Documents for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Cape Town, South Africa
- Passport A current passport book is required for all international travel, and South Africa is no exception. ...
- Visa Visitors traveling to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings or passing through en route to another country do not need a visa, but you may need one if you’re making your visit for any other reason. ...
- Yellow Fever Certification ...
- Photocopies ...
What are the Visa requirements to travel to South Africa?
Find out more about the visa requirements to travel to and in South Africa. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 1 month after departure and with one blank page (two if a visa is required). You need to have a return ticket.
Do I need a passport book to visit Cape Town?
If you’re planning a visit to Cape Town, South African immigration officials will expect you to be able to present a series of specific documents when you arrive. A current passport book is required for all international travel, and South Africa is no exception.
Do you need a residence permit to travel to South Africa?
If your visit is longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit in lieu of a tourist visa. If you are traveling to South Africa, you are required to have a valid passport that is valid for at least 30 days past your departure from the country.
What happens if I don’t have a South African visa?
Immigration officials are required to ask you for your visa documentation before allowing you entry into the country. If you are unable to produce a visa at the South African port of entry you may be denied entry and sent back to your home country.
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Do you need a visa to go to Cape Town South Africa?
If you want to visit South Africa, you must produce a valid visa before you can enter into the country. A visa will be issued for a visit for tourism or business purposes and is valid for a period of 90 days.
Can I 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 you stay in Cape Town without a visa?
Tourists wanting to visit South Africa can apply for a Visitor's Visa, which allows them to enter the country for a maximum of 90 days. Currently, 52 nationalities can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, and another 28 nationalities are exempt from visas when visiting for a maximum of 30 days.
Which countries can enter South Africa without visa?
Where Can South Africans Travel Without a Visa?CountryAllowed stayKenya30 DaysKosovo90 daysSouth Korea30 daysLesotho90 days58 more rows
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.
How much does a South African visa cost?
$ 36.00Visas and Temporary Residence PermitsPort of Entry/Visitor's Visa$36.00Study Visa$36.00Treaty Visa$36.00Medical Visa$36.00Retired Person's Visa$36.0010 more rows
How do I apply for a visa to Cape Town?
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...
Which city is the safest in South Africa?
Cape Town. Cape Town has experienced a rise in crime in certain districts recently. However, it still boasts some of the most desirable neighborhoods and remains the safest major city in South Africa.
Do UK citizens need visa for South Africa?
Although a South Africa visa for UK citizens is not required for stays up to 90 days, British travelers will be required to obtain one of the South Africa visa types for longer visits and purposes other than tourism or business.
How long does it take to get a tourist visa to South Africa?
It can take around 3 working days in order to process the visa. Individuals should make their applications in advance to avoid delays in their travel plans.
How do I get a visa for 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.
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.
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Africa?
You can travel to South Africa for any purpose for up to 90 days without a visa. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay. You may need to complete a health form to enter 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 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.
Is South Africa open for tourists now?
Anyone can visit, subject to usual visa regulations.
What does a visa for South Africa mean?
A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose.
How long does a visitor visa last in South Africa?
Visitors’ visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less.
Is there a fee for a visa?
Remember that there is a fee charged for issuing a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
Is a visitor's permit valid in South Africa?
Visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued. On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor's permit. The permit’s period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading "conditions" on the visa label.
What is Cape Town known for?
Cape Town is South Africa’s second-largest city, boasting shops and beaches alongside the iconic Table Mountain. If you’re planning a visit to Cape Town, South African immigration officials will expect you to be able to present a series of specific documents when you arrive.
How long does a transit visa last?
Obtaining a transit visa will allow you to leave the airport and visit the country you are flying through. Usually, a transit visa expires in less than a month.
Do you need a photocopy of your passport in Cape Town?
Photocopies. Muggings and robberies are common in Cape Town and, as a precaution, the State Department advises making at least one photocopy of the information and photo page of your passport. You should carry this in a separate place from the original.
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.
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.
What is the emergency number for South Africa?
For emergency services in South Africa, dial 10111.
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 equivalent of 911 in South Africa?
In South Africa the equivalent to the “911” emergency line is 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”).
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 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.
How long is a passport valid in South Africa?
Passport validity. 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. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity on the date of entry to South Africa.
How long before you can travel to South Africa do you need a PCR test?
The test must have taken place no more than 72 hours before your departure.
Does South Africa have biometrics?
South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders. You should allow additional time for border crossings. See ‘Entry Rules In Response to Coronavirus’ for the latest information about South Africa’s land borders.
Does South Africa allow visa extensions?
During the course of the pandemic, South Africa offered visa extensions for some nationals who found themselves unable to return to their country of origin. You are responsible for ensuring your legal immigration status in South Africa. Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly if you have concerns about your visa status.
Do you need a PCR test for South Africa?
Strict health protocols are in place for international travellers to South Africa. You will need to produce a paper copy of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 test to border officials upon arrival in South Africa. The test must have taken place no more than 72 hours before your departure. Children under 5 do not require a PCR test.
What Should I Take To South Africa?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to South Africa:
Why is the climate different in South Africa?
Due to its size, the climate of South Africa is different depending on the region.
Is It Safe to Travel to South Africa?
Stay away from strikes and political demonstrations for they may often turn violent .
How many ethnic groups are there in South Africa?
There are nine official ethnic groups in South Africa. The largest communities include people with European, Asian and multiracial descent. Due to this large number of different ethnicities, there are 11 official languages. This is the most official languages of any country in the world.
What is the best wine region in South Africa?
The best area to experience the wine culture of South Africa is called the Boland.
Which part of South Africa has a subtropical climate?
The Northeastern part of South Africa has a subtropical climate.
Is hepatitis B required in South Africa?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Where to go in South Africa?
You can start your trip to South Africa exploring the outdoor excursions of Lion’s Head trek, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens of the capital city Cape Town. When here, you can also explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium, enjoying the best of maritime entertainment.
What is South Africa known for?
South Africa offers a perfect blend of safaris, wildlife, and the city streets for all enthusiastic travelers. It has deserts and national parks, home to some of the most iconic wild animals.
Do I need a passport to travel to South Africa?
If you have a passport from South Africa and are still concerned, “Do I need a vaccine to travel to South Africa?”, no, you do not need to have the vaccine to enter South Africa. However, you will need a passport to stay in South Africa. In addition, you might need a Visa as a citizen of a foreign nation to stay in South Africa.
General Information About South African Visas
- Visitors’ visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less. A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular offic…
Requirements and Documentation
- South African visitors’ visas may be granted for the following reasons or purposes: 1. Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes. 2. Business purposes. 3. Spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit. 4. Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits. 5. Fiancée/ fiancé to join his or her partner with the intension of …
Documents Required to Apply For A Visa
- A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit. Your passport must have at least one unused page for entry/departure endorsements.
- A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa).
- Payment of the prescribed fee.
- A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required).
Entry Visa Exemption Countries
- Countries exempt from South African Visas for visits up to 90 days duration: African Union Laissez Passer, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, …