South Africa Visa
There is no doubt that South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it has a wide range of attractions- from coastlines, dramatic mountain scapes, untamed bushveld, and beautiful semi-deserts to lakes, waterfalls, canyons, forests, and vast plains. It is no surprise that it is an ideal destination for travel and business.
But, in order to visit South Africa, many visitors must apply for a South Africa visa.
Who Is Exempt From Visas for South Africa?
Citizens of the following countries with an ordinary passport can enter South Africa without a visa:
- African Union Laissez Passer
- African Development Bank Laissez-Passers
- Andorra
- Angola*
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda*
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas*
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize*
- Benin*
- Bermuda
- Bolivia*
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Antarctic Territory
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Island
- Canada
- Cape Verde*
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Costa Rica*
- Cyprus*
- Czech Republic
- Kingdom of Denmark
- Ducie and Oeno Islands
- Ecuador
- Falkland Islands
- Finland
- France
- Gabon*
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guernsey
- Guyana*
- Henderson
- Hong Kong*
- Hungary*
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jersey
- Jordan*
- Kingdom of Eswatini*
- Lesotho*
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Macau*
- Madagascar**
- Malawi*
- Malaysia*
- Maldives*
- Malta
- Mauritius*
- Monaco
- Montserrat
- Mozambique*
- Namibia*
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru*
- Pitcairn Islands
- Poland*
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Korea*
- Russian Federation
- Saint Helena
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles**
- Singapore
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tanzania*
- Thailand*
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey*
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United Arab Emirates
- the United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands
- Zambia*
- Zimbabwe
*Citizens of these countries are free to visit up to 30 days while the rest can visit the country up to 90 days.
Note; the number of countries exempt from South Africa visas might change depending on whether you have a diplomatic, official, or service passport. Make sure you consult with a South African embassy or consulate.
Types of Visas in South Africa
South Africa has numerous types of visas that are designed for different purposes. The types of South Africa visas include:
- South Africa tourist visa (e-Visa). A South Africa tourist visa is for international travelers who want to visit South Africa for a short period for tourism. The tourist visa has been launched for 14 different nationalities to apply online only. Once approved, the e-Visa will be sent to your email, and you will be able to enter South Africa by presenting the e-Visa at the border.
- South Africa visitor visa.A South Africa visitor visa allows visitors to enter the country for a maximum period of 90 days for tourism and business purposes. A visitor visa is by far the most popular one issued.
- South Africa business visa.In order to work or invest in the South African economy, eligible citizens can apply for a South Africa Business Visa for a maximum of 90 days. It is necessary to complete the BI-1738 Form before investing or starting a business. Investors must also make a financial contribution.
- South Africa work visa. South Africa Work Visas are issued to foreigners with specific skills in demand. The visa length depends on the type of work the applicant performs. Visa applications can be submitted at either a Visa Facilitation Services Center (VFS) in South Africa or at an embassy or consulate abroad.
- South Africa medical visa.This visa is issued to foreigners who intend to undergo medical treatment in South Africa. The medical visa may be issued for a maximum period of six months at a time. In order to apply, you must complete the BI-1738 form and provide a letter from your doctor or medical institution explaining why you need treatment.
- South Africa student visa.A South African student visa allows international students to reside in South Africa while studying there at a primary or secondary school (whether public or private), college, further education, training institution, university, specialist skills school, or other educational institution. The visas are valid for the duration of the course.
- South Africa transit visa.Foreigners who will travel through South Africa on their way to one of its neighbors are given transit permits. The duration of the visa is three days or less.
- South Africa relatives’ visa.A South Africa relatives’ visa is issued to the relatives of a South African citizen or permanent resident who intend to reside in South Africa. The visa is valid for a maximum period of two years at a time.
- South Africa exchange visa. A South Africa exchange visa is issued for international people who are 25 or under and want to participate in cultural, economic, or social exchange programs. A state institution or a public higher education institution must collaborate with a foreign government to organize the exchange programs. Visas are valid for the duration of the program and cannot be renewed.
- South Africa retired persons’ visa.Those wishing to retire in South Africa can apply for a retired person’s visa. In addition to meeting the financial requirements, applicants must also complete the BI-1738 application form. Currently, a foreigner must get a minimum of R37,000/ USD 2,129 per month.
How to Get a South Africa Visa?
You can apply online for an e-visa or at the nearest visa application center to get a South Africa visa.
Applying at an Embassy/Consulate
The application process in person at an embassy or consulate includes the following steps:
- Find out which type of visa you need to apply for. Firstly, determine which visa type you need depending on the purpose of your visit to South Africa, and check whether you are eligible for it.
- Book an appointment. Find the nearest South Africa visa application office and book an appointment— this could be an embassy, consulate or a visa application center. Make sure you do it weeks before the intended trip because frequently, depending on your nationality, you have to go to a different country to attend the visa appointment. Please note that depending on the country, sometimes, you can drop off at the visa application center without booking an appointment.
- Complete the application form. Next, download the visa application form, complete it, print it out, and do not forget to bring it to the application center.
- Gather the required documents.Find out what documents you need depending on your South Africa visa type and collect them.
- Attend the scheduled appointment. You must attend the appointment for your visa application and not send someone else in your place. There you should submit the required documents and your biometric information.
- Pay your fees. You will have to pay the visa fee at the visa application center with a credit, debit card, or cash.
- Wait for a decision. After completing the previous steps, you only have to wait for a decision. The processing time for a South Africa visa is around ten to fifteen days.
- Collect your visa. After a decision is made, you can go pick up your passport, which has your visa. You will need to bring your visa application center receipt and a form of government identification when you pick up your passport in person. A representative may be allowed to collect your passport; they must present a letter of authorization signed by you, the visa application center receipt, and government identification.
Applying for an e-Visa
South Africa’s e-Visa was launched in February 2022 for travelers from 14 countries. The South African Government will add more countries soon. The eligible countries in 2022 are: