Entry requirements for Holders of United States and Canadian Passports Visa Exempt Countries Countries whose nationals are subject to visa fees Where to file your Application
Print      Please note that the South African Consulate General in New York will be closed on Friday, 30 December 2005 and Monday, 2 January 2006. Important: Foreigners intending to visit South Africa are hereby informed that their passports must have at least one blank visa page for the purpose of endorsement. The blank page needed for endorsement purposes excludes pages in a passport reserved for observations and amendments. A visa is a prescribed endorsement issued upon application on valid passport of a foreigner granting such a foreigner the authority to proceed to the republic to report for a prescribed examination to an immigration officer at the port of entry with a view to admission on a specified temporary residence, which at any time before admission may be withdrawn by the department. Visa Exempt Countries Countries whose nationals are subject to visa fees Visitor's Visa A visitor's visa is issued to a person intending to visit the Republic for visits - excluding work, of less than 90 days. General Requirements: Visa application form Two (2) passport photos A statement or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit. A valid passport in respect of the applicant. Yellow fever certificate if the applicant will be traveling, intends to travel or traveled from or through the yellow fever endemic area. In respect of minor dependent children accompanying the applicant or joining the applicant in the Republic, proof of such guardianship or custody will be needed.  In the case of unaccompanied minor, consent from the guardian. Proof of sufficient financial means. Proof of return ticket in case of visits less than 12 months. Processing Time: On condition that complete application(s) for a visa(s) was submitted, the processing time  will be at least 10 working days. Please note that during high season the processing of applications may take longer. Processing Fee: US$72.00/Canadian $79.00 Why are you visiting South Africa? Foreigners coming from visa exempt countries who do not qualify for work permit or study permit and will be visiting South Africa for a period of less than 6 months will have to be in possession of the letter of authorization issued by the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Applicants falling under any of the following categories will need letters of authorization: Persons in the Entertainment Industry Film/Media Industry Models Sports Persons Technicians Interns Medical Electives Practical training Dancers Anyone conducting such activities consistent with being employed or consistent with the profession of the person, with or without remuneration or reward: Visiting Professors or Academics Visiting South Africa for Sabbaticals Researchers Volunteers For the letter of authorization to be issued to applicants from countries that are exempted from visa controls, the following supporting will be needed: Letter from the organization or institution the applicant is attached to detailing the purpose of the visit, duration, and whether the applicant will be paid or not will suffice. If the applicant will not be hosted by a South African organization, a letter from the organization cited above will suffice. Foreigners coming from countries subjected to visa controls and falling within the employment categories cited above will have to apply for visas accordingly. Where to file your Application
Last Revised: Tuesday, October 09, 2007