Only in some cases is a visa necessary. U.S. citizens and visitors from other countries generally do not need a visa, tourist or business, to visit South Africa if their stay is less than 90 days.
Do you need a tourist visa to volunteer in Africa?
Volunteering and voluntourism are prohibited on a tourist visa. South Africa: Tourist visas are not required for visits of less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for 30 days beyond departure, and two consecutive pages must be blank. Morocco: Tourist visas are not required for visits of less than 90 days.
Do I need a passport to enter South Africa?
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.
How do I get a visa for Africa?
The majority of visas in Africa can be obtained at the border however it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel.
What are the rules for frequently traveling to Africa?
Rules for Frequently Traveled Countries. Passports must be valid for six months and need two blank pages. Bring a printed copy of the visa to show officials upon arrival. An East Africa Tourist Visa is also available, which allows multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for 90 days.
Do US citizens need a visa for 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.
What African countries require a visa?
Only five African countries (Seychelles, Mozambique, Rwanda, Comoros and Madagascar) offer visa-free access or visas on arrival to citizens of all African countries. On the other hand, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé, and Sudan require citizens from every single African country to apply for a visa.
Do you need a visa to go to Africa from UK?
All travellers 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 does a visa cost to go to Africa?
Visas and Temporary Residence PermitsPort of Entry/Visitor's Visa$36.00Treaty Visa$36.00Medical Visa$36.00Retired Person's Visa$36.00Business Visa (More than 90 days)$127.0010 more rows
What do I need to travel to Africa?
What Are the Entry Requirements in North and West Africa? A tourist or business visa is required for almost all countries in North and West Africa. Some airlines will not allow you to board your flight if you do not have a visa. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to some countries as well.
What countries require US citizens to have a visa?
What Are Countries That Require Visas for US Citizens?Brazil. Brazil visas must be obtained well in advance of departure from a Brazilian Consulate. ... China. Our friends at G3 Global Services tell us that they process more visas for China than for any other country. ... India. ... Indonesia. ... Kenya. ... Myanmar. ... Russia.
How much does visa cost?
Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
Do I need a visa to visit Johannesburg?
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.
How much is a visa to South Africa?
Non-refundable visa fee of ₦8,600, excluding service fee. See the full checklist to ensure you have all the required documents.
How long does it take to get a tourist visa to Africa?
The visa process can take up to 7 working days. If you are planning on visiting Uganda and/or Rwanda when travelling to Kenya then you can apply for an East Africa tourist visa which will cover all countries. The visa allows multiple entry into these countries and is valid for 90 days.
How long does it take to get visa?
It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
Do I need a visa to visit Nigeria?
The Government of Nigeria requires COVID-specific testing prior to arrival. A passport valid for six months, a visa, and proof of Polio and Yellow Fever vaccinations are required to enter Nigeria. You must obtain your Nigerian visa from a Nigerian embassy or consulate in advance of your travel.
Which African country does not require visa?
Ghana: the Western African has a privilege of free movement with Nigeria and as such, no Visa is required to enter into the country. Guinea Conakry: is a West African Francophone Country and a member of the ECOWAS community.
What countries in Africa do you not need a visa for?
Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin topped the index as countries that offer completely visa-free access to all African passport holders.
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.
When to apply for a visa?
When to Apply for Your Visa. If you have to apply for your visa in advance, make sure to time your application carefully. Many countries stipulate that you can only apply within a certain window prior to your trip, i.e. not too far in advance, and not at the last minute.
How do agencies take the stress out of the visa process?
Agencies take the stress out of the visa process by doing all of the runnings around for you (at a charge). They are especially useful in exceptional circumstances; for example, if you need a visa in a rush, if you're traveling to more than one country, or if you're organizing visas for a large group.
Can I travel to Africa without a visa?
Some countries, like South Africa, allow visitors from the United States and most European countries to enter without a visa as long as their stay doesn't exceed 90 days. For the vast majority of African countries, however, visitors from the United States and Europe will need a tourist visa. These include top safari destinations Tanzania ...
Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
the country listed on your passport) is not the same as your country of residence, make sure to advise the embassy staff of this when making your inquiries. Whether or not you need a visa will depend on your citizenship, not on the country that you're traveling from. Some countries (like Tanzania) require a tourist visa but allow you to purchase one on arrival.
Is it a good idea to apply for a visa in advance?
Generally, it's a good idea to apply as far in advance as possible, in order to give yourself time to overcome any complications or delays that may arise . There is an exception to this rule, however. Sometimes, visas are valid from the moment they're issued, rather than from your date of arrival.
Which countries allow travelers to get a visa?
Some countries, such as Kenya and Zimbabwe, allow travelers to obtain an airport visa upon arrival. Allow extra time for this and have money and immunization records ready for airport security. For some countries, including Kenya and Tanzania, rush processing is available for a fee. Warnings.
How long does a passport need to be valid in South Africa?
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. If you are from a country whose nationals are required to have a visa to travel to South Africa, your passport must have at least two blank pages for processing.
How much does a visa cost for Tanzania?
The Tanzanian embassy has forms on its website. Visas cost $100 for U.S. passport holders. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the visa was issued and/or date of entry, and one page must be blank. Applicants need two recent passport-sized photos and must show proof of onward travel and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for the length of their stay. Volunteering and voluntourism are prohibited on a tourist visa.
How much does a tourist visa cost in Egypt?
Passports must be valid at the time of entry, and one page must be blank. Egypt: Tourist visas cost $25 for a single-entry 30-day stay, and are available upon arrival at the airport. Tourists entering from Israel and others with special circumstances should apply for a visa prior to arrival.
How many pages are needed for a passport in Africa?
While some African countries only require passports to have one blank page available at time of travel, South Africa, a popular tourist destination, requires two pages. The U.S. State Department suggests you have two copies of the main identification pages of the passport. Keep the spare copies in separate places from your passport. An electronic copy that you can access if needed is another way savvy travelers securely store copies of important travel documents.
How many countries are there in Africa?
Each of Africa’s 54 countries has different visa rules for visitors. Whether you're traveling to North Africa to relax in hammams and shop in the souks, going to Southern or East Africa on safari, enjoying the continent’s beaches, or just staying in the big cities for a vacation or for business, the continent has much to offer visitors. Be sure you know the rules for each of the countries on your itinerary before departure. Note that most countries operate on a reciprocity basis regarding passport and visa rules, requiring of American citizens what the United States requires of that country’s citizens.
Do all countries issue visas?
Not all countries issue airport visas. Some, such as South Africa, will turn travelers away if they arrive without a visa.
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.
What is a South African visitor visa?
South African visitors’ visas: the basics. visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes. business purposes. spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study visas. children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study visas. study purposes.
How long is a tourist visa valid in South Africa?
If you plan on swinging by, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the requirements. Tourist visas are valid for a stay of up to 90 days and granted on a number of conditions.
How long is a tourist visa valid?
Tourist visas are valid for a stay of up to 90 days and granted on a number of conditions. It’s also important to familiarise yourself for the requirements when travelling with minors. You will need an unabridged birth certificate and proof of guardianship or custody or consent from the guardian.
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
If you plan on visiting South Africa, or Mzansi as it is affectionately known, you might need to apply for a visitor’s visa. The South African Immigration Act has several short-stay visas available, depending on how long and for what purpose you are visiting the country.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 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.
Does South Africa have accessibility laws?
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: South Africa law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but these laws are rarely enforced. However, some tourist attractions, and restaurants near tourist attractions, are equipped with ramps and other options to facilitate access. Conditions vary significantly across the country and depending on the type of site.
