Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows visitors to enter the Republic of South Africa for up to 90 days for sightseeing, leisure activities, cultural experiences, or visiting relatives and friends.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
3 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>The visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days.</p>
3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>The visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 days; however, the exact duration of stay permitted in the Republic of South Africa is determined by the visa-issuing authorities.</p>
3 months
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Extensions are granted solely at the discretion of the South African authorities and are not guaranteed. However, a visa may be extended once for an additional 90 days without leaving the country (for a total stay of up to 180 days), provided the extension application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the visa's expiry.</p>
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>The visa is usually issued for single entry. However, applicants who intend to enter the Republic of South Africa more than once during the visa's validity period must specify the required number of entries on the application form and provide a motivational letter stating the reasons for their request. This letter should include justification for a multiple-entry visa, as well as details of planned travel dates and the names of neighbouring or third countries the applicant intends to visit within the visa's validity. All decisions on visa issuance, number of entries, and duration are at the sole discretion of the South African Embassy and are not guaranteed.</p>
from 5 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Decisions on visa applications are typically made within 5 working days to 60 calendar days from the date of submission. This period may be extended in exceptional cases.</p>
R 425 (~$25)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>Visa fees are reviewed and subject to change annually. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.</p>
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Or an equivalent travel document, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least 30 days and with at least 2 blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible. Applicants must submit 2 photographs.
Visa application form
Official visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Passport copies
Applicants are required to submit a copy of the passport page bearing their personal data and photograph, copies of any previous South African visas appearing in the passport, and, if applicable, a copy of a second passport.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of purpose
Applicants are required to provide a signed and dated cover letter specifying the purpose and duration of the visit, accompanied by a travel itinerary and any relevant documentation further detailing the purpose of the trip.
Invitation letter
Applicants must submit a signed invitation letter from the host in South Africa, confirming that the applicant will reside at their address. The letter must also state the applicant's period of stay, the host's physical address, and the host's contact details. If the host assumes financial responsibility, the letter must further confirm that they will cover all costs related to the applicant's maintenance and, if necessary, removal from the Republic. The invitation must be accompanied by a certified copy of the host's South African passport or permanent residence permit, dated within three months of submission, as well as proof of the host's residential address in South Africa (e.g., a utility bill or bank statement reflecting the host's address).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors travelling abroad.
Proof of financial mean
Applicants must submit an original bank statement for the last 3 months, duly stamped and certified by the issuing bank, and dated no earlier than 7 days prior to the date of submission. Alternative proof of income, such as travellers' cheques or cash, may also be accepted. This document must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay and for return expenses. In cases of sponsorship by a host, an invitation letter with financial commitments and proof of the sponsor's income must also be provided.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for individuals traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions of Africa or South America. The vaccination should be administered at least 10 days prior to entry. This requirement does not apply to persons who remain in direct transit through such areas without stopover.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Proof of accommodation
Сonfirmed hotel reservation on official letterhead, covering the entire stay in South Africa and clearly showing the applicant's name. If the booking is made through Airbnb, the following documents are required: proof of the host's address and a copy of the host's identity document.
Return or onward ticket
A valid return or onward ticket or proof of reservation thereof. Must be issued by airline or travel company and must contain the applicant's name, flight number and date.
Letter from employer
A signed letter from the current employer, dated within 7 days of submission, along with payslips for the last 3 months. The letter must be on official company letterhead and state the approved leave period, as well as confirm that the applicant will return to their position after the visit to South Africa. Self-employed applicants must submit a business registration certificate.
Medical report
Applicants must submit a medical report issued by a registered medical practitioner, confirming their general state of health and detailing any medical conditions they may have. The document must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the full duration of stay in South Africa, covering at least $100,000 and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Posession of a confirmed return ticket within the permitted period of stay.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Short-term visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Tourist visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, visitor, family member, friend
Last updated 2026-03-17