Visa Requirement Summary

If you're planning a trip to South Africa, you'll need a tourist visa to enter the country. A tourist visa allows you to stay in South Africa for up to 90 days for leisure or holiday purposes. To apply for a tourist visa, you'll need to provide a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The visa application process can be done online or at the South African consulate in your country. Make sure to apply for your tourist visa well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays. Enjoy your trip to South Africa!

Stay Duration: 90 days

Quick Facts

Tourist visas for South Africa are valid for up to 90 days, require a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended stay, and cost around $40.

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine your eligibility: Check if you are eligible for a tourist visa to South Africa based on your nationality and purpose of visit.

2. Gather required documents: Prepare your passport, completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and travel itinerary.

3. Submit your application: Visit the South African consulate or embassy in your country to submit your visa application. Alternatively, apply online through the eVisa portal.

4. Pay the visa fee: You can pay the required visa fee in person at the consulate or embassy or online through the eVisa portal.

5. Attend an interview: As part of the visa application process, some applicants may be required to attend an interview at the consulate or embassy.

6. Wait for processing: Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application. The processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications received.

7. Receive your visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your tourist visa

Online Application Links

Documents Required

List of Documents

- Valid passport

- Passport photos

- Completed visa application form

- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, invitation letter)

- Travel itinerary (flight reservations, travel plans)

- Proof of sufficient funds for the trip (bank statements, sponsorship letter)

- Travel Insurance

- Proof of return ticket

- Letter of employment or study

- Medical certificate (if required)

- Visa application fee

- Additional supporting documents as requested by the consulate or embassy.

Fees

Visa Fees

The cost of a visa application for South Africa varies depending on the type of visa. Here are some common visa fees in USD:

- Tourist visa: $36

- Business visa: $90

- Study visa: $90

- Work visa: $90

- Transit visa: $18

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on your nationality. It is recommended to check the latest visa fees on the official website of the South African Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Additional Costs

In addition to the base cost of the service, there may be other associated fees to consider when applying for certain services in South Africa. These may include service fees, express processing fees, or other miscellaneous charges. It is important to carefully review all costs associated with the service before proceeding with your application to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Processing Time

Standard Processing Time

The standard processing time for visa approval in South Africa is typically around 10-15 working days. However, this can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the volume of applications being processed at that time. It is recommended to submit your visa application well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any potential delays in processing. It is also important to ensure that all required documentation is submitted accurately to avoid any delays in the approval process.

Express Processing Options

In South Africa, there are expedited processing options available for certain services such as passport applications, visa applications, and other government documents. These options typically involve paying an additional fee to have your application processed more quickly than the standard processing time. If you are in a hurry to receive your documents, you may want to consider these faster processing options to ensure that you get what you need promptly. Contact the relevant government department or agency for more information on expedited processing options.

Validity

Visa Duration

Visa duration in South Africa varies depending on the type of visa, ranging from 30 days to 3 years. Most tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days, while work visas can be valid for up to 5 years.

Entry Type

Single-entry for South Africa.

Extensions

Extension Process

To extend your visa in South Africa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Submit your application for extension at least 60 days before your current visa expires.

2. Visit the nearest Visa Facilitation Center or South African embassy to complete the necessary forms and provide supporting documents, such as proof of financial means and a valid passport.

3. Pay the required fee for the visa extension.

4. Wait for your application to be processed, which can take several weeks.

5. If approved, you will be issued a new visa with an extended validity period.

It is important to note that not all visas can be extended, so it is recommended to check with the relevant authorities to determine if your visa is eligible for an extension. Failure to extend your visa before it expires may result in penalties or deportation.

Extension Fees

Extension fees for visas in South Africa vary depending on the type of visa and the length of the extension. Generally, the cost ranges from R425 to R1,350. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and it is recommended to check the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website. Additionally, there may be additional fees for certain types of visas or specific circumstances, so it is best to consult with a visa consultant or immigration lawyer for accurate information and assistance with the extension process.

Validity of Extensions

In South Africa, the validity of visa extensions varies depending on the type of visa. Generally, visitor visas can be extended for up to 90 days beyond the initial period granted. Work visas can be extended for up to 3 years, while study visas can be extended for the duration of the course of study. It is important to note that visa extensions are subject to approval by the Department of Home Affairs and must be applied for before the current visa expires.

Additional Information

Special Requirements

When traveling to South Africa, there are a few special requirements to keep in mind. All travelers are required to have a valid passport with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before your trip.

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you will need to provide proof of vaccination upon entry into South Africa. It is also recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

If you plan on visiting certain areas of South Africa, such as the Kruger National Park, you may need to take malaria prophylaxis medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling to determine if this is necessary for your trip.

Overall, it is important to research and understand the specific requirements for your trip to South Africa to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Travel Advisories

Travelers to South Africa should be aware of the current travel advisory issued by their government. The advisory may include warnings about crime, terrorism, health risks, or natural disasters. It is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions while traveling in South Africa. Check with your government's travel website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Quick Facts About the Country

South Africa is known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and wildlife. It is home to the famous Big Five animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. The country has 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu. South Africa is also the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and Rugby World Cups. Table Mountain in Cape Town is one of the oldest mountains on Earth and is a popular tourist attraction. The country is also famous for its wine production, with vineyards in regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, was instrumental in ending apartheid and promoting reconciliation among its people.

Cost Amount (per day)
$ 30.00
Total Score
4 / 5 Stars
Safety
Good
English Speaking
Excellent
Quality Of Life
Great
Family
Great
Community
Great
Fun
Great
Food Safety
Great
Education Level
Great
People Density
Okay
Hospitals
Great
Nightlife
Great
Free Wifi In City
Great
Friendly To Foreigners
Excellent
Freedom Of Speech
Great
Female Friendly
Great
LGBT Friendly
Great