BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Leisure Ventures specialises in helping with visa and travel arrangements. Since our establishment at the end of 1998 we have focused on assisting young people wanting to work and travel in the UK on a working holiday, starting with the application for the visa, arranging flights, getting travel insurance and culminating in employment secured prior to departure. We also helped people apply for any of the other UK visas.

During 2008 the British Government started implementing changes in visas and application requirements. The Working Holiday Visa, used by thousand of young South Africans to work and travel for up to two years in the UK, ended on 26 November 2008. As of 27 November 2008 it is only available to countries having a reciprocal agreement with the UK. Since the South African Government does not wish to allow young British Citizens the opportunity to travel to our country on a working holiday, the UK Government likewise ceased to accept applications from South Africans.

Young people from amongst others Australia, Canada and New Zealand are still accepted. Therefore, should our Government decide to start allowing young British citizens into our country, it may once more become available for South Africans as well. We trust that good judgement will prevail.

With effect from Tuesday 3 March 2009, all South African passport holders will require a visa in order to visit or transit the United Kingdom. If you have a stamp from a previous visit in your current passport, you will still be allowed to enter without a visa until June 2009.

Leisure Ventures are specialists in helping people with applications for all UK visas. Application Forms are available from Leisure Ventures and we also provide advice and assistance regarding documentation required in support of your application, whether for a short term visit or a longer term visit to work in the UK.

VISA FEES

Please note that visa application fees are regularly amended as a result of movement in the Rand : Pound exchange rate. This may result in our fees being amended accordingly. Please be assured that Leisure Ventures will continue to provide the same value for money services our clients have become used to.

BIOMETRIC DATA REQUIRED

With effect from 7 June 2007 all applicants intending to travel to the UK and who require a visa, will have to provide biometric data (electronic scan of finger prints and digital photo taken) for the visa application to be processed. All applicants must report in person to allocated centres in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg or Pretoria . Leisure Ventures will assist applicants with these arrangements.

TAX REFUNDS UPON RETURN

Leisure Ventures is able to assist individuals with tax refunds on foreign earnings over the last five to six years if you qualify. If you have not yet reclaimed the income tax you have paid abroad (either in the UK or other countries as listed) please click on the button at left and follow the link to TaxBack for hassle free assistance in getting back money due to you!