South African visitors’ visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries) who are permanent residents outside of South Africa and intend to visit the country temporarily, either for tourism or business purposes, for a maximum of 90 days or less. Visitors visiting South Africa for leisure or pleasure are eligible for visitor visas.
The visa will enable you to go to an entry port in South Africa, where an immigration official will decide if you are permitted to enter the country and how long you may remain during that specific visit.
South African Visitor Visa Exempt
Citizens of some countries have been exempted from holding the South African visitor visa when visiting South Africa.
There are some rules and terms governing this, and these terms and conditions include, among other things:
- The duration the person intends to stay in the Republic. A citizen of one of the foreign countries, territories, and international organizations listed below cannot hold a visa when reporting to an immigration officer for an examination at a South African port of entry.
- A person with a valid passport or other travel document issued by the Republic of South Africa.
A citizen of one of the following countries or international organizations, whether they carry a diplomatic, official, or regular national passport, is exempted from needing to possess a visa.
These countries and organizations include:
- African Union Laissez Passer
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile (only ordinary passport holders)
- Czech Republic.
- Egypt
- Malta
- Morocco
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovenia;
- Tunisia
How to Apply for a South African Visitor’s Visa
You can apply for a South African visitor’s visa in two ways, they are
- Online
- In-person
But the easiest and cheapest is the online application.
Applying online
To apply online, follow the following steps.
- Log in to the South African Evisa portal
- Open an account
- Complete the application form
- Upload all needed documents
- Pay the fees and await a response
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to apply for a South African Visitor’s visa?
They include;
- A passport or other travel documents that will still be valid for at least 30 days after the date of your scheduled trip
- At least TWO blank pages in your passport must be available for entry or exit endorsements.
- Filled Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
- Making the required payment
- Proof of immunization against yellow fever (if required)
- Declaration and evidence stating the reason for and duration of your visit
- Two passport photos in color.
What are the grounds for the issuance of a Visitor’s visa?
The South African visitor’s visa can be issued on the following grounds
- Tourism trips, as well as visits to family or friends
- For business purposes
- Sport activities
- Survey
- Research purposes.
Conclusion
A visitor’s visa only signifies that a South African embassy, mission, or consulate has examined your application and concluded that you are qualified to enter the nation for a particular purpose.
This article explains everything you need about the South African visitor’s visa.
