Want to
visit South Africa? Here's information on the basic requirements for
entering South Africa, as well as comprehensive information on visas - what
they are, who needs them, and when, where and how to apply for them.
Please note: This is a
starting guide only. Requirements for entry into South Africa differ from
country to country, are subject to change, and each application is treated
as an individual case. Always make inquiries before travelling to South
Africa.
What's a visa?
South Africa has the right to decide who may and who may not enter its
territory. A visa ensures that you are properly screened before entering the
country, and gives immigration officials the information they need to ensure
you are admitted to South Africa for the correct purpose and length of time.
A visa doesn't guarantee you entry to the country, it only allows you to
proceed to a South African port of entry, where an immigration officer will
check that you satisfy the basic requirements for entry into the country.
Do I need a visa
to visit South Africa?
Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration of your visit,
you may not need a visa to visit South Africa at all.
A
valid acceptable passport or travel document good for a sufficient
period to cover the intended stay.
A
valid visa, if required.
Sufficient funds.
A
return or onward ticket.
Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails
passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
How do I go about getting a visa?
The Department of Home Affairs' website will give you the lowdown on visa
costs, processing time, where to apply, visa requirements (what to submit),
requirements for people in transit, duration and purpose of stay, medical
visas and photographs.
What's the
difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit?
A visa allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry. A temporary
residence permit will be issued to you at the port of entry. It replaces
your visa, and regulates the duration and purpose of your stay in South
Africa.
What if I want
to stay in SA for longer?
It is best to request the full duration of your intended visit when you
first arrive, as extensions are subject to additional fees. If you wish to
extend your stay further, you must keep your temporary residence permit
valid by applying for an extension at your nearest
Department of Home Affairs office in SA.
You should do this well BEFORE your permit expires.
What if I plan to work or study in SA? If you intend to be professionally active in South Africa or to
undertake any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a
work, work-seeker's or study permit. These permits are also issued outside
South Africa, and function as valid visas in allowing their holders to
proceed to a South African port of entry. (In other words, if you're
applying for one of these permits, you do not have to apply for a visa
separately.)
Get your visa before leaving for SA If you are subject to visa requirements, you should apply for your visa
at least four weeks BEFORE your departure for South Africa, and await the
outcome of your application before departing. Visas are NOT issued at South
African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas
before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa,
immigration officials are obliged by law to refuse you entry to South Africa
and to place you on a return flight to your country.
Contact:
The Department of Home Affairs
Directorate: Admissions and Aliens Control
Phone: +27 (0)12 810 8624
Fax: +27 (0)12 321 9896
Private Bag X114
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
Visa Services
Provides information on visa requirements and forms
for South Africans travelling abroad and for visitors to South Africa. The
site contains information on over 300 consulates in South Africa, as well as
information on South African embassies and high commissions abroad.
If you're abroad
Contact the South African embassy, high commission or consulate in the
country you're living or travelling in, or nearest to the country you're
living or travelling in. (In countries where South Africa does not have
resident representatives, consular services are offered through honorary
consuls or through consular sharing agreements with missions in nearby
countries.)
All permanent South African missions can be
contacted by telephone, fax or e-mail. Check the full alphabetical list by
country under "SA OFFICES ABROAD" in the box on the right.
What can & can't be done for
you
What CAN be done for you. South Africa's missions abroad - as well as the head office of
the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria - can:
Issue emergency passports or travel documents.
Legalise or authenticate documents, witness
and certify signatures.
Contact your relatives or friends for
assistance.
Advise you on how to transfer funds.
Arrange medical help.
Help put you in touch with local doctors,
lawyers and interpreters/translators.
Assist in the event of a death.
Arrange for next-of-kin to be informed of an
accident or death and advise on procedures.
Assist South African citizens during extreme
emergencies such as natural disasters and civil unrest.
Assist victims of robbery and other violence.
Provide assistance in dealing with the
criminal justice system.
Assist with locating missing persons.
Help locate abducted children and attempt to
reunite them with their custodial parents.
Contact and visit South African citizens
arrested or detained and, in certain circumstances, arrange for messages
to be sent to relatives or friends.
Make representations on your behalf to the
local authorities in certain circumstances.
What CANNOT be done for you. South
African consular staff cannot:
Intervene in court proceedings.
Get you out of prison.
Give legal advice or instigate court
proceedings on your behalf.
Get better treatment for you in hospital or
prison than is provided for local nationals.
Investigate a crime.
Pay your hotel, legal, medical or any other
bills.
Pay your travelling expenses.
Pay for the transport or cremation of the
mortal remains of SA citizens.
Undertake work better done by travel
representatives, airlines, banks or motoring organisations.
Obtain accommodation, work or a work permit on
your behalf.
Formally assist dual nationals in the country
of their second nationality.
