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.
Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa (Short-term))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days
- Fee
- Varies (or free if eligible for visitor visa work authorization)
- Validity
- Up to 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Foreigners visiting South Africa for journalism assignments not exceeding 3 months can apply for authorization to conduct work on a visitor's visa in terms of section 11(2) of the Immigration Act. The journalist visa is only required for assignments exceeding 3 months and must be confirmed by the foreign news agency or broadcaster. After receiving the visa, foreign journalists should apply for accreditation by the Directorate for Media Engagement at the Department of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to all nationalities
-
Purpose of visit
Must be a journalist, reporter, or media professional visiting for news coverage or media activities. Press credentials recommended
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 1
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from foreign news agency or broadcaster confirming assignment
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, press credentials, letter from news agency/broadcaster, return flight booking
-
Document submission
Submit application at South African embassy/consulate. For short stays (under 3 months), apply for visitor visa with work authorization
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Processing wait
Wait 5-10 business days for processing
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Visa collection
Collect visa. After arrival, apply for accreditation from GCIS Directorate for Media Engagement
Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa (Long-term))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- 8-12 weeks
- Fee
- ZAR 1,520 (approx. $86 USD) non-refundable application fee
- Validity
- Up to 3 years
- Entry
- Single entry
For journalist assignments exceeding 3 months, a long-term visitor visa for journalists is required. The assignment must be confirmed by the foreign news agency or broadcaster. Valid for up to 3 years. Requires accreditation from GCIS and registration with Foreign Correspondents' Association of Southern Africa (FCASA).
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to all nationalities
-
Purpose of visit
Must be a journalist on assignment exceeding 3 months, confirmed by news agency or broadcaster
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 1
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Confirmation letter from foreign news agency or broadcaster detailing assignment duration and purpose
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Payment at VFS Global or embassy; Amount: ZAR 1,520 non-refundable
-
Medical fitness
Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, press credentials, confirmation letter from news agency, medical reports (if staying 12+ months), police clearance (if 18+)
-
Document submission
Submit application at South African embassy/consulate
-
Fee payment
Pay non-refundable application fee of ZAR 1,520
-
Processing wait
Wait 8-12 weeks for processing
-
Visa collection
Collect long-term journalist visa. Apply for GCIS accreditation and FCASA registration after arrival