Applying for a Visa

If you are travelling to South Africa from a different country, it is important that you start your Visa application as soon as possible. It would be a pity if you are unable to attend due to Visa issues.

Do I need a visa to visit SA?

Before applying for a visa, you can check if you need one. Here is a list of Visa Exempt countries:

Countries exempt from South African Visas.

What type of Visa to apply for?

South African visitors’ visas may be granted for conferences. ([ref])(https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa)

What if I arrive without Visa?

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 to put you onto a flight back to your home country.

In other words, if you are not exempt from a visa:

• if you try to fly to South Africa without a Visa, you won't be allowed on the plane!
• if you arrive at a South African border without a Visa, you will be turned away.

Documents required to apply for a visa

The department of home affairs lists the following requirements:

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
• Payment of the prescribed fee
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two colour passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air

If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents

• Proof of guardianship or custody or
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:
  • Bank statements
  • Salary advances
  • Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
  • Bursary
  • Medical cover or
  • Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)

How to apply

Most people will be able to apply for an e-visa by visiting this page

Please note that the South African eVisa system is currently only available for citizens from the following nationalities:

• Albania
• Algeria
• Belarus
• Bulgaria
• Cameroon
• Comoros
• Congo, (Kinshasa)
• Congo (Brazzaville)
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran, Islamic Republic of
• Japan
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Lithuania
• Mali
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Oman
• Pakistan
• People's Republic of China
• Philippines
• Republic of Guinea
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Slovakia
• Uganda

If you are a citizen of a different country, you will need to research how to apply for a visa from your own country.