South Africa is a top destination for tourists, business professionals, and people visiting friends or family. If you’re planning to travel there for a short stay and you’re from a country that requires a visa (such as Nigeria or India), you’ll need to apply for a South African visitor visa, also known as a Section 11(1) visa. This guide walks you through the entire process—from requirements to application and final collection.
1. Determine the Purpose of Your Visit
South Africa issues visit visas for a variety of short-term purposes, including:
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Tourism and sightseeing
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Visiting friends or relatives
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Attending conferences or business meetings
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Short academic programs (less than 3 months)
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Medical treatment
This guide applies to visits of 90 days or less. For longer stays or different purposes (like work or study), you’ll need a different visa type.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
2. Check If You Need a Visa
South Africa allows visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries for short stays. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must apply for a visitor visa before arriving. Nigerians, for example, must obtain a visa in advance.
You can check the visa exemption list at the South African Department of Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za
3. Gather Required Documents
To apply for a visit visa, you’ll need the following documents:
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Valid passport (must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date and have two blank pages)
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Completed visa application form (Form DHA-84)
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Two recent passport-sized photographs
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Flight itinerary/reservation
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Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter with address from a host in South Africa)
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Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3 months)
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Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable based on your country of travel)
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Letter of invitation (if visiting someone) with a certified copy of their South African ID or residence permit
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Employment letter or student letter confirming your status
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Visa application fee (this varies by location; check with the nearest South African mission)
Additional documents may be requested depending on the purpose of your visit.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
4. Submit Your Application
You must submit your visa application in person at the South African embassy, high commission, or consulate in your country. Some countries may use a third-party visa application center (like VFS Global).
Steps:
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Book an appointment (if required by your local South African visa office).
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Submit your documents and biometric data (if applicable).
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Pay the visa fee (keep the receipt).
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Receive a reference number for tracking your application.
5. Wait for Processing
The processing time for a South African visit visa varies by country but generally takes 5 to 15 working days. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
You can track the status of your application online if you submitted it through VFS or a similar platform.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
6. Collect Your Visa
Once approved, you’ll receive your passport with the visa sticker inside. Double-check all details—entry and exit dates, name spelling, and the number of entries permitted. If you notice any mistakes, notify the visa office immediately before traveling.
If your visa is denied, the embassy may provide a reason. You may be able to reapply with additional documentation or address the reason for the denial.
