Complete step-by-step guide to applying for a South African visitors visa in 2026. Learn about requirements, application process, documents needed, fees, processing times, and visa conditions.
A South African visitors visa allows you to enter South Africa for tourism, visiting friends and family, or short-term business purposes. Understanding the application process, requirements, and documentation helps ensure a successful visa application. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a South African visitors visa.
Visa-Free Entry:
Common Visa-Exempt Countries:
Need Visa:
Purpose:
Validity:
Purpose:
Validity:
Required Documents:
Additional Documents (if applicable):
Proof of Financial Means:
Financial Threshold:
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Invitation Letter:
Application Location:
VFS Global:
Before Applying:
Document Checklist:
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Visitor Visa Fees (2026):
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Application Submission:
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Tracking:
When Ready:
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In South Africa:
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To apply for a South African visitors visa, determine where to apply (embassy/consulate or VFS Global in your country), gather required documents (passport, application form, photos, financial proof, return ticket, accommodation proof), pay the application fee (R425 for short-term), submit your application, and wait 5-10 working days for processing.
A short-term visitors visa (up to 90 days) costs R425 in 2026. Long-term visas (up to 3 years) cost more, and multiple-entry visas have additional fees. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid before application submission.
Visitor visa processing typically takes 5-10 working days from application submission, though this may vary by country, time of year, and application completeness. Peak travel periods may have longer processing times.
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), completed application form (BI-84), two passport photos, proof of financial means (bank statements), return ticket or onward travel proof, accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter), travel itinerary, and proof of payment for the application fee.
No, visitors visas do not allow work in South Africa. If you want to work, you need to apply for an appropriate work visa before starting employment. Working on a visitor visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa bans.
Yes, you can apply to extend your visitor visa in South Africa at a Home Affairs office before it expires. You'll need a valid reason, proof of financial means, accommodation proof, and must pay an extension fee. Extensions are not guaranteed and are typically limited to 90 additional days.
If you're transiting through South Africa and not leaving the airport, you typically don't need a visa. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you may need a transit visa. Check requirements based on your nationality and travel plans.
Some countries may offer online visa applications through VFS Global or embassy websites, but most applications require in-person submission at an embassy, consulate, or VFS Global office. Check the specific requirements for your country of application.
If your visitors visa application is declined, you'll receive a reason for the decline. You can address the issues and reapply, though you'll need to pay the application fee again. Common reasons include insufficient financial means, incomplete documentation, or concerns about return travel.
A visitors visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days per entry. The total validity of the visa (single or multiple entry) depends on the visa type approved. You cannot overstay your visa and must leave before it expires or apply for an extension.
Applying for a South African visitors visa involves determining where to apply (embassy/consulate or VFS Global), gathering required documents (passport, application form, photos, financial proof, return ticket, accommodation proof), paying the R425 fee for short-term visas, submitting your application, and waiting 5-10 working days for processing. Visitor visas are for tourism and short visits only and do not allow work. You can extend your visa in South Africa if needed, but extensions are not guaranteed. Plan ahead, prepare all documents, and apply well in advance of your travel dates.
For more information about visa types, requirements, processing times, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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Specializing in South African Home Affairs services, passports, IDs, and visa applications with extensive knowledge of visitor visa requirements and processes.