Purpose of a VISA

A visa only enables the holder to proceed to a port of entry before or on the expiry date of the visa, where the holder must comply with the applicable law, regulations and the following requirements of the Republic of South Africa. No fixed travel arrangements must be made prior to the issuing of the visa and five (5) – ten (10) days must be allowed for its processing.

Entry Requirements

• An acceptable passport/travel document to be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay and containing at least one unused page when presenting it for endorsements.
• A valid visa, if required
• Sufficient funds
• A return/onward ticket
• Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Where to Apply for a Visa 

• At the South African diplomatic or consular representative in the applicant’s country of normal residence, which includes permanent residence and long-term temporary residence.
• At the South African diplomatic or consular representative in the country of which the applicant holds a valid passport.
• At the designated South African diplomatic or consular representative when a mission is not present in the applicant’s country of residence.

Please note: Applications lodged at a place other than the above may be referred by the consular officer to the above offices which will imply a longer processing time.

• Visas CANNOT be issued at South African ports of entry.

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What to Submit

• Passports must accompany the visa applications when submitted at a South African diplomatic or consular representative.
• Proof of booking of airline ticket.
• 2 identity photographs.
• Prescribed visa fee, if not exempted.
• Supporting documentation confirming the purpose of the visit.
• Vaccination certificate, if required.

Fees

Nationals of certain countries are subject to visa fees. Fees are levied per application and are not refundable should the application be refused.

Persons in Transit

Persons applying for transit visas must submit proof that they will be admitted to their destinations and they must be in possession of onward/return tickets.

Duration and Purpose of Stay in South Africa

The period of residence in the Republic of South Africa will be determined from the applicant’s date of admission to the Republic in accordance with any conditions that may appear on the visa. On admission, the visa will be deemed to be a visitor’s permit. Applicants must ensure that they request the full duration of their intended visits as renewals are subject to additional fees.

Applicants must also ensure that they apply for the correct visa (transit or visitor’s) or temporary residence permit reflecting the true purpose of the visit, as any change in the purpose of stay will only be approved in the Republic of South Africa for good cause and if the requirements of the Act are complied with.

Warning

Any applicant allowed entry into South Africa due to any misrepresentation, or false declaration on the application form or who sojourns in the Republic in contravention of his/her visa/permit conditions shall be guilty of an offence and liable for conviction to a fine or to imprisonment as an illegal foreigner.

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