do you need a visa to visit south africa

Before you're allowed to enter South Africa, you need to have:

• A valid passport/travel document which covers the period that you intend to stay in the country.
• A valid visa, if required.
• Enough money to cover your daily expenses.
• A return / onward air ticket (or departure date/time for ships).
• A yellow fever certificate if you're travelling through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Full Answer

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 Americans need visa for South Africa?

Under the current visa-exemption scheme, American citizens can stay in South Africa for 90 days without a visa. If an American citizen wishes to stay longer than 90 days, for tourism or business purposes, or plans to reside long-term in South Africa, they will require a long-stay permit.

Will I need a visa to volunteer in South Africa?

The Charitable Worker Visa allows charitable workers or volunteers to obtain a Volunteer visa to visit South Africa for this purpose. This type of long term visit visa is very popular amongst young overseas volunteers wanting to make a difference. The visa will allow the holder to perform voluntary and charitable work in South Africa.

How long can a US citizen stay 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.

Do UK nationals require 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 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);

Can I enter South Africa with my British passport?

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. See Visas and Passport validity sections for more information.

What do I need to go to 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.

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.

How do I get a visa for South Africa?

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...

Is South African passport visa free to UK?

And yes, if you're travelling on a South African passport you'll need a visa to enter the UK. Once in, there are no border controls between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island, which makes it a joy to travel around the UK, as only a single UK visa is required.

Do you need a PCR test to enter South Africa if you are vaccinated?

Are vaccinated passengers exempt from the South Africa COVID-19 test requirement? All travellers are now exempt from South Africa COVID-19 test requirements. Neither unvaccinated passengers or passengers with a certificate of full vaccination need a PCR or antigen test to travel to South Africa.

Is South Africa allowing flights from UK?

Flights between the UK and South Africa have largely returned to normal following the Coronavirus pandemic. Be aware that third countries may change their transit requirements at short notice. You should check with your airline to understand their requirements for travel during coronavirus.

How do I get a visa for South Africa?

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...

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.

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.

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.

How long is a visitor visa valid in South Africa?

Visitor's visa: up to 90 days .#N#Please note that the validity period will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label. Ensure you apply for the correct visa as entry to South Africa may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not correctly stated.

How long do you have to stay in South Africa to get a temporary visa?

Temporary residence permit is required for a period of stay exceeding 90 days but no longer than three years. If you intend to work in South Africa, including any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a Work, Study or Exchange Visa before you arrive. See www.dha.gov.za for more information.

How long does a transit visa last?

A transit visa will be issued for a maximum on 24 hours for air transits and 48 hours for land transits.

What do you need to show for a visa?

Nationals requiring a visa must show bank statements to prove that they have the sufficient funds to pay for daily expenses.

Where to apply for a visa in the UK?

Apply to your nearest consulate (or consular section at high commission/embassy). In the UK, VFS Global ( www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/uk) handles visa applications on behalf of the high commission; an additional service charge applies.

How long does a passport last in South Africa?

Passports. To enter South Africa, a passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Passports must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Which countries are advised to contact the embassy/high commission for visa requirements?

(1) Note: Nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia are also advised to contact the embassy/high commission for visa requirements.

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.

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.

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 ...

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 countries offer safaris?

Top tip: Neighboring countries Botswana and Zambia offer great safari day trips, and so a multiple-entry visa is worth the extra cost.

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.

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 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.

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.