South Africa Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Are you planning to visit South Africa? If so, follow this guide. In this article, we will explain the different types of South Africa visa, the requirements for each visa, and how to apply for a visa online or offline.
Who needs a visa to enter South Africa?
Visa exemption
- Passport holders of the following countries are not required to have a visa for the purposes for which a visitor permit may be issued for an intended stay of 90 days and transit:
- The following countries do not require a visa for the purposes for which a visitor permit may be issued for an intended stay of 30 days or less and transit:
Pre-arranged visa
If you are not from a visa-exempt country above, you will need to apply for a visa before arriving in South Africa.
South Africa visa types
There are different types of visa that you can apply for depending on your purpose of travel and duration of stay in South Africa. These are South Africa visa types:
- Tourist visa: For tourism, holiday, or vacation. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Business visa: For business, research, meeting, or conference. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Work visa: For employment purposes. It is valid for a maximum of 5 years and can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Student visa: For training and education at recognized educational institutions. It is valid for the duration of your course and can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Investment visa: For investing in a project of at least $500,000 USD. It is valid for a maximum of 5 years and can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Retirement visa: For retiring and living in the country. It is valid for a maximum of 4 years and can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
South Africa visa requirements
The requirements for a South Africa visa may vary depending on the type of visa, the purpose of travel, and the nationality of the applicant. However, some of the general requirements that apply to all visa types are:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A proof of return or onward ticket
- A proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in South Africa
- A proof of accommodation in South Africa
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- A letter of invitation or confirmation from your host or sponsor in South Africa (if applicable)
- A letter of motivation or purpose of travel
- A police clearance certificate (if applicable)
- A medical report (if applicable)
- A payment of the visa fee
You may also need to provide additional documents depending on the specific visa type and your personal circumstances. You should always check the official website of the South African embassy or consulate in your country for the most updated and accurate information.
How to apply for South Africa visa?
You can apply for a South Africa visa online or offline depending on your preference and eligibility. Here are the steps to apply:
Online application
- Step#1. Visit the e-visa portal and register an account.
- Step#2. Enter your travel and personal details in the online application form.
- Step#3. Provide the required files in either PDF or JPEG format.
- Step#4. Pay the visa fee online.
- Step#5. Submit your application and wait for a confirmation email from the Immigration Authority (SENAMI) Headquarters in Maputo.
- Step#6. Print the confirmation letter and present it at the port of entry in South Africa along with your passport and other documents.
The online application process takes about 2-3 working days to complete. Your reference number can be used to check the status of your application online.
Offline application
- Step#1. Visit the South African embassy or consulate in your country and obtain the visa application form.
- Step#2. Enter your travel and personal details in the online application form.
- Step#3. Gather the required documents in original and photocopy.
- Step#4. Pay the visa fee.
- Step#5. Submit your application and documents in person.
- Step#6. Await the processing and issuance of the visa.
- Step#7. Collect your passport and visa from the embassy or consulate or receive it by mail.
The offline application process takes about 7-10 working days to complete. Checking the status of your application can be done by getting in touch with the embassy or consulate.
What to do if South Africa visa is refused?
If your visa is refused, you will have ten working days to file an appeal. You will need to find out the reason for the visa refusal to cancel the refusal notice. Additionally, you will only have one chance to appeal; After that, you will no longer have grounds to complain. You can appeal on your own or ask an immigration consultant to assist you.
Some reasons why your visa may be refused include:
- Important documents are not included in your application.
- You have a criminal record.
- You have a medical illness.
- You are not eligible for the visa type you are applying for.
- You have overstayed your visa in South Africa and submitted an expired visa.
- You have submitted fake documents.
- Lack of evidence to convince the Ministry of Home Affairs to grant you a visa.