If you are looking to visit South Africa for its breathtaking scenery or you plan to visit for other purposes, such as to study for a short amount of time or attend a job interview, you might need to apply for a South Africa visa first.
Keep in mind that nationals of specific countries do not require a visa to enter the country for a specific period of days, usually between 30 to 90 days.
What Is a South Africa Visitor Visa?
A South African visitor visa, also known as a standard visitor visa or South African tourist visa, allows foreign nationals to visit South Africa as a tourist, for business, and other permitted activities for a short period of up to 90 days or less.
Types of Visitor Visas
Before applying for your visa, you must correctly determine which type of visa you wish to apply for; you may be refused entry into the country if your purpose for a visit is not correctly stated— some of the visitor visas include:
- Medical treatment visa.
- Visa for attending a conference.
- Visas for compliance of treaty conditions.
- Visas for the crew (maritime).
- Visas for exchange programs.
- Transit visas.
Medical Treatment Visa
Visa for medical treatment is issued to individuals who wish to enter South Africa and seek medical treatment. If you require medical treatment for longer than three months, you must also apply for a temporary residence permit.
Visas for Working in the Entertainment Industry
Visa for working in the entertainment industry grants foreign nationals, such as artists, entertainers, and others who wish to enter South Africa for events, performances, and other activities to enter the country and work for a period between 30 days to 90 days.
Visas for Attending a Conference
A conference visa is issued to a foreign national who wishes to enter South Africa solely to attend a conference, seminar, or workshop held in the country.
Visas for Compliance of Treaty Conditions
A treaty visa allows foreign nationals to enter South Africa to participate in programs previously agreed upon by South Africa and the travelers’ countries.
Visas for the Crew (maritime)
A maritime visa is granted to those who plan to enter South Africa and operate as a foreign crew on non-military ships on international voyages.
Visas for Cultural/Economic/Social Exchange Programs
This visa is issued to foreigners who wish to participate in cultural, economic, or social exchange programs. Those are usually administered by an organ of the state or a public higher education institution. This type of visa is issued to individuals under the age of 25, and it is valid for one year.
Transit Visas (foreigners en route to the neighboring countries)
Transit visas are issued to individuals who will pass through South Africa en route to its neighboring countries. Additionally, those who transit through the following airports do not have to be in possession of transit visas but will still have to provide biometric data:
- OR Tambo International
- Cape Town International
- King Shaka, and
- Lanseria (Johannesburg)
How to Apply for a South Africa Visitor Visa?
To submit a successful application, keep in mind the steps below:
- Correctly identify the type of visa you want to apply for. This is essential as your visa may not be issued simply because the visa you have applied for, and the purpose of your visit do not correspond. When applying for a visitor visa, specify the type.
- Book an appointment. Before visiting the visa application center in person to submit your visa application, you must book an appointment with the corresponding consulate or visa application center.
- Complete the application form. The application form is found online. Pay attention to the questions, and answer truthfully and fully. If you fail to provide answers to the required questions correctly, your visa may be rejected or delayed. Use block letters and black ink only.
- Gather the required documents. Depending on which type of visa you have applied for, you must prepare a list of South Africa visa application required documents.
- Submit your application. Locate the closest visa application center to you and submit the documents.
- Pay the fee. You will be charged a certain fee which you have to pay for your application to be considered complete.
- Attend the interview. You may be called back for an interview. You may be asked for further information regarding your application etc.
How Long Can Visitors Stay in South Africa?
Tourists, foreign workers, and international students can enter and legally stay in South Africa on a visitor visa for a total of 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay South Africa visa. Remember to check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure that you do not overstay.
Every state has penalties for overstaying beyond your visa’s validity.
How Long Does It Take to Process a South African Visa?
It takes approximately six working days to process your South Africa visitor visa. Keep in mind that processing time can take longer— up to eight weeks— if further assessment is required. It also depends on the workload of the embassy and whether your application is complete.
How Much Does a South African Visitor Visa Cost?
When you are applying for your visa, you will be charged a fee of R 425— around USD 24, which you must pay in order for your application to go through. Remember that the visa fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is denied.
Please note that if you apply through a visa application center, you will pay additional fees.
How Do I Pay the South Africa Visitor Visa Fee?
The process of paying your visa fee is usually simple and quick, as detailed below:
- If you are paying with a debit card, you must make sure that you have enough money in your account. If you are making the payment online, you must also make sure that you can make online payments with your card.
- If you apply online only, you will pay the fee with a Visa card or Mastercard as a last step in the application.
- If you cannot apply online, you must pay the fee when you hand in your application in person. If you pay in advance, then you must attach the receipt to the rest of your documents.
Payments are completed either at your country’s South African Consulate General or the South African High Commission. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted modes of payment.
Where Do I Apply For a South Africa Visa?
You can submit your application at any Home Affairs office or the nearest South African embassy, mission, or consulate in your home country.
You can submit your application to any of the following VFS Global visa application centers as well:
| Abuja | Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor, Plot 1083
Mohammadu Buhari Way, |
| Lagos | Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I Lagos, Nigeria |
| Port Harcourt | Vineyard Shopping Centre
88 Woji Road, GRA Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
Can I Extend My Visitor’s Visa in South Africa?
Yes, you can— you are subject to one extension per visit. However, you must apply for an extension 60 days before the visa expires. It usually takes 30 to 40 days to decide on your visa extension.
Requirements for an extension include the following:
- Valid passport (passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit).
- Statements or documentation that detail the purpose of your visit and how long you will stay.
- Proof of valid ticket; must include return ticket as well.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Proof of financial means that you can purchase the ticket or afford the cost of return.