Visitor Visa

Citizens from various countries can enter South Africa without needing to apply for a visitor visa in advance. If you do not qualify for visa-exempt entry, you can apply for a visitor visa in your country of citizenship or residency. To determine if you need to apply for a visa, visit the Department of Home Affairs website, which is frequently updated: Department of Home Affairs.

The standard visitor visa is commonly referred to as a tourist visa. It typically allows individuals to stay in South Africa for up to 90 days and, in certain cases, may be extended for an additional 90 days. This visa is ideal for vacations or visiting family and friends but is not intended for business purposes; those planning to conduct business in South Africa should consider applying for a short-term work visa.

Additionally, there are other visa categories under the visitor visa classification that may permit an individual to stay for up to three years, contingent upon meeting specific requirements. These visas are renewable for an additional three years, provided that all general and special conditions continue to be met.

Long-Stay Visitor Visa South Africa

International tourists applying for a long-stay visitor visa can remain in South Africa for up to three years, but not longer. Several subcategories of long-stay visitor visas exist. Potential applicants may qualify for a long-stay visa if they meet one of the following criteria:

• You are the spouse or life partner accompanying a foreign national who holds or qualifies for a valid work visa, study visa, business visa, retirement visa, relative’s visa, treaty visa, or crew visa.
• Your accompanying child/children qualify based on the above criteria.
• You are participating in an academic sabbatical supported by your educational institution.
• You are involved in films and advertisements produced in South Africa, such as an actor, cameraman, hairstylist, makeup artist, or member of the sound and lighting crew.
• You are a journalist employed by a foreign news agency.
• You are conducting research at an accredited institution.
• You are a tour leader or host of such tours.
• You, as foreign nationals on temporary residency visas, are parents of a child born in South Africa.