Discovery launches unique service for South Africans wanting to travel to the UK

Discovery has announced the launch of South Africa’s first dedicated visa application centre at its head office in Sandton, operated by VFS Global. 

The centre aims to simplify travel for clients to the United Kingdom (UK), which is the most popular international destination for Discovery Vitality Travellers, with over 16,000 members and their families using the service to travel to the UK in 2025. 

Vitality Travel is Discovery’s integrated travel booking platform that gives members access to exclusive, market‑leading discounts on flights, accommodation and car hire. 

This comes with seamless booking, automatic travel insurance and premium airport experiences – all unlocked through healthy behaviours and smart financial decisions.

“This partnership is another step in realising our vision of making banking and travel seamless,” Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner said. 

“The Discovery Store, a physical representation of the Discovery brand, is already a one-stop destination where clients can apply for an ID or passport, complete health assessments and manage their financial needs.”

“Now, by integrating a dedicated UK visa application centre right here, we are creating a truly integrated and convenient hub for our clients. It’s about bringing essential services together in one place, saving them time and simplifying their journey.”

The service is tiered, with Discovery clients gaining access to the visa centre while Purple Suite clients are able to use a premium at-home service. 

• All Discovery Bank clients gain complimentary, exclusive access to the appointment-only visa application centre at 1 Discovery Place in Sandton.

• Discovery Bank Purple Suite clients have access to discounted, premium benefits, including access to the On-Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service. Dedicated Purple Travel Consultants will help Purple clients schedule an appointment in the comfort of their home or office in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Pretoria. 

To use the service, Discovery Bank clients must complete the visa application form on www.gov.uk. 

Once they’ve received a reference number, clients can book an appointment to visit the visa centre through Vitality Travel –

• Log in to the Vitality Travel booking platform from their laptop or desktop computer.
• Select “New Visa Support Appointment” at the top of the page.
• Select “Book your appointment” and complete the form to schedule an appointment with VFS Global at 1 Discovery Place.

VFS Global and Discovery provide administrative support only and do not influence visa processing timelines or decisions. All applications are assessed and determined by UK Visas & Immigration.

Bookings are by appointment only, and walk-ins won’t be accommodated. For more information on eligibility and detailed terms and conditions.