Get Your South Africa Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for safaris, wine tours, and breathtaking coastal adventures
TrustpilotHow to Get Your South Africa Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications processed within 10-15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our comprehensive application form with your personal details, travel itinerary, and accommodation plans. Our intelligent system validates your information against South African Department of Home Affairs requirements, ensuring accuracy and completeness before submission.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page with clear details), recent passport photographs meeting ICAO standards, proof of accommodation, return flight bookings, and financial documents. Our visa experts review every document against South African consular requirements to minimize rejection risk.
3
We process your visa
Your verified application is submitted to the appropriate South African mission or processed through official channels. We track your application status continuously and notify you of any updates, additional document requests, or interview requirements via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, your visa is stamped in your passport or issued electronically depending on your nationality and visa type. Collect your passport with visa from the designated location or receive electronic confirmation. Welcome to South Africa — enjoy the Rainbow Nation!
South Africa Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
For holidays, safaris, and visiting friends or family
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For meetings, conferences, and commercial activities
Visa Exemption
Up to 90 days
Many nationalities enter visa-free for tourism
Transit Visa
Up to 72 hours
For connecting through South African airports
Essential Requirements
- 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)
Tourist & Visitor Visas
South Africa welcomes millions of visitors annually to experience its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. The country maintains bilateral visa exemption agreements with over 70 countries, while travelers from other nations require a tourist visa.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries enjoy visa-free access for stays up to 90 days. This generous policy makes South Africa one of Africa's most accessible destinations. Visa-exempt travelers simply present a valid passport at immigration and receive an entry stamp. Extensions are possible at Department of Home Affairs offices.
Tourist Visa — Visitors Visa
Travelers from countries requiring visas must apply through a South African embassy, consulate, or authorized visa facilitation center before travel. The tourist visa (Visitors Visa Section 11(1)) permits stays up to 90 days for holiday purposes, visiting friends and relatives, attending events, or medical treatment. Applications require comprehensive documentation including invitation letters if visiting family, detailed itineraries, and proof of financial means. Processing typically takes 10-15 business days, though busy periods may require longer.
Business & Work Visas
Business Visa
South Africa's business visa allows professionals to conduct commercial activities without seeking employment. Valid for stays up to 90 days, this visa covers attending business meetings, trade fairs, conferences, and exhibitions; exploring investment opportunities; establishing trade contacts; conducting market research; and negotiating contracts. Required documentation includes an invitation letter from the South African company, your company's registration documents, and a detailed business itinerary.
Work Visas & Permits
South Africa offers several work authorization categories for foreign nationals seeking employment. The Critical Skills Work Visa targets professionals in high-demand fields such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance. The General Work Visa requires employer sponsorship and labor market testing. The Intra-Company Transfer Visa facilitates multinational employee relocations. Work visa applications are more complex than tourist visas and typically require SAQA qualification verification, police clearance certificates, and medical reports. Processing times range from 8-12 weeks depending on the visa category and completeness of documentation.
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
All South Africa visitors must meet these fundamental entry requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa with at least 2 completely blank pages (not endorsement pages) for entry stamps
• Yellow fever vaccination: Required certificate if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries (most of sub-Saharan Africa, South America)
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background for visa applications
• Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmations, guest house reservations, or invitation letter if staying with family/friends
• Return ticket: Confirmed return or onward travel documentation
• Sufficient funds: Bank statements showing adequate financial means for your stay (recommended minimum R500/day)
Traveling with Children
South Africa has specific requirements for minors. Children traveling with both parents need birth certificates. Children traveling with one parent require an unabridged birth certificate, affidavit from the absent parent, and contact details. Unaccompanied minors need additional consent letters and documentation.
Entry Points & Processing
Entry Points
South Africa visas are valid at all official ports of entry including:
• International Airports: OR Tambo International (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International (CPT), King Shaka International (DUR) in Durban, and regional airports in Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, and East London
• Land Borders: Beitbridge (Zimbabwe), Lebombo (Mozambique), Maseru Bridge (Lesotho), Oshoek (Eswatini), Kopfontein (Botswana), Vioolsdrift (Namibia)
• Seaports: Cape Town Harbour, Durban Port, Port Elizabeth
Processing Times & Application Tips
Visa processing typically takes 10-15 business days, though complex applications or busy periods may require 4-6 weeks. We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. Some nationalities must apply in person at VFS Global centers for biometric enrollment. Check specific requirements for your nationality. Peak travel seasons (December-January, Easter, school holidays) experience higher volumes.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"Excellent service for my South Africa visa! The team guided me through every step and my application was approved in just 12 days. Cape Town was absolutely incredible!"
"First time visiting Africa and was worried about the visa process. DoVisa made it completely hassle-free. Now I've seen the Big Five at Kruger!"
"Very professional service. They helped me prepare all documents correctly and kept me informed throughout the process. Would recommend to anyone needing a South Africa visa."
"Applied for family of 4 including children. DoVisa handled the complex documentation requirements for minors perfectly. Wine tasting in Stellenbosch was amazing!"
"Business visa processed smoothly. The invitation letter guidance was especially helpful. Had successful meetings in Johannesburg thanks to their efficient service."
"Good experience overall. Processing took slightly longer than expected but the support team kept me updated. The Garden Route drive was worth every day of waiting!"
"Exceptional service! They caught an error in my application before submitting and helped me fix it. Visa approved first time. Table Mountain views were spectacular!"
"DoVisa made the South Africa visa process so simple. Clear instructions, quick responses to questions, and my visa arrived right on schedule. Highly recommend!"
"Reliable service for obtaining my tourist visa. The document checklist was comprehensive and the online tracking feature was very useful."
"Second time using DoVisa for South Africa visa. Consistent quality and support. Safari in Kruger was unforgettable and the visa process was the easy part!"
South Africa Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for South Africa?
South Africa offers several visa categories depending on your travel purpose. Visitors Visa (Tourist) allows stays up to 90 days for holidays, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, or attending events. Business Visa permits commercial activities including meetings, conferences, and trade exploration without employment. Transit Visa allows airport stopovers up to 72 hours. Work Visas include Critical Skills, General Work, Intra-Company Transfer, and Corporate visas for employment purposes. Study Visa enables enrollment at South African educational institutions. Relative's Visa permits joining family members in South Africa. The right visa depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended duration of stay.
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. South Africa has visa exemption agreements with over 70 countries. Visa-free entry is available for citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and many other countries for stays up to 90 days. Citizens of some Commonwealth countries receive 30-day exemptions. Visa required: Citizens of China, India, Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and many other countries must obtain a visa before travel. Important: Even visa-exempt travelers must meet entry requirements including sufficient funds, return ticket, and adequate passport validity. Check your specific nationality requirements before booking travel.
How long does South Africa visa processing take?
South Africa visa processing typically takes 10-15 business days, though times can vary significantly. Factors affecting processing: Nationality (some countries undergo additional scrutiny); completeness of documentation; time of year (December-January and Easter are busiest); specific embassy workload. Extended processing: Complex cases, work visas, or applications requiring additional verification may take 4-6 weeks. Recommendations: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before intended travel; ensure all documents are complete and properly certified; respond promptly to any requests for additional information. DoVisa's pre-submission review helps ensure applications are complete, reducing the risk of delays from missing or incorrect documentation.
What documents do I need for a South Africa visa?
Essential documents for all applications: Valid passport with minimum 30 days validity beyond departure and 2 blank pages; completed application form (DHA-84); recent passport photographs (35x45mm, white background); proof of accommodation; return/onward flight tickets; bank statements showing sufficient funds (minimum 3 months). Tourist visa additions: Travel itinerary; invitation letter if visiting family/friends; host's ID and proof of residence. Business visa additions: Invitation letter from South African company; your company registration; letter from employer; detailed business itinerary. All applications: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic region. Documents must be original or certified copies. Some nationalities require in-person biometric enrollment at VFS Global centers.
Can I extend my South Africa visa?
Yes, visitor visas can be extended at Department of Home Affairs offices within South Africa. Extension process: Apply before your current visa expires (recommended 60 days before); visit a Home Affairs office with completed Form DHA-84, passport, proof of continued accommodation and finances, and extension fee. Duration: Extensions are typically granted for an additional 90 days, with a maximum total stay of 180 days in any 12-month period. Processing time: Extensions take 4-6 weeks; you receive a receipt allowing legal stay while processing. Important: Don't overstay your visa — this results in fines, deportation, and future visa bans. If your extension is denied, you must leave South Africa immediately. Visa-exempt visitors follow the same extension process through Home Affairs.
What are the requirements for traveling with children to South Africa?
South Africa has specific documentation requirements for minors (under 18). Both parents traveling: Child's unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents). One parent traveling: Unabridged birth certificate; consent affidavit from absent parent (not older than 4 months); absent parent's ID or passport copy; contact details of absent parent. Unaccompanied minors: Consent letters from both parents; parents' ID copies; letter from receiving person in South Africa; receiving person's ID and contact details; accommodation proof. Single parent/deceased parent: Court order granting full parental rights, or death certificate. Important: Documents must be original or certified copies. Non-English documents require sworn translations. These rules apply to all children regardless of nationality or visa status.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for South Africa?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Endemic countries include most of sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa itself), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, etc.), and Panama. Requirements: International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. Not required: Travelers arriving directly from non-endemic regions (Europe, North America, Asia, Middle East, Australia) don't need yellow fever vaccination. Transit considerations: If your flight connects through an endemic country (even without leaving the airport), you may need the certificate — requirements vary, so check specific transit rules. Exemptions: Medical exemptions require a doctor's certificate but may result in quarantine or denied entry. South Africa is not a yellow fever risk country, so the vaccine is not recommended for health purposes, only for entry compliance.
Can I work in South Africa with a tourist visa?
No, tourist (visitor) visas do not permit any form of employment or paid work in South Africa. Prohibited activities: Taking up employment; receiving salary from South African or foreign companies for work performed in SA; starting a business; freelance work. Business visa activities: Business visas allow meetings, conferences, and negotiations but not employment. Legal work authorization: Requires a work visa/permit before arriving. Types include Critical Skills Work Visa (for professionals in shortage occupations), General Work Visa (requires employer sponsorship and labor market testing), and Intra-Company Transfer Visa. Volunteer work: Requires specific authorization; contact Home Affairs for guidance. Penalties: Working illegally results in deportation, fines, and long-term visa bans. Immigration conducts workplace inspections.
What is the best time to visit South Africa?
South Africa offers excellent experiences year-round, though timing affects activities. Safari/Wildlife (May-September): Dry winter season brings animals to water sources, making game viewing excellent. Cool temperatures and minimal rain. Best for Kruger, Pilanesberg, Madikwe. Cape Town & Winelands (November-March): Warm summer weather perfect for beaches, wine tasting, and outdoor activities. December-January is peak season with higher prices. Garden Route (Year-round): Mild climate throughout; whale watching best August-November. Wildflower Season (August-September): Namaqualand's spectacular wildflower displays attract photographers and nature lovers. Budget travel: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Note: South African school holidays (mid-December to mid-January, Easter, late June-July) bring domestic tourism surges.
What happens if my South Africa visa is rejected?
South Africa visa rejections, while uncommon with proper documentation, can occur. Common rejection reasons: Incomplete documentation; insufficient financial proof; unclear travel purpose; passport validity issues; previous immigration violations; failure to attend biometric appointment. After rejection: You receive written notification with general reasons. You can reapply immediately with improved documentation addressing the stated concerns. There's no formal appeals process for visitor visas. Prevention strategies: Ensure all documents are complete and properly certified; provide clear evidence of ties to your home country; show sufficient funds; submit comprehensive travel itinerary; respond promptly to any additional requests. DoVisa support: We review applications before submission to identify potential issues. If rejection results from our error, we provide refund and free reapplication assistance.
Is South Africa safe for tourists?
South Africa is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. Safe areas: Tourist destinations including Cape Town city center and waterfront, Winelands, Garden Route, Kruger and private reserves, Durban beachfront, and established tourist circuits maintain good security. Precautions: Don't display expensive jewelry or electronics; use hotel safes; avoid walking alone at night; use registered taxis or Uber; stay aware of surroundings in cities; follow local advice about areas to avoid. Safari safety: Reputable lodges and parks maintain excellent safety standards; follow guide instructions around wildlife. Health considerations: Malaria prophylaxis recommended for Kruger and Limpopo regions; tap water safe in cities; good medical facilities available. Emergency: Police 10111, Ambulance 10177. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Do I need to print my South Africa visa?
This depends on your visa type and nationality. Visa stamp: Traditional visas are stamped directly into your passport at the embassy or VFS Global center — there's nothing to print; simply present your passport at immigration. Visa-exempt travelers: No visa document needed; immigration stamps your passport on arrival. Important documents to have: Regardless of visa type, carry printed copies of accommodation confirmations, return flights, travel insurance, and sufficient funds proof. Immigration officers may request these. Electronic communications: Keep email confirmations from your visa application accessible on your phone as backup. At immigration: Have your passport and supporting documents ready; know your accommodation address and departure date; be prepared to answer basic questions about your trip purpose.
Can I visit neighboring countries with my South Africa visa?
A South Africa visa is only valid for South Africa — you cannot use it to enter other countries. Separate visas needed: Each country (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini) has its own visa requirements. Research each destination's rules for your nationality. Visa on arrival options: Many nationalities can get visas on arrival at Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana, and Namibia. KAZA UniVisa: For Victoria Falls, the KAZA UniVisa covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia with one visa — useful for seeing both sides of the falls. Lesotho and Eswatini: These countries surrounded by South Africa often have visa-free entry for short visits but require South African multiple-entry visa if you plan to return to SA. Planning tip: If visiting multiple countries, ensure you have a multiple-entry South Africa visa or visa-exempt status to re-enter after each border crossing.
What currency should I bring to South Africa?
South Africa's currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Best currency to bring: US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds are easily exchanged at banks, forex bureaus, and airports. Rand is preferred for transactions — exchange upon arrival for best rates. Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and safari lodges. Always carry some cash for markets, tips, and smaller establishments. Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent fraud blocks. ATMs: Widely available in cities and towns. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers for security. Safari lodges: Many all-inclusive lodges accept cards; confirm payment methods when booking. Tips often expected in cash. Tipping guide: Restaurants 10-15%, safari guides R100-200/day, porters R20-50, car guards R5-10. Security: Avoid carrying large cash amounts; use hotel safes.
Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
While not legally required, travel insurance is strongly recommended for South Africa. Medical coverage: South Africa has excellent private hospitals but medical costs can be high. Ensure coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency medical evacuation — especially important if visiting remote safari areas. Adventure activities: Confirm your policy covers activities like safari game drives, bungee jumping (Bloukrans), shark cage diving, and hiking. Some policies exclude these without add-ons. Trip protection: Coverage for trip cancellation, delays, lost luggage, and theft provides peace of mind. Recommended minimums: Medical coverage of at least $100,000; emergency evacuation coverage; 24/7 assistance hotline. COVID-19: Check current requirements and ensure your policy covers pandemic-related issues if applicable. Keep insurance documents accessible and save emergency contact numbers in your phone.
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