Travelling this December Holiday? – Delayed Visa Processing Times
Looking forward to your December holidays?
Have you started the visa process?
Please note that peak season’s approaching quickly for various holiday destinations and the following Consulates/ Embassies create the most delays:
The Festive Season is upon us and the following main destinations generally delay the visa process:
(Based on South African passports, all foreign passport please
Notice Update:
22 November 2018
Further delays caused by Festive Season visa volumes.
- Australia – processing can take up to 30 business days, therefore, if planning to visit for Christmas then we need to lodge your applications IMMEDIATELY!
- Austria – processing strictly 15 business days.
- Canada – processing can also take up to 15-20 business days.
- Netherlands – they recently changed their processing time up to 15 business days (All approvals now come directly from their International Home Office and no longer nationally)
- Spain – processing time is strictly 15-20 business days.
- United States of America – CURRENTLY AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS RANGE BETWEEN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2019, DEPENDING ON EACH PROVINCE. NOTE: Applicants may apply in any province, therefore, contact your Visas Zone Consultant to secure your slot now. We have good relationships with all appointment centres and they generally help where they can.
- Australia – processing can take up to 30 business days.
- Austria – processing strictly 15 business days.
- Canada – processing can also take up to 15-20 business days.
- Netherlands – they recently changed their processing time up to 15 business days (All approvals now come directly from their home office and no longer locally)
- Spain – processing time is strictly 15 business days.
- United States of America – appointments are generally backlogged and can take 2-3 weeks. Processing of visas takes 5-7 business days.
All other countries not on this list can be viewed on our website – www.visaszone.co.za
Our offices will also communicate General Consulate December closure dates closer to the time
Related Notices
UK ETA Visas are here!
UK now requires an ETA for non-European nationals starting Jan 8, 2025. Start your online application today at Visas Zone!
Festive Greetings 2024
Visas Zone will be closed for the Festive Season from Friday, 20th December 2024, to Tuesday, 7th January 2025. We will reopen on Wednesday, 8th January 2025.
Important Update for Travellers Heading to New Zealand!
Are you planning a trip to New Zealand before Christmas? Submit your visa application by 20 October 2024 to ensure your travel plans are completed on time.