How to get a visa for South Africa
A easy to follow, step by step guide for different visa types and applications.
Most countries can enter South Africa visa-free and get a tourist one on arrival which makes it very easy to travel to. All you need is your passport. These countries can usually stay from 30 up to 90 days. For those exceptions - I have you covered with all you need to know!
Types of Visas
Tourist E-visa
A South Africa tourist visa is for international travellers who want to visit South Africa for a short period for tourism. 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.
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
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.
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.
Student Visa
A South African student visa allows international students to reside in South Africa while studying. The visas are valid for the duration of the course.
How to apply for a visa
Required documents
A completed application Form BI-84 available online here.
A valid passport or travel document. Your passport needs to be valid for no less than 30 days after your intended visit ends and have at least two unused pages for entry and departure endorsements.
Two coloured passport-sized photographs.
Proof of the payment fee.
A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required).
A return or onward ticket if you are traveling by air.
Proof of relationship to dependents. You need to provide the following additional documents:
Proof of guardianship or custody or
Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor.
Proof of sufficient means while in South Africa, in the form of:
Bank statements.
Salary advances.
Undertakings by the host in South Africa.
Bursary (in the case of studying).
Medical cover.
Applying at an Embassy
Check which visa you need to apply for
Book your appointment at your relevant embassy
Complete the application form
Gather the required documents
Attend the appointment
Pay your fees
Patiently await your answer (can take up to 15 business days)
Collect your visa
Applying online
Eligible countries for an e-visa are Cameroon, China, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Uganda.
Visit the RSA e-visa site here. The application takes about 10mins.
Create your account.
Complete the online application form.
Upload required documents.
Pay the visa fee.
Patiently wait for approval (takes 3-5 business days).
Receive your e-visa via email.
Required bank balance for a RSA visa
You need the equivalent of R3000 in your bank account to apply for a RSA visa.
Visa costs
Visitor, tourist and student visa - R495
Work and business visa - R1520
What if my visa gets rejected?
If your visa is denied, you will have ten working days to submit an appeal. You will need to find out the reason for your visa refusal to overturn the rejection notice. In addition, you will have only one chance to appeal; after that, you will have no grounds to appeal again. You can do the appeal yourself or ask an immigration consultant to assist you.
There you go - your need to know for RSA visa applications. Happy travels!
