Visiting South Africa is a dream vacation for many people, and with its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder! To make this dream a reality, you must know how to apply for a South Africa Evisa, an essential document for entering the country. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the entire process of obtaining your South Africa Evisa, including requirements, eligibility criteria, types of visas, duration, process time, costs, and crucial tips for a successful application.
The South Africa Evisa is an electronic visa, which means it is issued electronically, and you don’t need a physical stamp on your passport. Instead, you will receive an email with your visa approval, which you can print and carry during your travels. This system simplifies the process and reduces the hassle associated with traditional visa applications.
I have personally gone through this process and have obtained my South Africa Evisa to vouch for the accuracy and effectiveness of the information in this guide. Let’s get started!
Check if your country supports South Africa Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa free |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa free |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | visa on arrival |
| Ghana | visa on arrival |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| India | e-visa |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa free |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | e-visa |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | visa on arrival |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa free |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | e-visa |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Papua New Guinea | e-visa |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Turkey | e-visa |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Yemen | visa required |
South Africa Evisa Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand the South Africa Evisa requirements and eligibility criteria. This will help you avoid any potential issues during the application process.
First, you need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry into South Africa. You should also have at least two blank pages in your passport for immigration officials to stamp upon arrival and departure.
Next, you should have a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. The picture should be in colour and clearly show your face without obstructions, such as glasses or headwear, unless worn for religious reasons.
Additionally, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Africa. This can be in bank statements or a letter from your employer confirming your income.
Lastly, you should have a confirmed return or onward ticket and a detailed itinerary of your planned activities in South Africa.
Types of South Africa Evisa
There are several types of South African Evisa, and knowing which one is right for you is essential. The most common types of Evisa include:
- Tourist Evisa: This is the most common type of visa for travellers visiting South Africa for leisure purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or attending cultural events. Tourist Evisas are typically valid for stays of up to 90 days.
- Business Evisa: If you plan to engage in business activities while visiting South Africa, apply for a Business Evisa. This includes attending conferences, trade shows, or business meetings. Business Evisas are usually valid for stays of up to 90 days.
- Work Evisa: If you intend to work in South Africa, apply for a Work Evisa. This type of visa is issued to those who have secured employment in the country and is valid for the duration of the employment contract.
- Student Evisa: If you plan to study in South Africa, apply for a Student Evisa. This type of visa is issued to individuals who have been accepted into a study program at a South African educational institution and is valid for the duration of the program.
South Africa Evisa Duration and Process Time
The duration of your South Africa Evisa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, as mentioned in the previous section. Tourist and Business Evisas are typically valid for stays of up to 90 days, while Work and Student Evisas are valid for the duration of your employment contract or study program.
The processing time for South Africa Evisa applications can vary, but it usually takes 5 to 10 business days. However, applying well before your intended travel date is essential, as processing times can increase during peak travel seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances.
South Africa Evisa Cost
The cost of a South African Evisa depends on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. On average, the fees range from $50 to $150. It’s essential to check the specific price for your nationality before submitting your application, as costs are non-refundable.
Step-by-Step Process of Applying for South Africa Evisa
Now that you understand the requirements, eligibility criteria, types of Evisas, duration, process time, and costs, it’s time to walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for your South Africa Evisa.
- Visit the official South Africa Evisa application portal: Go to the official website to begin your application. Use a secure and reliable internet connection to protect your personal information.
- Create an account: You must create an account on the application portal by providing your email address and password. This will allow you to save your application and return to it later if necessary.
- Complete the online application form: Fill in the required information on the application form, including your details, passport information, travel plans, and other relevant information. Double-check your entries for accuracy, as errors can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
- Upload required documents: You must upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as your passport, photograph, proof of funds, and return or onward ticket.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee using a credit or debit card. Make sure to keep a record of your payment for reference.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed all the required steps, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number, which you should save for future reference.
- Please wait for your visa approval: The processing time for South African Evisa applications can vary, but it usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive an email notification once your visa has been approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for South Africa Evisa
To ensure a successful South African Evisa application, it’s vital to avoid common mistakes that could lead to delays or rejection. Some of these mistakes include:
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check your application form for accuracy and completeness before submitting it. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
- Uploading poor-quality documents: Make sure to upload clear and legible scanned copies of the required documents. Blurry or unreadable images can cause issues during the application process.
- Applying too close to your travel date: Apply for your South Africa Evisa well before your intended travel date, as processing times can vary and may be longer during peak travel seasons.
- Not providing sufficient proof of funds: Ensure that you provide adequate evidence of your financial ability to cover your stay in South Africa, as insufficient proof can result in your application being denied.
Tips for a Successful South Africa Evisa Application
To maximize your chances of a successful South Africa Evisa application, follow these tips:
- Start early: Begin your application before your intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time.
- Gather all required documents before starting: Having all necessary documents on hand before starting your application will streamline the process and help avoid delays.
- Double-check your information: Review your application form for accuracy and completeness before submitting it to avoid errors that could lead to delays or rejection.
- Prepare a detailed itinerary: Providing a clear and detailed itinerary of your planned activities during your stay in South Africa can improve your chances of approval.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes to South Africa Evisa requirements or application procedures, as these can change over time.
How to Get South Africa Evisa – Collection and Approval
Once your South Africa Evisa application has been approved, you will receive an email notification with your visa approval. You should print this document and carry it with you during your travels, as you may be asked to present it upon arrival in South Africa.
Upon arrival, immigration officials will verify your Evisa and may ask you to provide additional documents, such as proof of funds or a return or onward ticket. Ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any issues at the border.
FAQs on South Africa Evisa
Q: Can I extend my South Africa Evisa while in the country?
A: Sometimes, you can extend your South Africa Evisa while in the country. This will depend on your visa type and the reason for the extension. To avoid overstaying your visa, you must apply for an extension before your current Evisa expires.
Q: Can I apply for a South Africa Evisa if my passport is about to expire?
A: No, your passport must have at least six months remaining validity from your planned entry date into South Africa. If your passport is about to expire, you should renew it before applying for a South Africa Evisa.
Q: Can I work in South Africa on a Tourist Evisa?
A: No, working in South Africa on a Tourist Evisa is prohibited. If you intend to work in the country, apply for a Work Evisa.
Applying for a South Africa Evisa is crucial in planning your dream vacation to this incredible country. By understanding the requirements, eligibility criteria, types of Evisas, duration, process time, and costs, you can navigate the application process with confidence and ease.
Read: How to apply and get South Korea eVisa
The benefits of obtaining a South Africa Evisa include simplified application procedures, reduced processing times, and the convenience of electronic issuance. Following the step-by-step instructions and tips in this guide, you can maximize your chances of a successful application and embark on your South African adventure. Good luck, and happy travels!