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.
Which country is visa free to South Africa?
AfricaAngolaLesothoSeychelles*BotswanaMalawiSomalia*BurundiMauritania*St. Helena*Cape Verde Islands*MauritiusSwaziland (eSwatini)Comores Islands*MozambiqueTanzania6 more rows•Jul 19, 2022
What does a US citizen need to enter South Africa?
US citizens holding a valid national passport can enter South Africa for up to 90 days at any port of arrival. However, the US will be added to the list of countries whose citizens require an eVisa for South Africa.
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.
Do British passport holders need a 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 can 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.
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.
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 do I get visa to South Africa?
Citizens from eligible countries can now obtain the eVisa in 4 simple steps:Complete the eVisa for South Africa application form in all of its parts.Upload relevant supporting documentation (if applicable)Pay the eVisa fee using a credit or debit card.Receive the electronic visa by email.
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.
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.
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.
Do I need a PCR test to return to South Africa?
What are the requirements for travellers travelling to South Africa by air? All travellers landing at these airports must present a PCR test which is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa.
What documents do you need to travel to 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.
Do you need a PCR test to enter South Africa?
What are the requirements for travellers travelling to South Africa by air? All travellers landing at these airports must present a PCR test which is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa.
Can United States citizens travel to South Africa?
Yes. Domestic and international air travel is operating within South Africa.
Do I need to quarantine in South Africa?
Your health care provider, government officials or NICD will also ask you to make a list of all the people you have had close contact with from 2 days before you became ill. These people will also be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor themselves for symptoms.
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.
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.
Who needs a South African visa?
Anyone traveling to South Africa will need a visa to enter the country; be it for a holiday, visiting family, joining a partner, living, working, or studying. However, some countries are exempt from this rule.
How many types of work visas are there in South Africa?
There are four primary types of work visas available for South Africa, and these depend on the applicant’s situation. You can read more about these in detail in our Guide to getting a South African work visa.
What is a retiree visa?
The Retired Person’s Visa is a temporary residence visa for any person regardless of age who intends to retire in South Africa. To qualify for a Retired Person’s Visa, the applicant must show they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in South Africa.
How long does an intra-company transfer visa last in South Africa?
Also, any applicant must have first worked for a minimum of six months in the company’s foreign office before applying to relocate and immigrate to the South African branch. An intra-company transfer visa lasts four years and is not extendable. If you were issued an ICT visa for two years under the old Immigration Act, then it can be extended for a further two years from inside the country.
How long is a South African work visa valid?
The South African Qualifications Authority must also approve their qualifications. General Work Visas are valid for the duration of the contract up to five years.
What is a corporate visa in South Africa?
In basic terms, the Corporate Visa allows a company from South Africa to employ foreigners. It provides a simplified process for granting a work visa to those employees. The Corporate Visa is for the worker per se, but for the employing company.
What is the most common type of work visa?
The general work visa is the most common type of work visa. In order to obtain this type of work visa, the employing company has to show documentary proof that they tried to employ a South African citizen first and were unable to fill the position. This usually means showing advertisements of the position in the local media. Secondly, proof must be submitted of the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience, and their qualifications have to be approved by the relevant South African authority.
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.
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.
