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6 ways to enter

South Africa visas

South Africa tourist visa

Some travellers can visit without a visa for 30 or 90 days. Others can use an ETA, an e-Visa or a visa from a South African embassy or consulate.

Ways to get a South Africa tourist visa

  1. Visa-free visit for up to 90 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries with ordinary passports qualify. This includes European Union member states except Cyprus and Poland.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days.

  3. ETA (an online travel permit)

    eTA needed

    Citizens of the listed countries may apply.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days per visit.
    Valid for
    Up to six months.
    Entries
    Multiple entries.
    Processing
    Usually within 24 hours.

  5. Tourist or visitor visa from an embassy or consulate

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for tourism or visits to family or friends can use this route.

  6. Visa exemption for diplomatic, official or service passports

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries holding diplomatic, official or service passports qualify for a visa exemption.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or an ETA must get a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can visit for 30 or 90 days.

What to bring

  • Passport valid for at least one month from arrival.

Good to know

  • Leave before your permitted stay ends.
  • Some countries appear on both visa-free and online permission lists. The rules do not explain when travellers should use each route.
  • Annual limits of 90 days apply to some visa exemptions, but the affected countries are not identified.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for South Africa?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or an ETA must get a visa. Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can visit for 30 or 90 days.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for South Africa?

There are 6 options: Visa-free visit for up to 90 days (no visa at all); Visa-free visit for up to 30 days (no visa at all); ETA (an online travel permit) (an online travel permit); e-Visa (an online visa) (an online visa); Tourist or visitor visa from an embassy or consulate (a visa from an embassy); Visa exemption for diplomatic, official or service passports (no visa at all).

Who can go to South Africa without a tourist visa?

Citizens of the listed countries with ordinary passports qualify. This includes European Union member states except Cyprus and Poland. Citizens of the listed countries and territories with ordinary passports qualify. Citizens of the listed countries holding diplomatic, official or service passports qualify for a visa exemption.

Can I apply online for South Africa?

Yes: ETA (an online travel permit) and e-Visa (an online visa). Citizens of the listed countries may apply.

How long can I stay on a South Africa tourist visa?

Up to 30 or 90 days for visa-free visits, depending on citizenship.

What documents do I need for a South Africa tourist visa?

Passport valid for at least one month from arrival..

What rules do I have to follow on a South Africa tourist visa?

Leave before your permitted stay ends.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for South Africa?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the South Africa visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for South Africa be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest South Africa tourist visa rules?

On South Africa's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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