VISA TO CONDUCT RESEARCH - UP TO 3 YEARS

Important Information on Applying for South African Visas

Applicants for visas will be required to apply in person at the South African mission. No appointment is necessary.

please note:

IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH REGULATION 2(1) (A) OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 2014, ONLY MACHINE READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (MRTDs) WILL BE ACCEPTED ON SUBMISSION OF VISA APPLICATIONS AND AT PORT OF ENTRY. THEREFORE, NO EXTENDED PASSPORTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED:

  • Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. Passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa.

    PLEASE NOTE: In order to comply with Regulation 2(1) (A) of the Immigration Act of 2014, only machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will be accepted on submission of visa applications and at Port of Entry. No extended passports will be accepted.

  • A duly completed Visa application form DHA-84 signed by applicant
    Note: Under Permanent Residential Address, please state the address in the United States where you reside.
  • Certified/notarized copy of bio page of the applicant’s passport
  • Two (2) passport photos with white or light background
  • Proof of legal status for non-U.S. citizens (Certified/notarized copy of greencard, H1B, F1, J1, etc.)
  • Proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
  • Proof of sufficient fund (in the form of three months recent bank statements stamped by bank) for own maintenance for the duration of stay
  • Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host (relative or friend) in South Africa
  • Proof of host’s legal status in South Africa (copy of I.D. Book/ passport if South African citizen) or copy of passport and a copy of visa or residence status in South Africa, certified by the South African Police Service.
  • Yellow fever certificate is required if applicant is passing through yellow fever belt area before entering South Africa.
  • Non-refundable US$36.00 processing fee in money order.

  • Medical report on a prescribed form (physical)
  • Radiological report on a prescribed form (chest X-ray)
  • Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
  • Original FBI certificate (full criminal background check report) and original Police Clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years, in respect of criminal records or character of the applicant. The certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
  • An stamped official letter from the institution in South Africa confirming acceptance and duration of the course sealed with a school/varsity or college official stamp
  • A stamped letter from the U.S. Organization taking financial responsibility if applicant is being sent by U.S. organization.
  • Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only US Postal Service self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
  • Attention Washington, DC Applicants:  With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
  • Processing time for long visas exceeding 90 days may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Where to submit your application