The British high commission has confirmed that it is conducting a global review of its visit visa requirements.
High commissioner Paul Boateng said on Wednesday that Britain is in regular contact with the South African government regarding the process and that no decision has been taken.
”We are in regular contact with the South African government to discuss these matters and have raised with them a number of concerns that arise,” he said.
Boateng said such concerns include the ease with which it is possible to obtain South African travel documentation in the absence of genuine entitlement.
Currently, South Africans do not need to obtain a visa before visiting Britain.
Democratic Alliance MP Tony Leon had earlier said any move by Britain to impose visa requirements on South Africans wishing to visit that country would have serious effects on business and travel links.
”Such a move will … create barriers to entry which are without precedent in terms of the travel regime,” Leon said.
He said the enforcement of visa requirements would be a drastic step and would severely inconvenience the 450 000 South Africans who travel to Britain every year.
Boateng said the high commission is grateful to the foreign affairs minister and director general for their wholehearted engagement with the process.
He said the final decision on South Africa will take into account not only the South African response to Britain’s concerns, but also historical ties between the two countries.
”If in future South Africans were required to apply for visas in advance of visiting Britain, that would be done fast and efficiently to safeguard ease of travel and the safety and security of travellers,” Boateng said. — Sapa