Visa requirements
| Country | Visa requirement | Notes (excluding departure fees) |
| Afghanistan | Visa required [2] | |
| Albania | Visa required [3] | Holders of a valid, multiple entry and p ... |
| Algeria | Visa required [4] | |
| Andorra | Visa required [5] | Andorra has no visa regime, but is only ... |
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.
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.
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 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 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.
How long is a visa valid for?
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 TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements. A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa) Payment of the prescribed fee.
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.
How to apply for a South African visa?
Anyone looking to apply for a South African visa needs to fill out and submit a South Africa visa application form. You should fill out the form entirely, and not leave any questions unanswered. The information must be accurate, error-free, and match the information on the applicant’s passport. Such as, the spelling of your name should be the same as mentioned on your passport. Incorrect information may delay your South Africa visa, or your application may get rejected. Also, you must provide accurate details of your travel plans in South Africa, and full travel itinerary including date of arrival in the country and departure, details of accommodation, and duration of stay.
What is an E visa in South Africa?
South Africa e visa is a short-term travel permit; therefore, the applicants must provide a digital copy of return flight ticket as proof of the length of their stay in the country.
Do you need to carry documents to enter South Africa?
To pass through border checks when you enter South Africa, you must carry some documents while boarding the plane. Some documents that border control officials may ask you to show, including the following:
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.
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.
