Do I Need A Visa For Cape Town
South Africa has different visa application processes depending on your nationality, but if you fall into one of the eligible categories you should be fine in applying for your travel visa. Visa requirements will vary from country to country. The best thing to do is contact the South African consulate in your home country to determine the exact requirements and get help on how to complete your visa application process specially if this is your first time doing it. You can refer here to learn more about visa requirements and types in Cape Town.
Homosexuality has been legal in South Africa since the year 1996, and thus the country is generally tolerant towards alternative lifestyles and different types of relationships. There is also a progressive approach towards gender identity and transgenderism or transexualism. Gender changes are fully recognized through the Sex Change Act.
Do I Need A Visa For Cape Town
Who needs a Visa to visit South Africa?
The requirements for entry into South Africa differ from country to country. A visa is required by most non-South African citizens who wish to enter South Africa however visitors from certain countries are exempt from this rule. For a list of exempt countries visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
What documentation will you require to enter South Africa?
In order to be allowed to gain entry into South Africa, you will need to have:
- A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay
- At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements
- A valid visa, if required
- Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay
- A return or onward ticket
- Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Types of Visas for South Africa:
South African Visitor’s Visas can be granted for any of the following purposes:
- Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes
- Work Visa
- Spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study visas
- Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study visas
- Study Visa
- Charitable or voluntary activities visa
- Research visa
- Conference visa
- To work in the production of a movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry)
- Medical Treatment Visa
- Sport events
- Retired Persons’ Visa
- Relatives’ Visa
In order to apply for a Visa for South Africa, you will need to produce the following documentation:
- 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 one 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
- Unabridged birth certificate,
- 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, Medical cover or Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)
Remember that you can submit the visa application in person, through a travel agent, courier service or via a family member if you are unable to submit in person.
If you are in need of a business visa you will also need to produce a letter of invitation from a South African company as well as a letter from your company stating the purpose and duration of your visit.
Where do you submit your South Africa visa application?
Your visa is required at the South African port of entry and therefore you must have a valid visa upon reaching the port of entry in order to gain entry into South Africa.
You can apply for a South African visa at the South African diplomat or consulate offices in your country. If you do not have a South African diplomat or consular representative in your country, then you must send your application to:
Director-General: Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, 0001
South Africa
What is the cost to obtain a visa for South Africa?
Each visa application is generally treated as an individual case and therefore you should check with the consulate or diplomat office for the fee charged on issuing a visa. The fee payable varies per country.