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Visitor & short-stay visas

South African South Africa Visitor's Visa

For foreign nationals who require a visa to make a short visit to South Africa, whether for tourism, family or other temporary purposes.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The 90-day maximum stay is drawn from the DHA e-Visa description of the visitor's visa (a period not exceeding 90 days); confirm the exact period for this route and any application fee against the Department of Home Affairs before publication.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official South Africa government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visitor's Visa
Route type
Short-stay visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
The Department of Home Affairs issues the visitor's visa for a period not exceeding 90 days for tourism; the exact period granted is set per application
Where to apply
VFS visa centre or South African mission abroad
By personal appointment at a VFS centre, or in person at a South African embassy/consulate where no VFS centre exists
Change of status
Not permitted from within South Africa
A holder of a visitor's visa for tourism or medical treatment may not apply to change visa status while in the Republic

Who can apply

  • Foreign nationals who require a visa to make a short visit to South Africa (per the Department of Home Affairs)

What you can do

  • A short visit to South Africa, per the official conditions of the Visitor's Visa

Requirements

  • You must hold a passport valid for your intended stay.
  • You must show the purpose and intended duration of your visit.
  • You must show a valid return airline ticket or proof of a reservation.
  • You must show sufficient financial means for the visit (bank-certified statements).
  • If travelling with a child (any person under 18), you must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child at the port of entry, plus parental-consent affidavits where only one parent or a non-parent is travelling with the child.
  • Overstaying beyond the visa expiry date can result in being declared undesirable for a period, during which no visa will be issued.

How to apply

  • Apply online by securing a personal appointment at a VFS visa facilitation centre.
  • Where no VFS centre operates in your country, apply in person at a South African foreign mission (embassy or consulate).
  • If South Africa has no mission in your home country, apply in person at the nearest South African mission in another country.
  • Attend to provide biometrics; interviews are carried out at the mission or VFS centre where necessary.

Documents you may need

  • Passport valid for the period of your intended stay
  • Statement or documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit
  • Valid return airline ticket or proof of reservation
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (bank-certified statements)
  • For accompanying children: unabridged birth certificate and, where applicable, parental-consent affidavit(s) and copies of the other parent's/guardian's ID or passport

Frequently asked questions

  • No. A person who holds a visitor's visa for the purposes of tourism or medical treatment may not apply for a change of visa status while present in the Republic, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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