa itself! With our beautiful coastlines, wildlife, remote escapes, and bustling cities, exploring your own backyard offers 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. Happy travels!
Disclaimer: Visa processing times are subject to change.