I f you’re a citizen of another country and want to travel to South Africa then you need a visa. The “visitor” visa is for international travellers who permanently reside outside South Africa. It’s also for those who wish to visit the country on a more temporary basis for tourism or business purposes.
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.
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
Can I go to South Africa without a visa?
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.
Who needs a visa for Africa?
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.
How much is a visa to South Africa?
SERVICENEW TARIFF1PORT OF ENTRY VISA/ TRANSIT VISA$362STUDY VISA$363WORK VISA(INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER WORK VISA, CORPORATE WORK VISA,GENERAL WORK VISA)$1284RELATIVE'S VISA(NOT APPLICABLE TO SPOUSE & DEPENDENT CHILD)$3620 more rows
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.
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.
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 does a US citizen need to travel to South Africa?
Duration and Purpose of Stay 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.
Does a UK citizen 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.
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.
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.
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 ...
What is the visa policy of South Africa?
The visa policy of South Africa is how the South African government determines who may and may not enter their country.... Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries, in which case they get what is called a "Port of Entry Visa".
Which countries do not require a South African visa?
Nationals of the following 55 countries/territories who hold valid national passports are not required to obtain South African visas for visits of up to 90 days: Andorra. Argentina. Australia. Austria. Belgium.
What is an overstay visa in South Africa?
It is a departure of a foreigner from South Africa on an exp ired visa that triggers an overstay.
What is the requirement for a child to travel to South Africa?
From 1 June 2015, all minors under the age of 18 travelling in and out of South Africa must hold, in addition to their passport, an unabridged birth certificate with particulars of both parents. The requirement applies to both domestic and foreign citizens. If the child is travelling with only one parent, an affidavit with the absent parent's consent is required . If the child is travelling with another adult and without both parents, an affidavit with consent of both parents must be produced. An unaccompanied minor, in addition to holding an affidavit and birth certificate, must provide the requisite information of the local South African host. The rule has been widely criticized by the tourism industry, but officials claimed that the rule was implemented to fight widespread human trafficking and unilateral child custody abuse in South Africa. By October 2016 over 13,000 tourists had been prevented from entering the country due to the unabridged birth certificate requirement, thus having a negative impact on the economy.
How long does a South African passport last?
Visitors who require a visa must apply in person and provide biometric data. all visitors must hold a passport valid for 1 month after departure and with one blank page (two if a visa is required). South African Government announced that an e-Visa system would be introduced in February 2021.
How long do you have to travel to a country without a visa?
Citizens who are holders of diplomatic, official or service passports of the following countries do not require visas for visits of the indicated period and transit for up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted):
How long does it take to get an e-visa?
The pilot trials were conducted in November 2019. The estimated time for an e-Visa application process would take 20 minutes, according to Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza, granted that all the relevant travel documents are readily available.
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.
Which countries do not require visa fees?
Diplomatic,Official and Service Passport holders do not pay VISA FEES. Angola ( Republic of) Each visit not to exceed 30 days. Germany (Federal Republic of) Except diplomatic passport holders who are due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of Germany in South Africa, require visas for accreditation purposes. Kenya (Republic of)
Does South Africa require a visa?
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. The holder of a national South African passport, travel document or document for travel purposes does not require a port of entry visa to enter the country, A staff member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) who travel on a SADC laissez-passer does not require a port of entry visa ...
Do you need a visa for a heavy duty driver in South Africa?
General Work Visas are not required by foreign commercial heavy duty vehicle drivers who are employed by South African companies and originate from countries which enjoy visa free movement into South Africa, on condition that they can produce a letter confirming their employment on entry.
