Travelling to South Africa

What is a visa?

South Africa has the right to decide who may and may not enter its territory. A visa ensures that you have been 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 travel to a South African port of entry, where an immigration officer will check that you satisfy the basic requirements for entry into the country.

What are the requirements for entering South Africa?

You will need:

• A valid passport or travel document that will be valid for the length of your intended stay. Your passport should have at least TWO blank facing pages in it.
• A valid visa, if required.
• Sufficient funds.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Yellow fever certificates – if your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

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.

• See the Department of Home Affairs' list of countries exempt from South African visas

Where can I make enquiries about visas?

• See the Department of Home Affairs' website at www.dha.gov.za.
• Check the list of South African offices abroad for information on where to apply in your own country.
• Home Affairs' contact centre: +27 11 461 9252 (overseas callers), 0800 60 11 90 (within SA), csc@dha.gov.za

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, what to submit, requirements for people in transit, as well as information relating to your duration and purpose of stay, medical visas, and photographs.

• See the Department of Home Affairs' guide to applying for a visa
• Note: You are required to fill in an original visa application form. Forms downloaded off the Internet will not be accepted.

What's the difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit?

A visa allows you to travel 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 sets the duration and purpose of your stay in South Africa.

• See the Department of Home Affairs' guide to types of temporary permits

What if I want to stay in South Africa 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 Home Affairs customer service centre in South Africa. You should do this well before your permit expires.

• See the Department of Home Affairs' contact information

What if I plan to work or study in South Africa?

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.)

• See Work permits for South Africa and Study permits for South Africa

Get your visa before leaving for South Africa

If you are subject to visa requirements, you should apply for your visa at least four weeks before your departure for South Africa. Do not leave until you know your application has been successful. 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 will refuse you entry to South Africa and place you on a return flight to your country.

Do I have to submit my visa application in person?

No, you can ask someone else – such as a travel agent, a courier service or another family member – to submit the application on your behalf.

Source: Brand South Africa website

http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm#.VG2x02dok7w#ixzz3JbBfc5kr

Last reviewed: March 2014