Visas
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Tariff: Processing time:
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Persons are required to lodge applications for visas at South African missions in their countries of normal residence if such missions are situated in their countries, irrespective of the distance between the applicant’s places of residence and the missions concerned.
Missions are under no obligation to consider applications from residents of other countries who do not have permanent or long-term temporary residence (for example an employment contract) in the mission’s host country and may simply refer applicants to the missions in their countries of residence.
Persons residing in countries where the Republic is not represented may apply for visas at any South African mission, or alternatively, through their contact persons in the Republic, to the Director General: Home Affairs.
a. Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?
Israel:
An Israeli citizen, travelling on an Israeli passport, DOES NOT require a visa in respect of bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days. However, the visitor should hold a return or onward air ticket.
Palestinian Authority:
Palestinian citizens traveling on a Palestinian Authority passport do require a visa for bona fide holiday and business visits. They should also hold a return or onward air ticket. Proof of medical insurance coverage while in South Africa and hotel booking, if applicable.
Applicants must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves while in South Africa.
If you travel on a laissez-passer, you require a visa, must be in possession of a return/onward air ticket, medical insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
Applicants in the following categories are advised to contact the Embassy to establish what type of visa they require to enter South Africa:
- Concert performers
- Stage artists
- Musicians
- Religious workers
- Journalists
- Photographers
- Persons connected with the news media
Persons contemplating entering South Africa:
- in excess of the relevant exemption period, or
- with the intention to take up employment/studies, or
- to participate in any sports event, or
- to take up permanent residence in the Republic of South Africa
- to join or accompany a spouse or parent who is proceeding to South Africa on work or study permit.
are still required to obtain the necessary authorisation in order to gain admission to the Republic of South Africa.
Where the purpose of the visit has relevance to the pursuance of a person’s career, for example, clergy who wish to address church meetings, representatives of the media for reporting or academics presenting lectures/participating in research, visa/entry authorisation are still required to enter South Africa.
NOTE : Visas/entry authorisation are not issued at the South African ports of entry and airlines are obliged to insist on visas, if required, before allowing passengers to board flights to South Africa.
b. Requirements to process your visa application:
Please note that each application is treated as an individual case, and applicants therefore need to contact their nearest Embassy/Consulate in order to establish what documentation is required before submitting their application.
Note that all application forms should bear the applicant’s original signature. NO applications will be accepted if sent via e-mail.
Complete all application forms in full detail. Failure to do so may cause a delay in the consideration of an application and may result in a refusal!
Respective applicants for visitor’s visa should apply at least 30 days prior to their proposed date of departure.
The processing time for a visa is 10 business days.
c. Visa requirements:
The following are the most basic requirements for visas for citizens of countries not exempted. Additional documentation might be required from the applicant once the application is being processed.
Visitor’s visa:
Issued to persons who travel to the Republic of South Africa for a bona fide holiday or family visits.
The minimum requirements are:
- A fully completed visa application form, personally signed.
- Two recent passport photos.
- Valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 30 days after completion of the visit.
- Flight details from travel agent. Applicant must hold a non-negotiable return or onward ticket.
- Payment of a non-refundable visa fee in cash, if applicable.
- Applicant must have sufficient funds for the duration of his/her stay in South Africa (Proof of Funds).
Transit Visa:
Issued to persons who pass through South Africa en route to another destination.
- Completed application form.
- Two recent passport photos.
- Valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the completion of the intended visit.
- Flight details from travel agent. Applicant must hold non-negotiable return or onward ticket.
- Valid visa, if required, of your next destination.
- Payment of a non-refundable visa fee in cash, if applicable.
- Applicant must have sufficient funds for the duration of his stay in South Africa.
- Letter of invitation from company or organization in South Africa.
- Proof of medical insurance coverage while in South Africa.
Re-entry visa:
Holders of valid permanent residence permits for South Africa no longer require re-entry visas when returning to the country. This is also applicable to those with valid study, work seeker’s, and work permits and their dependents, i.e. spouse and children.
Medical visa:
Issued to persons who travel to South Africa in order to receive medical treatment.
Diplomatic or Official visas:
Issued to persons representing another country who travel to South Africa in their capacity as representatives of their country. Israeli diplomatic passport holders……………
