If it’s your first time, applying for a South African visa can seem daunting. However, the procedure can be simple and stress-free with proper instruction and preparation. The procedure for applying for a visa to South Africa is detailed in this guide.
Who Can Visit South Africa Without a Visa?
Before packing your bags for South Africa, check if you need a visa. Here’s a list of countries whose citizens, holding ordinary passports, can enter South Africa without a visa:
| Country | Duration of Stay |
|---|---|
| African Union Laissez Passer | |
| African Development Bank Laissez-Passers | |
| Andorra | 90 days |
| Angola* | 30 days |
| Anguilla | 90 days |
| Antigua and Barbuda* | 30 days |
| Argentina | 90 days |
| Australia | 90 days |
| Austria | 90 days |
| Bahamas* | 90 days |
| Barbados | 90 days |
| Belgium | 90 days |
| Belize* | 30 days |
| Benin* | 90 days |
| Bermuda | 90 days |
| Bolivia* | 90 days |
| Botswana | 90 days |
| Brazil | 90 days |
| British Antarctic Territory | |
| British Indian Ocean Territory | |
| British Virgin Island | 90 days |
| Canada | 90 days |
| Cape Verde* | 30 days |
| Cayman Islands | 90 days |
| Chile | 90 days |
| Costa Rica* | 30 days |
| Cyprus* | 90 days |
| Czech Republic | 90 days |
| Kingdom of Denmark | 90 days |
| Ducie and Oeno Islands | |
| Ecuador | 90 days |
| Falkland Islands | |
| Finland | 90 days |
| France | 90 days |
| Gabon* | 30 days |
| Germany | 90 days |
| Gibraltar | 90 days |
| Greece | 90 days |
| Guernsey | |
| Guyana* | 30 days |
| Henderson | |
| Hong Kong* | 30 days |
| Hungary* | 90 days |
| Iceland | 90 days |
| Ireland | 90 days |
| Isle of Man | 90 days |
| Israel | 90 days |
| Italy | 90 days |
| Jamaica | 90 days |
| Japan | 90 days |
| Jersey | |
| Jordan* | 30 days |
| Kingdom of Eswatini* | 30 days |
| Lesotho* | 90 days |
| Liechtenstein | 90 days |
| Luxembourg | 90 days |
| Macau* | 30 days |
| Madagascar** | |
| Malawi* | 90 days |
| Malaysia* | 90 days |
| Maldives* | 30 days |
| Malta | 90 days |
| Mauritius* | 90 days |
| Monaco | 90 days |
| Montserrat | 90 days |
| Mozambique* | |
| Namibia* | 90 days |
| the Netherlands | 90 days |
| New Zealand | 90 days |
| Norway | 90 days |
| Panama | 90 days |
| Paraguay | 90 days |
| Peru* | 90 days |
| Pitcairn Islands | |
| Poland* | 90 days |
| Portugal | 90 days |
| Qatar | 90 days |
| Republic of Korea* | 90 days |
| Russian Federation | 90 days |
| Saint Helena | |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 90 days |
| San Marino | 90 days |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 90 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 90 days |
| Seychelles** | 90 days |
| Singapore | 90 days |
| South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | |
| Spain | 90 days |
| Sweden | 90 days |
| Switzerland | 90 days |
| Tanzania* | 90 days |
| Thailand* | 90 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 90 days |
| Tunisia | 90 days |
| Turkey* | 90 days |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | 90 days |
| United Arab Emirates | 90 days |
| the United Kingdom | 90 days |
| United States of America | 90 days |
| Uruguay | 90 days |
| Venezuela | 90 days |
| Virgin Islands | 90 days |
| Zambia* | 90 days |
| Zimbabwe | 90 days |
South Africa visa Application: How to Apply
Belo are the basic steps to take while processing South Africa Visa application.
1. Choose the appropriate visa type
Choosing the right type of visa for your vacation to South Africa is the first step in the South Africa Visa application process. Several different sorts of visas are available in South Africa, including study, work, tourist, and business visas. There are requirements for each sort of visa, so pick the one that best fits your needs.
2. Assemble the necessary paperwork
The next step is to obtain the necessary paperwork once you have decided on the sort of visa you require. The paperwork needed varies based on the visa type you’re seeking. In most cases, you will require your passport, recent passport-sized photos, a filled-out visa application form, and supporting papers such a travel itinerary, proof of lodging, and financial records.
3. Complete the application for a visa
A crucial step in the application procedure is the visa application form. The application form is available for download from the South African embassy’s website or can be picked up in person at the embassy in your nation. Make sure you accurately and fill out the form and that all of the provided information is correct.
4. Set up a meeting with the embassy
After submitting the South Africa Visa application form, you must make an appointment with the South African embassy or consulate in your nation. Your personal information, the type of visa you have, and your preferred day and time must be submitted online in order to schedule the appointment.
5. Remit the visa fee
You must pay the non-refundable South African visa application cost prior to your visa appointment. The cost will change based on the visa you’re asking for and the embassy’s location. Before visiting the embassy, ensure you have the fee amount and mode of payment.
6. Show up for the visa appointment.
Bring all necessary paperwork to the embassy or consulate on the day of your South Africa Visa application appointment, including your passport, the visa application form, and any supporting documents. The embassy will check your paperwork, take your photo and fingerprints, and ask you a few questions about why you are there. In your comments, be truthful and concise.
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7. Await the visa decision
You will have to wait for the embassy to finish processing your application after the visa appointment. The processing time may change depending on the embassy’s location and visa type. To prevent delays, applying for the visa long before your intended departure date is imperative.
8. Get your visa
You will be informed to pick up your visa from the embassy once your visa application is granted. You must bring your passport and other necessary paperwork when picking up the visa. Before leaving the embassy, double-check the visa’s details and expiration date.
Tips for a Successful South African Visa Application
- Apply for the visa well before your travel date to avoid delays.
- Ensure you have all the required documents and they are accurate and up-to-date.
- Be honest and clear in your responses during the visa appointment.
- Follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate carefully.
- Check the visa details and validity before leaving the embassy.
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Applying for South Africa e-Visa
Getting your South African e-Visa is a breeze! Launched in February 2022, this hassle-free process is currently open to travelers from 14 countries, with more being added soon. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
-
Visit the South Africa e-Visa website: Kickstart your application on the Department of Home Affairs website. It’s a quick process, taking around ten minutes to complete.
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Create your account: Provide a few details like your name, passport number, email address, and set up a password. Once you get a verification email, your account is good to go.
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Fill in the application form: Log in to your account, where you’ll need to share essential details about your travel plans, including your stay duration and accommodation. Don’t forget to provide your passport information and any other necessary details.
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Upload the required documents: Similar to traditional visa applications, upload the necessary documents to support your e-Visa application.
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Pay the visa fees: At the end of the process, you’ll see the amount due. Conveniently, you can settle the fees online using your debit or credit card.
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Wait for approval: Typically, the process takes about three working days, though sometimes it might take a bit longer.
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Receive your e-Visa: Once your online visa request gets the green light, an email will land in your inbox, confirming the successful issuance of your e-Visa. It’s that simple! Safe travels await.
The eligible countries in 2022 are:
- Cameroon
- China
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- India
- Iran
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Uganda
Requirements for a South Africa Visa?
-
Application Form BI-84: Fill out this form to kickstart your visa application.
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Valid Passport: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 30 days after your planned visit, with two blank pages for stamps.
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Passport Photos: Two colorful passport-sized photos to add a personal touch.
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Proof of Payment: A receipt or proof of payment for your visa application.
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Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Only if it’s required.
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Return or Onward Ticket: Necessary for air travelers.
-
Additional Documents for Dependents:
- Proof of guardianship, custody, or
- Consent from the guardian for unaccompanied minors.
-
Proof of Financial Means: Show you can support yourself while in South Africa with:
- Bank statements,
- Salary advances,
- Undertakings by your host,
- Bursaries,
- Medical cover, or
- Any other evidence of financial stability.
Bank Balance Requirement:
Make sure you have funds equivalent to 3000 South African Rand ($164.30), easily accessible with a stable transaction history.
Duration of Stay:
A South Africa visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. For longer stays, you can apply for an extension or consider a temporary residence permit.
Visa Fees:
The cost varies depending on the type of visa. Here’s a snapshot of the fees in South African Rand and United States Dollars:
| Type of Visa | Fee in South African Rand (R) | Fee in United States Dollar ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Transit visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Student visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Exchange visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Treaty visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Medical treatment visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Retired person’s visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Business permit | 1520 | (Approx.) 88 |
| Work visa | 1520 | (Approx.) 88 |
| Corporate visa | 1520 | (Approx.) 88 |
| Family (Relatives) visa | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
| Renewal of Visitor’s Permit | 425 | (Approx.) 24 |
Note: Fees may change without notice and differ based on your application location.
Processing Time:
Expect a processing time of ten to fifteen working days, subject to variation based on visa type and application location.
Visa Rejection:
In case of rejection, you have ten working days to appeal. Reasons for rejection could include missing documents, criminal records, medical issues, or other disqualifications. You have one shot at appeal, so make it count!
Embarking on your South African adventure is a step-by-step process, and we’re here to make each step clear and straightforward. Safe travels!
Conclusion
South Africa Visa application requires preparation, attention to detail, and following the instructions provided by the embassy. The process may seem complicated, but it can be easy and stress-free with proper guidance. Remember to identify the type of visa you need, gather the required documents, fill out the visa application form, schedule an appointment with the embassy, pay the visa fee, attend the visa appointment, and wait for the authority’s decision.
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