Visiting South Africa: visas
Want to visit South Africa? Here's information on the basic requirements for entering South Africa, as well as comprehensive information on visas - what they are, who needs them, and when, where and how to apply for them.
Please note: This is a starting guide only. Requirements for entry into South Africa differ from country to country, are subject to change, and each application is treated as an individual case. Always make inquiries before travelling to South Africa.
- What's a visa?
- Where can I make inquiries about visas?
- Do I need a visa to visit SA?
- What are requirements for entering SA?
- How do I go about getting a visa?
- What's the difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit?
- What if I want to stay in SA for longer?
- What if I plan to work or study in SA?
- Get your visa before leaving for SA
- If all else fails …
South Africa has the right to decide who may and who may not enter its territory. A visa ensures that you are properly screened before entering the country, and gives immigration officials the information they need to ensure you are admitted to South Africa for the correct purpose and length of time. A visa doesn't guarantee you entry to the country, it only allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry, where an immigration officer will check that you satisfy the basic requirements for entry into the country.
Where can I make inquiries about visas?
- Visit the visa information page at the Department of Home Affairs website.
- See the list of South African offices abroad at the Department of Foreign Affairs website for information on where to apply in your own country.
- See the frequently asked questions about South African visas.
- Download the visa application form.
- Ask a question via the online questions and comments form.
Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa at all. What are the requirements for entering SA?
- A valid acceptable passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover the intended stay.
- A valid visa, if required.
- Sufficient funds.
- A return or onward ticket.
- At least two blank pages in your passport
- Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
The Department of Home Affairs' website will give you the lowdown on visa costs, processing time, where to apply, visa requirements (what to submit), requirements for people in transit, duration and purpose of stay, medical visas and photographs. What's the difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit?
A visa allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry. A temporary residence permit will be issued to you at the port of entry. It replaces your visa, and regulates the duration and purpose of your stay in South Africa. What if I want to stay in SA for longer?
It is best to request the full duration of your intended visit when you first arrive, as extensions are subject to additional fees. If you wish to extend your stay further, you must keep your temporary residence permit valid by applying for an extension at your nearest Department of Home Affairs office in SA. You should do this well BEFORE your permit expires. What if I plan to work or study in SA?
If you intend to be professionally active in South Africa or to undertake any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a work, work-seeker's or study permit. These permits are also issued outside South Africa, and function as valid visas in allowing their holders to proceed to a South African port of entry. (In other words, if you're applying for one of these permits, you do not have to apply for a visa separately.) See: Get your visa before leaving for SA
If you are subject to visa requirements, you should apply for your visa at least four weeks BEFORE your departure for South Africa, and await the outcome of your application before departing. Visas are NOT issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged by law to refuse you entry to South Africa and to place you on a return flight to your country.
- Frequently asked questions
- Ask your own question
- Contact:
The Department of Home Affairs
Directorate: Admissions and Aliens Control
Phone: +27 (0)12 810 8624
Fax: +27 (0)12 321 9896
Private Bag X114
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
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