You need a visa for South Africa if you have a Colombian passport

These visas exist for South Africa, but they cannot be applied for online with Colombian nationality. Tell us about your trip and we will come back with the options and a price.

Travelling to South Africa Visa required

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Colombian citizens need a visa for South Africa. It is not available online — the application goes through an embassy or consulate.

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What South Africa may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

  • Passport valid 30+ days beyond departure with 2 blank pages
  • Yellow fever certificate if from endemic country
  • Passport photo 35x45mm, white background, recent
  • Confirmed accommodation booking for entire stay
  • Return or onward flight ticket confirmation
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)

Entry requirements for Colombian travellers

These rules apply specifically to Colombian passport holders entering South Africa as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

  • Required

    Mandatory proof of return or onward ticket from South Africa

    Travelers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from South Africa.

    • This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travelers: -Nationals of South Africa; -Foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
  • Required

    Mandatory travel declaration form before entering South Africa

    Travelers must complete an Online Travel Declaration form before travel to South Africa. The declaration covers goods and currency in their possession. Travelers must complete the online declaration within 24 hours of their final departure for South Africa. Travelers who have connecting flights, submit it within 24 hours before the last flight to South Africa. A parent, legal guardian, caretaker, or other assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or a traveler who is unable to complete it themselves. Travelers can complete the declaration via the SARS Customs Online Traveler Declaration Portal, the SATMS mobile application, or a Scan-to-Declare QR code. Travelers who have not completed the declaration before arriving in South Africa can still enter the country and submit it on-site, using self-service terminals or with assistance from SARS Customs officials at the port of entry. Completing the declaration before travel is recommended to speed up border processing, but doing so at the port is an accepted alternative. Travelers must still ensure the declaration is submitted and accurate. Failing to declare goods or currency altogether, or providing false information, may result in processing delays, financial penalties, or the detention and forfeiture of goods.

    • This requirement doesn't apply to the following travelers: -Travelers transiting through South Africa who remain in the international transit area.
    South African Revenue Service Last checked 2026-07-03
  • Required

    Mandatory travel declaration form before exiting South Africa

    Travelers must complete an Online Travel Declaration form before travel from South Africa. The declaration covers goods and currency in their possession. Travelers must complete the online declaration within 24 hours of their final departure from South Africa. A parent, legal guardian, caretaker, or other assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or a traveler who is unable to complete it themselves. Travelers can complete the declaration via the SARS Customs Online Traveler Declaration Portal, the SATMS mobile application, or a Scan-to-Declare QR code. Travelers who have not completed the declaration before arriving in South Africa can still enter the country and submit it on-site, using self-service terminals or with assistance from SARS Customs officials at the port of entry. Completing the declaration before travel is recommended to speed up border processing, but doing so at the port is an accepted alternative. Travelers must still ensure the declaration is submitted and accurate. Failing to declare goods or currency altogether, or providing false information, may result in processing delays, financial penalties, or the detention and forfeiture of goods.

    South African Revenue Service Last checked 2026-07-03
  • Required

    Travelers require a passport valid for at least 30 days after the traveler exits South Africa

    Travelers need a valid passport to enter South Africa. The traveler's passport must remain valid for at least 30 days after the traveler departs from South Africa. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages.

    • South African citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and exit South Africa using a valid South African passport. Only those who have formally renounced citizenship with written confirmation from Home Affairs are exempt.
  • May be required

    Travelers under the age of 18 require a consent letter and additional documents

    Travelers under 18 years must submit parental consent letters, birth certificates, and other supporting documents as part of their visa application. Once a valid visa is issued, these documents do not need to be presented again at ports of entry. However, unaccompanied minors must produce all required documents regardless of having a valid visa. The parental consent letter must not be older than 6 months when presented.

  • Recommended

    Recommended vaccinations for South Africa

    Travelers should consider: -Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines; -Typhoid vaccine for visits to smaller cities or rural areas; -Routine vaccines including Measles. Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.

    CDC - South Africa Last checked 2026-07-24
  • Not required

    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for South Africa

    Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to South Africa.

    Last checked 2026-07-24
  • Not required

    Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

    Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to South Africa.

    Last checked 2026-07-24
  • May be required

    Transit visa may be required

    International travelers don’t need a visa to transit through South Africa the following airports in South Africa: -OR Tambo International Airport; -Cape Town International Airport; -King Shaka International Airport; -Lanseria International Airport. Different requirements apply to travelers who leave the international transit area. Travelers are recommended to confirm transit conditions with their airline before travel.

    Last checked 2026-07-24

A look at South Africa

Where else Colombian citizens can apply online

See every country a Colombian passport can enter — visa-free, on arrival or with an eVisa.