South African Visa’s

Obtaining a South Africa Visa differs from country to country so clients are advised to always consult with their closest South African consulate to verify the exact South Africa visa requirements.

The below information is designed to provide you with the basic facts and requirements for obtaining a South Africa Visa.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOU WISH TO FIND OUT INFORMATION ON IMMIGRATING TO SOUTH AFRICA YOU WILL NEED TO VISIT OUR SECTION ON SOUTH AFRICAN PERMITS WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED BY CLICKING THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

FOR TOURISTS WISHING TO EXTEND THEIR EXISTING TOURIST VISA’S PLEASE CLICK HERE

WHAT IS A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA?

In many countries a visa is the common terminology for the type of permission that must be sought by both tourists and those wishing to take up some form of activity to enter and stay in a country. For example a tourist visa, work visa, business visa and retirement visa.

Every country retains the right to decide who may or may not enter its country and possession of a South African visa does not guarantee you admission into the republic. In short it allows you to travel to the republic and report to an immigration officer at your port of entry, who will then ratify your ability to comply with the requirements of the act.

By holding a South African visa it indicates that proper screening has taken place to ensure that only ‘desirable’ persons enter the republic and facilitates the entry of visa holders into the republic by immigration officers of visa holders for the correct purpose and amount of time.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA AND PERMIT?

It is important to understand that a South African visa is only used for tourists, volunteers, interns and business visitors.

Generally a South Africa visa is not appropriate for those wishing to immigrate to South Africa. Prospective immigrants almost certainly need to apply for a permit under the temporary and/or permanent residency criteria.
For more information click here………

For more information on the appropriate types of temporary and permanent permits that can be applied for please visit our permits section here.

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA?

South Africa visa’s are required by certain tourists, business visitors, interns and volunteer workers to enter and stay in South Africa. Whether you need a visa or not to entry and stay in South Africa as a tourist depends upon which country you are from.

To view a list of countries exempt from obtaining a South African visa please see here...

To view a list of countries that requires a South African visa please see here...

HOW DO I GET A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA?

South African visa applications are dealt with by South African missions and representative offices in your country or the nearest one to you. Visa’s are not issued on arrival and must be obtained and affixed to your passport before departing on your journey to South Africa. Should you arrive without a visa you may be refused entry and placed upon a return flight.

WHERE CAN I GET A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA APPLICATION FROM?

An application for a South African Visa can be obtained by clicking the link below:

South Africa Visa

WHAT DO I NEED TO SUBMIT TO APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA?

Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit.
Passports must contain at least 1 (one) unused page for entry/departure endorsements (sometimes referred to as visa page).
Payment of the prescribed fee, if applicable.
A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
Statement and/or documentation confirming purpose and duration of visit.
Two (2) identity photographs.
Proof of financial means in the form of:
- bank statements
- salary advices
- undertaking(s) by the host(s) in the Republic
- bursaries
- medical cover
- or cash available, including credit cards or travellers' cheques
(to cover the living expenses during the sojourn in the Republic.)
Applicants traveling by air must be in possession of:
- a return or onward ticket or
- proof of sufficient funds or
- lodge a cash deposit of equivalent value to such a ticket.

DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR MY SOUTH AFRICAN VISA IN PERSON?

The mission or representative requires the original passport but will accept applications by third parties such as travel agents, immigration practitioners or courier services.

HOW MUCH IS A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA APPLICATION?

A South African visa application costs are R425, $47 US or €43

HOW LONG WILL MY APPLICATION TAKE?

Published processing times are 10 days but it is wise to check with the individual mission or representative.

DO I NEED A VISA IF I AM ONLY IN TRANSIT?

For most nationalities a visa is not required t make use of the transit area at a pot of entry, to view those nationalities that require a transit visa please click here…

DO I NEED A VISA FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT?

South African visa’s are required for people wishing to receive medical treatment in South Africa. For further details please click here………

Contact us using the links below:

To complete our online eligibility assessment

Request for a call back

To telephone us please see our contact numbers on the home page.