Visa-Free Entry to South Africa
Citizens of over 30 countries may enter South Africa without a visa for short-stay tourism and business visits of up to 90 days. The list below covers the main exempt nationalities — always verify your specific situation with the Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African embassy before booking travel.
🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🇦🇺 Anglophone Nations
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom — 90 days
- 🇺🇸 United States — 90 days
- 🇦🇺 Australia — 90 days
- 🇨🇦 Canada — 90 days
- 🇮🇪 Ireland — 90 days
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand — 90 days
🇪🇺 European Union & Schengen
- 🇩🇪 Germany — 90 days
- 🇫🇷 France — 90 days
- 🇮🇹 Italy — 90 days
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands — 90 days
- 🇸🇪 Sweden — 90 days
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland — 90 days
🌍 SADC Region
- 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe — 90 days
- 🇧🇼 Botswana — 90 days
- 🇳🇦 Namibia — 90 days
- 🇲🇿 Mozambique — 30 days
- 🇸🇿 Eswatini — 90 days
- 🇱🇸 Lesotho — 90 days
🌏 Asia & Americas
- 🇯🇵 Japan — 90 days
- 🇸🇬 Singapore — 30 days
- 🇰🇷 South Korea — 30 days
- 🇧🇷 Brazil — 90 days
- 🇮🇱 Israel — 90 days
- 🇹🇷 Turkey — 30 days
⚠️ Requirements For ALL Travellers (Visa-Free or Not)
- →Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa
- →Minimum 2 completely blank pages for immigration stamps (endorsed pages don't count)
- →Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- →Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, host letter, or Airbnb confirmation)
- →Sufficient funds for your stay (typically R5,000+ per person per week)
- →Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic countries
- →Children travelling with one parent or guardian must carry original birth certificate + notarised parental consent affidavit
How to Apply for a South Africa Visa
South Africa does not offer visas on arrival. If your nationality requires a visa, apply at a South African Embassy, High Commission, or authorised VFS Global visa application centre in your home country well before you travel. The process is straightforward but requires time — build in at least 6 weeks to be safe.
🏖️ Tourist / Visitor's Visa
Most CommonCovers tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and short-term study under 3 months.
💼 Business Visa
📚 Study Visa
📋 Tourist Visa Document Checklist
- ✓Completed and signed BI-84 application form (from dha.gov.za)
- ✓Valid passport — 2+ blank pages, 30+ days validity beyond departure
- ✓2 recent passport photographs (35×45 mm, white background)
- ✓Confirmed return or onward flight tickets
- ✓Proof of accommodation for entire stay
- ✓3 months' bank statements showing sufficient funds
- ✓Comprehensive travel insurance (full trip duration)
- ✓Application fee of R1,520 (payable at VFS / embassy)
Visa Requirements by Nationality
The most commonly searched nationalities for South Africa travel. Requirements change — always verify at dha.gov.za before booking.
| Country | Visa Required? | Max Stay (Tourist) | Valid Passport Validity Required | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | 2 blank pages required |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Return ticket required |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Standard entry conditions |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Standard entry conditions |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Standard entry conditions |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | EU passport applies |
| 🇫🇷 France | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | EU passport applies |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | EU passport applies |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | EU passport applies |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | EU passport applies |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Bilateral agreement |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Reciprocal bilateral agreement |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Standard entry conditions |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | SADC bilateral agreement |
| 🇳🇦 Namibia | ✓ Visa-Free | 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | SADC bilateral agreement |
| 🇮🇳 India | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Apply via SA High Commission or VFS |
| 🇨🇳 China | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 30 days | 30 days beyond departure | Apply 4+ weeks in advance |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 30 days | 30 days beyond departure | Additional documentation required |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 30 days | 30 days beyond departure | Apply well in advance — high demand |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 30 days | 30 days beyond departure | Apply at SA High Commission |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | VFS Global application available |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | ✗ Visa Required | Up to 90 days | 30 days beyond departure | Apply at SA Embassy Moscow |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | ✓ Visa-Free | 30 days | 30 days beyond departure | Bilateral agreement |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | ✓ Visa-Free | 30 days | 30 days beyond departure | Bilateral agreement |
Visa requirements change frequently due to bilateral agreements and government policy changes. This table is for guidance only and was last reviewed in 2025. Always confirm your specific situation at the South African Department of Home Affairs website or at your nearest South African embassy or consulate before purchasing travel tickets.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
South Africa's visa application process is managed by VFS Global in most countries. Follow these steps exactly for the highest chance of first-time approval.
Check if you need a visa
Visit dha.gov.za or contact your nearest South African Embassy. Do this before booking any flights — requirements can change without notice.
Download and complete the BI-84 form
The BI-84 Visitor's Visa application form is available at dha.gov.za. Complete it in full using black ink or digital form. Any errors or omissions will cause rejection.
Gather all supporting documents
Collect every document on the checklist above. Missing even one document commonly causes rejection. Make certified copies of your passport and all documents.
Book your VFS Global appointment
Visit visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf to find your nearest South Africa VFS application centre and book a submission appointment. Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are collected at the centre.
Submit, pay and track your application
Pay R1,520 at the centre. Keep your receipt — you'll use the reference number to track your application online. Allow 15–20 working days for processing.
🕐 Timeline Guide
🔗 Official Resources
✈ At OR Tambo Airport on Arrival
Follow Arrivals / Immigration signs in Terminal B (International). Have your passport, completed landing card, return ticket and accommodation proof ready for the immigration officer. Processing is typically 5–15 minutes for passengers with correct documents.
South Africa Visa FAQs
Everything you need to know about South Africa visa requirements for OR Tambo Airport arrivals.
No — UK passport holders can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Ensure your passport has at least 30 days of validity beyond your intended departure date and 2 blank pages for stamps. Carry proof of your return flight and accommodation.
A South Africa visitor's visa costs R1,520 (approximately USD 85 / GBP 68 / EUR 80). This is paid at the VFS Global centre or South African embassy when you submit your application. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected.
No. South Africa does not offer visas on arrival for most nationalities. You must obtain the correct visa before departure. Arriving without the correct documentation will result in denial of entry and deportation — at your own expense. Apply through VFS Global or a South African Embassy in your home country.
Standard processing takes 15–20 working days (approximately 3–4 calendar weeks). Apply a minimum of 6 weeks before travel — 8 weeks during December and peak holiday periods. Do not purchase non-refundable tickets until your visa is stamped in your passport.
Yes — children under 18 require an original birth certificate. Children travelling with only one parent or with a guardian must also carry a notarised parental consent affidavit from the absent parent(s). This is strictly enforced at OR Tambo immigration to prevent child trafficking. Unaccompanied minors require additional documentation from both parents and confirmation from the receiving adult.
After your aircraft lands, follow Arrivals → Immigration signs in Terminal B (International). Join the relevant queue (SA Nationals or Visitors). Have your passport open to the photo page, completed landing card, return ticket and accommodation details ready. The immigration officer will review your documents, stamp your passport and indicate your permitted stay. This typically takes 5–15 minutes per person. After immigration, collect your baggage from the carousels, proceed through Customs, then exit to Arrivals Hall where your transfer, car hire or shuttle will be waiting.