African Vacation: Do You Need A Tourist Visa to Enter South Africa?
Citizens of a number of countries are visa exempt, which means they are free to visit South Africa for a period of time with no problem. The visa exemption list is issued by the Department of Home Affairs in the country and can, in many cases, allow the tourist to stay for up to 90 days. Obviously, this makes it easy to visit some of South Africa’s most iconic places, see the country’s wildlife, experience the local cuisine, and even visit 27 of Nelson Mandela’s Journey sites. However, citizens of some countries do need to take the extra step and apply for a visa to enter South Africa. Read on to find out what applies to your country and whether you need a visa to visit.
Which countries are visa exempt to visit South Africa?
Travelers holding passports from Canada, the US, the UK and most EU nations do not need a visa to visit South Africa. In fact, this applies as long as the trip is for business or tourism purposes and isn’t more than 90 days. When leaving the country, you will require a ticket showing your return travel, as well as a number of passport requirements, and, depending on the country of departure, you may need to provide other documentation. Moreover, travelers should bear in mind that requirements can change quickly, meaning they need to do their homework.
The best thing to do is check the visa exemption list to find the latest information to suit your passport. It is also a good idea to double-check the Republic of South Africa’s website. Alternatively, check with the South African embassy or consulate site in your home country, including the US embassy in South Africa. Moreover, it is wise to check the international travel advisory site for your country’s government. For instance, check the US State Department, before booking that flight, and again shortly prior to departure.
However, regardless of whether you are visa exempt, or hold a valid visa, it is ultimately the decision of the immigration officer at your port of entry. They are the one who decides if you are allowed to enter the country, how long you are allowed to stay, and what conditions you must follow.
eVisa system in South Africa
The country does have an eVisa system, but it doesn’t work for every traveler. However, visitors that require a visa can apply through the eVisa South Africa website. This system is currently available to citizens of certain countries. For instance, it applies to citizens of Albania, China, Croatia, India, Mexico and Slovakia.
Other visitors will need to apply for a visa at a South African embassy or consulate in their home countries. This involves visiting the embassy or consulate in person and requires a B1-84 form (completed with black ink). It also requires two passport-size photos and other documentation. Meanwhile, the fee charged depends on your passport and the type of visa you require. Moreover, it also depends on how long you wish to stay in South Africa.
All visitors must fulfill certain passport requirements
Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of 30 days beyond your planned date of departure. However, note that both immigration and airline officials have been known to insist on a validity period of six months. In order to avoid being refused boarding for your flight and sent back home, always play it safe. Ensure your passport’s expiration date is a minimum of six months from your planned date of departure.
Another important note is that you should check how many blank pages you have in your passport. For every entry into South Africa, you need to have two empty pages, and they must be consecutive. These pages will be the ones marked with “visa,” rather than “amendments,” “endorsements,” or “observations.”
Type of visas for South Africa
There are a number of types of visas for visiting South Africa. These include travel purposes, visiting family, attending conferences, or other business reasons or medical treatment. Others include visas for those who wish to retire in South Africa. Another relates to those under the age of 25 participating in an exchange program. Details for all passport holders can be found on the South African Department of Home Affairs visa website.