Online Visa For South Africa
Generally speaking, a Republic is a sovereign country wherein the people choose their leaders and the latter are accountable to them. Mostly, the leader holds a position like President, Monarch or a Governor. In case you are wondering what this has got to do with online visa for South Africa, please continue reading.
Interested in obtaining an online visa for South Africa? We can help. Our online visa applications are recognized by the South African Department of Home Affairs and our issuance process is straightforward and efficient. Additionally, we are supported by over 350 service centers across South Africa to ensure your experience with us is smooth and convenient.
If you are a frequent international traveler to Africa, you probably spent more than a few days worrying about how best to get an online visa for South Africa. After all, unless you have dual citizenship with a country that allows visa-free travel to South Africa, you will need to apply online for a South African tourist visa before coming to the country.
Online Visa For South Africa
Obtaining the visa takes approximately 5-7 business days from start to finish, including any extra documentation that may be required. This process can be done directly within the country – in person – creating additional benefits for those living in South Africa.
What is the Online Visa for South Africa?
The South African electronic visa system is now live.
The South Africa eVisa was launched in February 2022 for travellers from 14 countries. More countries may eventually be added to the list.
The eVisa system makes travelling to South Africa easier. Eligible passport holders can now apply online and receive the approved visa by email.
Why an e-Visa for South Africa?
The new system simplifies the South African visa application process. Most eVisa applications will be approved in a few days and sent to the foreign national via email.
Conveniently, eligible travellers can now get a visa online, from their smartphone, laptop, or other electronic device.
The application for the South Africa e-Visa is quick and easy to complete. Applicants only need to fill out an easy-to-use online form with their personal, passport, and travel information.
The approval process is fast-tracked by cross-checking whether the citizen already holds an approved Schengen visa for Europe or a visa for the United States of America.
When will the South African online visa be available?
The South Africa eVisa was launched in February 2022. Passport holders from 14 countries can apply for a South African visa online. The trial phase has been successfully completed.
The electronic visa for South Africa may also be extended to passport holders from more countries.
Thanks to this new scheme, authorisations for trusted travellers and returning South African nationals will be processed electronically, eliminating the need to go to an embassy or consulate.
Who needs a South African visa?
There are several types of South Africa visas. A foreigner’s nationality will determine the type of visa they need.
With traditional applications, visitors who require a visa for South Africa must obtain it in person, provide biometric data and hold a passport valid for at least 1 month after they depart from South Africa (and with at least one blank page).
Visitors from more than 100 countries who want to explore the country are currently required to obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions. These countries include:
By Gorden Cheng
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Central African R.
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Check the complete list of countries ►
Visa-exempt countries for South Africa
At the moment, there are over 50 nationalities who can enter the country without a South Africa visa for up to 90 days:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Malta
- Monaco
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Russia
- St Vincent & the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tanzania
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
There are more than 25 nationalities who can enter South Africa without a South African visa for periods of up to 30 days:
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Cape Verde
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Eswatini
- Gabon
- Guyana
- Hungary
- Jordan
- Lesotho
- Macau
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Peru
- Poland
- Thailand
- Turkey
Other visa exceptions apply to those who hold special or diplomatic passports issued by certain countries. Travellers should note that all exceptions are applicable only when travelling for the purposes and for the period of time specified.
If in doubt regarding the type of visa that best suits your needs, nationality, and circumstances, please refer to the nearest South African embassy.
Please note: holding a certain passport or having been issued a visa does not guarantee entry into the country.
Who needs a South Africa Online visa?
Passport holders from 14 countries can now apply for a South Africa eVisa. The eligible countries in 2022 are:
More countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, and all EU member states could later be added to the list. However, at the moment travellers from these countries need to apply for a traditional embassy visa for South Africa if they want to stay longer than 90 days.
Do I need a visa for short stays in South Africa?
Citizens who are not from visa-exempt countries need to obtain a South Africa visa before entering the country.
Citizens of 14 countries who meet the eVisa requirements can get a visa for South Africa online. Visitors from other countries need to apply for a visa through the embassy.
South Africa e-Visa vs traditional visas: Advantages
South Africa’s eVisa system makes it quicker and easier to apply for a visa.
Online simpler application
The South Africa eVisa application is 100% online. Travellers can complete the application form from their smartphone, laptop, or other electronic device.
Supporting documentation (i.e. the copy of the petitioner’s passport) will be uploaded in electronic format.
The electronic visa application for South Africa reduces waiting times and the costs involved with travelling to a South African embassy or consulate (often multiple times) to obtain a paper visa.
Quicker, more secure border checks
The e-Visa is also expected to make international travel safer and smoother. At the border, immigration officials can check the visitor’s details on an electronic database, making the screening process much quicker.
Simultaneously, the South African authorities will have digitised, streamlined information regarding the international travellers who have entered the country on an e-Visa.
Travel to South Africa with an online visa
The new electronic visa for South Africa is for short term tourist and business trips.. South Africa has much to offer in terms of tourist attractions and it is the ideal destination for both nature and culture lovers.
The e-Visa allows for great flexibility in terms of travel planning. Since it is approved in a short time, travellers can use it for last-minute trips.
It is advisable to apply at least a few days in advance in case of delays.
What to do at the airport with the electronic visa
Once the online visa request has been approved, the applicant will receive their e-Visa by email.
Upon arrival at the South African border, they will be asked to show their travel documents and permissions. The passport (or other eligible ID) must be the same as the one used during the e-Visa application.
Upon examining the visitor’s travel documents and (if applicable) their luggage, the final decision regarding a foreigner’s permission to enter the country is made by the South African authorities.
At border control, it is important to collaborate with the South African officers and answer all questions that may be asked.
