South Africa
General visa requirements for travelling to South Africa. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic/Official Passport Exemption)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Immediate on arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Citizens who are holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports of certain countries do not require visas for visits up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted). All passports must be valid longer than 6 months. For specific countries with bilateral agreements, consult the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) visa requirements list.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must hold diplomatic, official, or service passport from a country with bilateral visa exemption agreement with South Africa
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Carry valid diplomatic or official passport with at least 6 months validity
-
Visa collection
Present diplomatic/official passport at South African immigration for visa-free entry
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Mission Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days through diplomatic channels
- Fee
- Varies (typically free for diplomatic purposes)
- Validity
- As specified in diplomatic note
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For diplomatic and official passport holders from countries without bilateral visa exemption agreements, visas must be obtained through diplomatic channels. This applies to personnel posted to diplomatic missions, consular officers, and official delegations.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
For diplomatic and official passport holders from countries without bilateral exemption agreements
-
Purpose of visit
Must be traveling on official government or diplomatic business
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Prepare diplomatic/official passport, diplomatic note from sending country, supporting documentation
-
Document submission
Submit application through diplomatic channels to South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation
-
Processing wait
Wait 5-10 business days for processing
-
Visa collection
Collect visa through South African embassy/consulate in your country