US citizens are visa-exempt for South Africa for the following purposes:
- Visiting family or friends
- Business visits
- Medical treatment
- Scientific research
- To take part in a conference, or charitable or voluntary activities
- To take part in a sporting event
- To undertake a study program with a maximum duration of 3 months
- To join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit
Does an US citizen need visa to visit South Africa?
US citizens planning a short-term holiday or business trip to South Africa do not currently need a visa. This is because the United States is on the list of 47 countries whose citizens can enter the state via a visa exemption scheme, in accordance with South Africa’s visa policy. US citizens holding a valid national passport can enter South Africa for up to 90 days at any port of arrival.
Can I go to South Africa without a visa?
Requirements for entering South Africa All visitors need a passport to enter South Africa. Unless you come from a visa-exempt country it is also necessary to present a visa. At the moment, visitors who require a visa must apply at a South African embassy or consulate in person and provide biometric data.
Do South Africans require transit visas?
Travellers using land ports of entry to transit through South Africa will have to apply for a port of entry visa. Deportees transiting must be in possession of transit visas and at all times must be escorted failing which they will be returned to the airline that conveyed them for removal from the Republic. Application form DHA-84.
Are You visa exempt for South Africa?
You will not need a visa to enter or travel through South Africa as a visitor for a period of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa, in line with South African immigration regulations. See Visas and Passport validity sections for more information.
Can Americans go to South Africa without a visa?
U.S. citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism / business purposes do not need visas.
How Long Can a US citizen be in South Africa?
At present, American citizens can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 3 months. US citizens are visa-exempt for South Africa for the following purposes: Visiting family or friends. Business visits.
How much is a visa to South Africa from USA?
$ 36.00Visas and Temporary Residence PermitsPort of Entry/Visitor's Visa$36.00Visa for Spouse of a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident - Section 11(6)NO FEEStudy Visa$36.00Treaty Visa$36.00Medical Visa$36.0010 more rows
Are US citizens allowed into South Africa?
Yes. Domestic and international air travel is operating within South Africa.
How much bank balance is required for South Africa visa?
3000 South African RandHow Much Bank Balance is Required to Get a South African Visa? The high commission requirements state that you will need funds of an equivalent of at least 3000 South African Rand to apply for the visa. As per the requirements, you are expected to possess sufficient funds to support the entire duration of your stay.
How much is a tourist visa to South Africa?
Prescribed fee of $47, if not exempted from visa fee; Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements);
What do US citizens need to travel to South Africa?
U.S. citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism / business purposes do not need visas.
How long does it take to get a visa for South Africa?
Four to 12 weeks, depending on where you submit When you submit your application abroad, you'll wait approximately 4 to 8 weeks on an outcome. This waiting time increases to 8 to 12 weeks if you submit your application in South Africa.
Can you apply for a South African visa online?
Conveniently, eligible travellers can now get a visa online, from their smartphone, laptop, or other electronic device. The application for the South Africa e-Visa is quick and easy to complete. Applicants only need to fill out an easy-to-use online form with their personal, passport, and travel information.
What documents do I need to enter South Africa?
If you are thinking about traveling to South Africa, the most important document you will need is a passport, which should be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry to the country. Regardless of whether you require a visa or not, you also need two completely blank facing pages on your passport.
Does South Africa still require a PCR test?
You no longer need to present a PCR test or vaccine certificate on arrival in South Africa. However, other entry requirements still apply. See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do before you arrive in South Africa.
How do I apply for a South African tourist visa?
Documents required to apply for a visaA passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit.Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements.A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)Payment of the prescribed fee.More items...
How long can a foreigner stay in South Africa?
90 daysA temporary residence permit allows a foreign national, such as international students, foreign workers and tourists, to legally stay in South Africa for longer than 90 days. If you wish to stay in South Africa for a period of less than 90 days to visit family or as a tourist, you may apply for visitors' visa.
What is the penalty for overstaying in South Africa?
A South Africa visa overstay of fewer than 30 days will mean that travelers will be banned for a period of 12 months. In addition, they will also be given the status of “undesirable person”. In the event that a traveler overstays their visa for more than 30 days, the ban period will be at least 5 years.
How do I apply for temporary residence in South Africa?
Applicants must submit an application for a temporary residence visa in person at the South African diplomatic representative in their country of origin or neighbouring country. More information on the types of visas is available from the Department of Home Affairs.
How long does it take to get a visa for South Africa?
Four to 12 weeks, depending on where you submit When you submit your application abroad, you'll wait approximately 4 to 8 weeks on an outcome. This waiting time increases to 8 to 12 weeks if you submit your application in South Africa.
How long can a US citizen stay in South Africa?
Each year more than 350,000 Americans use this scheme to visit South Africa. US citizens holding a valid national passport can enter South Africa for up to 90 days at any port of arrival.
What Is a South Africa eVisa for American Citizens and What Does It Do?
The South Africa eVisa for Americans is an upcoming electronic visa system designed to allow eligible foreign nationals to apply online for authorization to enter South Africa.
What is an e-visa in South Africa?
The South Africa electronic visa (eVisa) for American citizens is a new digital visa that will allow visitors to enter the country for business and leisure trips without having to gain a visa from a South African embassy or consulate beforehand.
When did South Africa start evisa?
In 2019 , with the aim of advancing the visa application process for visitors to the country, the South African government began piloting the South Africa eVisa scheme.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit South Africa?
US citizens planning a short-term holiday or business trip to South Africa do not currently need to gain a visa. This is because the United States is on the list of 47 countries whose citizens can enter the state via a visa exemption scheme, in accordance with South Africa’s visa policy. Each year more than 350,000 Americans use this scheme ...
Can Americans get an evisa in South Africa?
This means that American citizens are not currently able to apply for a South Africa eVisa. When it is made available to Americans, US passport holders will be able to apply for ...
How Long Can A USA Citizen Stay In South Africa?
If you are visiting for tourism or business purposes, you shouldn’t stay in South Africa for more than 90 days without a visa. If you want to stay for a longer period of time, you should apply for a temporary residence visa. For folks who aren’t U.S citizens but are coming over from the States, if you intend to stay in South Africa for a long period of time, you should not apply for a visitor’s visa, but should get a temporary residence visa. Both are not the same. However, you should have good reasons why you want to stay in the country for a long time – either to work or study.
Can I Move From US To South Africa? How?
Yes, you can easily move to South Africa as a citizen of the United States of America. That can be easily realistic if you will be going to the country to work or study. If that’s the case, you can always apply for a temporary residence visa in a South African mission in the U.S. If you are not a U.S citizen, you will have to apply for a visa before you can get into the country.
Can US Citizens Live In South Africa?
Yes, US citizens can live in South Africa, as long as they indicated what they intend to do in the country (working, studying, etc) while applying for their temporary residence visa . If you are going to be living in South Africa as a U.S citizen, you should have good reasons for doing so, and you should have good knowledge about the area you will be settling in. Of course, there are several U.S citizens living in South Africa already, as the country is really a nice one
Why not travel to South Africa?
T. C. Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions. Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions. Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest.
How many blank pages are needed for South Africa?
Two Consecutive Blank Visa Pages: South Africa requires travelers to have two consecutive completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. You will be denied entry if you do not have two consecutive blank visa pages.
What side of the road is the steering wheel on in South Africa?
Traffic lights are frequently out of order. Traffic Laws: Traffic in South Africa moves on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car. Under South African law, all occupants of motor vehicles equipped with seatbelts are required to wear them while the vehicle is in operation.
What is the emergency number for South Africa?
For emergency services in South Africa, dial 10111.
What is a yellow card in South Africa?
Immunizations: Travelers entering South Africa from WHO-designated countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission must present their current and valid International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) (“yellow card”).
What is the level 4 travel health notice for South Africa?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for South Africa due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.
Is South Africa safe to drive?
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions are generally good in South Africa, but the road traffic death rate is nearly three times higher in South Africa than in the United States. The high incidence of road traffic mortality is due to a combination of poor driving, limited enforcement of traffic laws, road rage, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Use extreme caution driving at night. U.S. government employees are discouraged from driving after dark outside of major metropolitan areas, except for highway travel between Pretoria and Johannesburg. Traffic lights are frequently out of order.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What countries are not allowed to travel in 2021?
Department of State announced it will change its Travel Advisory for South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to Level 4 – Do Not Travel – due to the newly identified COVID-19 Omicron variant. In a Statement on the Omicron COVID-19 Variant and a Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease, President Joe Biden introduced additional air travel restrictions from these eight countries that will take effect on November 29. Please see our latest alerts and continue to monitor this site for details of travel restrictions. Consular services for U.S. citizens remain in full operation.
What you need to know about visas for South Africa
Visitors with passports from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and many European countries are exempt from needing a visa for South Africa if they meet specific conditions. But keep in mind that requirements can change quickly.
Countries exempt from needing a South African visa
If you’re traveling with a passport from the US, UK or Canada, you do not need a visa to visit South Africa as long as your trip is for tourism or business and isn’t more than 90 days.
Passport requirements for all visitors to South Africa
South Africa’s immigration regulations state that your passport needs to be valid at least 30 days beyond your planned date of departure from the country. However, both airline and immigration officials are known to insist on that validity period being six months.
Other required documents
Even if you’re exempt from needing a visa, you’ll need to have proof of onward travel showing you won’t be in South Africa more than 90 days. There are also health requirements, both the latest for COVID-19 and for other diseases.
The visa process for South Africa
For those who need a visa, a few countries are eligible to apply for South Africa’s new e-visa. (More countries are expected to be added in 2022.) Other passport holders will need to apply for visas at the South African embassy or consulate in their home country.
90 Days Visa Exemption
Nationals who hold valid national passports of the following 48 countries/territories are not required to obtain South African visas for visits of up to 90 days.
30 days Visa Exemption
Citizens who hold valid national passports of the following 28 countries/territories are not required to obtain South African visas for visits of up to 30 days:
VISA Required – When You Must Get a Visa
You will need a passport to enter South Africa, if you intend to stay for longer than your exemption period, if you don’t have a passport for any of the above mentioned countries, if you intend to work, study, partake in sports events or intend to take up permanent residency in South Africa.
Overstay consequences – What will happen if I overstay my Visa Period?
According to the amended South African Immigration Act 13 of 2002, foreign nationals overstaying the expiry of their South African visas will be determined “undesirable” and, consequently, face being banned from the Republic for a period of up to 5 years.
How long is a visa valid for South Africa?
A visa will be issued for a visit for tourism or business purposes and is valid for a period of 90 days. Some countries are exempted from visa control, which means that citizens from those countries do not need a visa to visit South Africa.
What happens if you don't have a visa?
If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country. Depending on your intended visit, you can apply for a Visitor’s Visa or a Transit Visa. or contact the Department of Home Affairs.
Where to get a visa for Africa?
Many travelers looking to get a visa for Africa have Tanzania on their itinerary. The East African country is home to the exclusive Katavi National Park as well as the tropical island of Zanzibar. It’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking a rustic, idyllic getaway as well as a close relationship with nature.
What is an East African visa?
A popular East African travel visa is one that allows entry to Kenya. Known to be home to some of the best safari destinations, Kenya is a very popular travel destination for nature-lovers.
How long does a passport last in Africa?
All you need to enter the gateway to Africa is a passport with six months validity.
What is South Africa known for?
The country boasts breathtaking coastlines, wildlife-rich safaris, and unbeatable local hospitality. There are countless exciting things to do in South Africa, and the experience begins with booking a ticket.
Which country is the best to visit in Africa?
Zimbabwe is one of the top countries to visit in Africa. Although it has a history of political unrest, it makes up for this concern with incredible safari destinations and encounters with nature.
Do you need a visa to go to Egypt?
There are so many things to do in Egypt, ranging from visiting the pyramids to scuba diving and sandboarding. Unlike South Africa, U.S. citizens do need a visa to enter Egypt. Luckily, these visas are both easy to get and affordable in cost.
Is Mauritius safe to travel to?
Mauritius is high on the list as one of the safest countries in Africa. The island welcomes travelers with open arms, beautiful beaches, and chilled cocktails.