Complete guide to checking your South African visa application status in 2026. Learn about online tracking, phone inquiries, email contact, and in-person status checks.
Tracking your visa application status helps you stay informed about the progress of your application and plan accordingly. There are several methods to check your visa application status, each with different availability and information provided. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all ways to check your South African visa application status.
Online Portal:
Status Information:
Availability:
If Using VFS:
VFS Features:
Benefits:
Call Centre:
What You Need:
Information Provided:
Direct Contact:
Contact Information:
Benefits:
Embassy/Consulate Email:
Email Format:
Response Time:
If Available:
Availability:
If in South Africa:
At the Office:
Best Times:
If Near Embassy:
At Embassy:
Office Hours:
Common Statuses:
Status Meanings:
May Include:
Use Information:
Regular Checking:
Keep Information:
Follow Up:
Timing:
Frequency:
If Status Not Found:
Resolution:
If Status Unclear:
Resolution:
You can check your visa application status online via the Home Affairs website or VFS Global (if using VFS) using your reference number, call the Home Affairs call centre (0800 60 11 90) or embassy/consulate, email the embassy/consulate, or visit Home Affairs or the embassy/consulate in person with your reference number and documents.
You need your application reference number, passport number, and possibly your ID number. Keep your application receipt and reference number safe, as these are essential for tracking your application.
Yes, you can check your visa status online via the Home Affairs website or VFS Global website (if you used VFS) using your reference number and passport number. However, online tracking may not be available for all countries or application types.
Check your visa status regularly but not excessively. Once a week is reasonable during the processing period. Check more frequently if your application has exceeded the expected processing time or if you have urgent travel plans.
"Under processing" means your application is being reviewed and processed by Home Affairs. This is a normal status during the processing period. Your application is moving through the various stages of review and verification.
If your status shows "additional documents required," you need to provide the requested documents as soon as possible. Contact the embassy/consulate or Home Affairs to find out exactly what documents are needed and how to submit them.
Status updates are typically available in real-time online (if the system is working), or you may get updates via email/SMS if you registered for notifications. Phone inquiries provide immediate status information, while email inquiries may take 2-5 working days for a response.
If you can't find your reference number, check your application receipt, email confirmations, or contact the embassy/consulate or Home Affairs where you submitted your application. They may be able to help you locate your reference number using other information like your passport number and application date.
Generally, you can authorize someone else to check your visa status on your behalf if you provide them with your reference number and written authorization. However, some embassies or Home Affairs offices may require you to check in person or may have restrictions on third-party inquiries.
If your visa status hasn't changed for a long time and exceeds the expected processing time, contact the embassy/consulate or Home Affairs to inquire about the delay. There may be additional verification needed, missing documents, or other issues that need to be addressed.
You can check your South African visa application status online via the Home Affairs website or VFS Global, by phone through the Home Affairs call centre (0800 60 11 90) or embassy/consulate, by email to the embassy/consulate, or in person at Home Affairs or the embassy/consulate. You'll need your reference number and passport number to check status. Check regularly but not excessively, and follow up if your application exceeds expected processing times. Keep your reference number and application receipt safe for easy tracking.
For more information about visa applications, 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 application tracking and status checks.