South Africa

Who needs a visa for South Africa?

Of 198 nationalities, 93 enter South Africa with no paperwork at all. The rest: 105 must be approved before they travel.

Typical decision: 60 days
Stay permitted: Up to 90 days for a visitor's visa, as endorsed by the officer

This is the government's own portal. We are not paid to send you there.

What South Africa asks for

Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure, with two blank pages
Completed application form BI-84
Payment of the prescribed fee
A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if one is required for where you have travelled
Documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
Proof of funds for your stay
Return or onward ticket

We do not publish a South African visitor visa fee because the Department of Home Affairs does not publish one centrally. Ask the mission you are applying to, and get the amount in writing.
South Africa has no single national application tracker. Anyone claiming to check your file for a fee is not working with Home Affairs.

I hold a passport from

Find your nationality

Nothing to apply for and nothing to pay before you travel.

A real visa application, made online instead of at an embassy. It is assessed, it takes days rather than minutes, and it can be refused.

You must apply and be approved before you travel. Airlines will refuse to board you without it.