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.
Tourist visa (Visitor Visa (Tourist) - Embassy Application)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days for visitor visas
- Fee
- Varies by country (many countries exempt from fees)
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
For countries not eligible for visa-free, ETA, or e-Visa entry, a traditional visitor visa must be obtained from a South African embassy or consulate. The visa is valid for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Many countries are exempt from visa fees. Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to all nationalities not eligible for visa-free, ETA, or e-Visa entry
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 1
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs with white background
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing at least 3 months history; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for stay
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Complete application form DHA-1738, gather passport (valid 1+ months), 2 passport photos, return flight booking, bank statements, and accommodation proof
-
Document submission
Submit application in person at South African embassy/consulate or VFS Global center. Provide biometric data if required
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee if applicable (many countries exempt from fees)
-
Processing wait
Wait 5-10 business days for processing
-
Visa collection
Collect visa from embassy/consulate or VFS center
Tourist visa (Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - China, India, Indonesia, Mexico)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Online processing before travel
- Fee
- $25 USD (approx.)
- Validity
- Valid for single entry
- Entry
- Single entry
As of late November 2025, the ETA requirement was extended to passport holders from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico entering South Africa for business or tourism. Travelers must apply for the ETA online before departure. Those who arrive without an ETA will be refused entry. This is part of South Africa's new Electronic Travel Authorization system launched in September 2025.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Citizens of China, India, Indonesia, or Mexico traveling for tourism or business
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 1
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via ETA portal; Amount: Approximately $25 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport details, return flight booking, accommodation proof
-
Online application
Apply for ETA online at https://eta.dha.gov.za/ before departure
-
Fee payment
Pay ETA fee of approximately $25 USD online
-
Processing wait
Receive ETA approval online
-
Visa collection
Present ETA approval and passport at South African immigration
Tourist visa (Visa Free Entry (90 days))
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 of these countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Some countries have specific restrictions (e.g., Chile, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago require ordinary passports only). Tanzania passport holders: 90 days per year. Passport must be valid for 30 days beyond departure date and contain at least 2 blank pages.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must hold an ordinary passport from one of the listed visa-exempt countries
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 1
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Ensure passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond departure with 2 blank pages. Have proof of return ticket and accommodation if requested
-
Visa collection
Present passport at South African port of entry for visa-free entry stamp
Tourist visa (SADC Visa Free Entry)
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 of SADC countries Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini (Swaziland), and Zimbabwe do not require a visa for visits up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for 1 month after departure date.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must be a citizen of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, or Zimbabwe
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 1
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Ensure passport is valid for at least 1 month after departure
-
Visa collection
Present passport at South African immigration for visa-free entry
Tourist visa (E-Visa (Tourist/Visitor))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days
- Fee
- Free (for eligible countries)
- Validity
- Multiple entry, 90 days per entry
- Entry
- Multiple entry
South Africa launched its e-Visa system in February 2022 for select nationalities. Eligible citizens can apply online for a visitor visa without visiting an embassy. The e-Visa is a multiple entry visa valid for stays of up to 90 days per entry. Several eligible countries are exempt from visa fees (e.g., India, Colombia, Mexico).
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must be a citizen of one of the eligible e-Visa countries listed
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 1
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size photograph
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for stay
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via e-Visa portal; Amount: Free for listed countries; others may pay fees
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport copy, passport photo, return flight booking, and bank statements
-
Online application
Apply online at https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee if applicable (free for many countries)
-
Processing wait
Wait 5-10 business days for visa processing
-
Visa collection
Receive e-Visa via email. Print and present at immigration
Tourist visa (Nigeria Visa Free Entry (90 days))
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
As of December 2024, South Africa granted Nigerian citizens visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. This is a recent policy change. Entry requirements include valid passport, proof of funds, return ticket, and accommodation details.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must be a Nigerian citizen with valid passport
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, cash, credit cards; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for stay
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Ensure passport is valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages. Prepare proof of funds, return ticket, and accommodation proof
-
Visa collection
Present documents at South African immigration for visa-free entry