If you are traveling to South Africa, you need first to know if you need a visa to enter the country on you can get an on-arrival visa. If you visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for 90 days or less, you will need a South Africa visitor’s visa.
A visa is a clear indication that your application was reviewed at a South African embassy or consulate and that the officer in charge has determined your eligibility to enter the country. A South African visa allows you to travel to any part of the country.
An immigration official will check your visa when you enter the country to ascertain your eligibility to visit South Africa. A South African visa determines the time of your stay in the country. The type of visa you apply for is subject to the purpose of your visit to South Africa. Travelers are restricted to the purpose or reason of travel for which their visas were issued.
Upon your entrance to South Africa, your visa is considered your permit in the country.
Your visa’s validity period is calculated from the day you enter the country and will be listed on the visa label under the term 'conditions'.
Ensure you apply for the correct visa, as you may be denied entry into the country if the purpose of the visit is not correctly stated.
There are nationals of some countries that are allowed to travel to South Africa with an on-arrival visa. An on-arrival visa is issued to you when you arrive in South Africa, and its validity is dependent on the type of the visa and your country of origin.
Enquire from the nearest South African embassy or consulate in your country or any office of the Department of Home Affairs whether you are required to apply for a pre-arrival visa or you can get an on-arrival visa.
There are no visas offered at any South African ports of entry, and airline authorities are tasked to insist on visas before passenger’s board for South Africa. If you arrive in the country without a visa, immigration officials will put you on a flight back to your home country.
Foreigners with long-term work permits or residence permits in the neighboring countries transiting through South Africa and returning to their employment or residence do not require a transit visa. However, the travelers must provide proof of their status.
You are charged a visa application fee that is non-refundable whether your visa is granted or denied. Confirm the cost of the visa from the embassy or visa application center near you. The visa application fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
Those with diplomatic and official/service passports are not charged visa application fees
The South Africa visit visa may be issued to the following individuals:
The following are needed to apply for the South African visa :
The following passport holders are exempt from visas for South Africa :
