South Africa Visa Requirements
Many nationalities including US, UK, Canada, and Australia get 90-day visa-free entry. India and China now qualify for free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Citizens from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Pakistan, and other African and Asian countries must apply for a visa through VFS Global or a South African embassy. See the 2026 fee schedule below for current pricing.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Visa Cost
Free*
*For visa-exempt countries
Validity
90 days
Processing Time
5-10 days (eVisa/ETA) or 5-20 days (VFS Global) or 6-12 weeks (embassy)
South Africa Visa Fees 2026
South Africa visa fees for 2026. Visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU) pay nothing. ETA countries (India, China) pay nothing. The fees below apply to nationalities that require a visa application through VFS Global or an embassy.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | $50 | 90 days | 5-10 working days |
| Business Visa | $50 | 90 days | 5-10 working days |
| Transit Visa | $30 | 7 days | 5-10 working days |
| Study Visa | $87 | Duration of study | 4-8 weeks |
| Work Visa | $163 | Up to 5 years | 4-8 weeks |
Visa-Exempt Countries (No Visa Required)
Citizens of these countries can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days:
Countries Requiring a Visa
Citizens of these countries must apply for a visa before traveling to South Africa:
| Country | Fee (USD) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $47 | Tourist visa via VFS Global |
| Kenya | $47 | Tourist visa via VFS Global or embassy |
| Uganda | $47 | Tourist visa via VFS Global or embassy |
| Ghana | $47 | Tourist visa via VFS Global |
| Pakistan | $47 | Tourist visa via embassy |
| Egypt | $50 | Tourist visa via embassy or eVisa |
| Bangladesh | $50 | Tourist visa via embassy |
| Philippines | $50 | Tourist visa via embassy or eVisa |
Apply for South Africa e-Visa Online
The fastest and easiest way to get your South Africa visa. Apply from anywhere, anytime.
Visa Requirements by Nationality
Select your nationality for specific visa requirements, costs, and application process.
US Citizens
View requirements →
UK Citizens
View requirements →
Canadians
View requirements →
Australians
View requirements →
Germans
View requirements →
French
View requirements →
Indians
View requirements →
Chinese
View requirements →
General Visa Requirements
Required Documents
- Passport valid 30 days beyond departure
- Two blank visa pages (strictly enforced)
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic country
Visa on Arrival
South Africa does not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must apply for a visa before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
Many nationalities including US, UK, Canada, and Australia get 90-day visa-free entry. India and China now qualify for free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Citizens from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Pakistan, and other African and Asian countries must apply for a visa through VFS Global or a South African embassy. See the 2026 fee schedule below for current pricing.
How much does a South Africa visa cost?
A South Africa tourist visa costs $0 USD for most nationalities. The East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda) costs $100.
How long does the e-Visa take to process?
The South Africa e-Visa typically takes 5-10 days (eVisa/ETA) or 5-20 days (VFS Global) or 6-12 weeks (embassy) to process. We recommend applying at least one week before your travel date.
Can I extend my visa in South Africa?
Yes, tourist visas can typically be extended at the immigration office in Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial). Apply before your current visa expires.