Step-by-step guide to applying for a South Africa tourist visa, covering eligibility, required documents, yellow fever certificate requirements, biometrics, and processing timelines.
Verify if your nationality is visa-exempt for South Africa
Citizens of 76 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia) can enter South Africa visa-free for stays of 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. US citizens get 90 days, UK citizens get 90 days, and Canadian citizens get 90 days.
Determine if you need a visitor visa (Section 11(1) visa)
Citizens of India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt, and about 100 other countries require a visitor visa. The visa costs vary by country but are typically free to $50 USD. Processing takes 10-15 business days on average, but can take 4-8 weeks during peak periods.
Confirm your travel purpose qualifies as tourism
Tourist visas cover holiday travel, visiting friends/family, attending conferences, and medical tourism. Volunteer work, even unpaid, requires a different visa category. Working remotely for a foreign employer technically falls outside tourist visa terms.
Find the South African embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center for your area
South Africa processes most visa applications through VFS Global offices. There are 4 VFS centers in the US (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC). Appointments are mandatory and can be booked at vfsglobal.com/southafrica. Book 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season.
Required Documents
Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure from South Africa with 2+ blank pages
South Africa requires at least 2 completely blank visa pages (not endorsement pages). This is strictly enforced — travelers have been denied boarding for having insufficient blank pages. The 30-day post-departure validity requirement is one of the shortest globally.
Completed DHA-84 visa application form
Download form DHA-84 from dha.gov.za or vfsglobal.com/southafrica. The form must be completed in black ink and signed. Do not leave any field blank — write "N/A" for non-applicable sections. Unsigned or incomplete forms are returned without processing.
Two recent passport-size photos (35mm x 45mm) on white background
Photos must be less than 6 months old, with head centered and filling 70-80% of the frame. The VFS center can take photos on-site for $5-$10, but having your own saves time. One photo is glued to the form; the second is kept with the application.
Confirmed return flight booking
A fully paid and confirmed return or onward ticket is required — not just a reservation. One-way tickets are not accepted. If your return date is flexible, book a refundable ticket that covers the maximum stay period.
Proof of accommodation for the entire stay
Hotel bookings must show the guest name, hotel address, and dates. If staying with a South African resident, they must provide a letter of invitation plus a copy of their South African ID or permanent residence permit, and a utility bill as proof of address.
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds
South Africa does not publish a specific minimum, but $100-$150 per day of stay is a general guideline. Statements must be stamped or certified by the bank. Online printouts without bank verification are not accepted at most VFS centers.
Letter from employer confirming leave approval and position
The letter must be on company letterhead, stating your position, salary, start date, and approved leave dates. Self-employed applicants need a business registration document and accountant's letter. Students need an enrollment letter from their institution.
Health and Safety Requirements
Get a yellow fever vaccination certificate if required
South Africa requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis — the yellow card) from travelers arriving from or transiting through any yellow fever endemic country. This includes Brazil, most of Central Africa, and parts of South America. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Check if you are transiting through a yellow fever country en route to South Africa
Even a brief airport transit (under 12 hours, without leaving the airport) through a yellow fever country like Ethiopia, Kenya, or Nigeria triggers the vaccination requirement. Travelers without the certificate are quarantined for up to 6 days at their own expense or put on the next return flight.
Consider malaria prophylaxis if visiting Mpumalanga, Limpopo, or KwaZulu-Natal
Malaria is present in the northeastern provinces of South Africa, especially during the wet season (September-May). Prophylaxis options include atovaquone-proguanil ($3-$5 per day), doxycycline ($0.50-$1 per day), or mefloquine ($5-$8 per week). Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Purchase travel medical insurance covering your entire stay
While not a visa requirement, South Africa strongly recommends travel insurance. Medical evacuation from remote safari areas costs $10,000-$50,000 without insurance. Most policies that cover South Africa cost $40-$80 for a 2-week trip.
Biometrics and Submission
Attend your appointment at the VFS Global center
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. The full process (document review, biometrics, payment) takes 45-90 minutes. VFS centers are open Monday-Friday, typically 8 AM to 3 PM. Bring all originals plus 1 photocopy of each document.
Provide biometrics (10-finger digital fingerprints)
Biometrics are captured at the VFS center during your appointment. Children under 12 are exempt. The fingerprint scan takes about 5 minutes. If any fingers have temporary damage (cuts, burns), you may be asked to return when they have healed.
Pay the visa and VFS service fees
The visa fee ranges from free to $50 depending on nationality (US citizens pay $0). The VFS service fee is approximately $28-$35. Optional courier return of your passport costs an additional $20-$30. Payment is typically by cash or bank card at the VFS center.
Collect your tracking number and receipt
The VFS center provides a tracking number to monitor your application at vfsglobal.com/southafrica. Standard processing is 10-15 business days, but during peak season (November-February) it can take 4-8 weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Arrival in South Africa
Present your passport, visa (if applicable), and return ticket at immigration
Immigration at Johannesburg (OR Tambo) and Cape Town airports is generally efficient — expect 15-30 minutes in line. Have your accommodation address and contact details ready, as the officer may ask for them.
Show your yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic area
The health screening desk is before immigration. If you cannot produce the yellow card, you face quarantine (up to 6 days at approximately $100/day at your expense) or deportation on the next available flight. There is no exemption or on-the-spot vaccination option.
Verify the entry stamp shows the correct duration of stay
Visa-exempt visitors receive a stamp showing their allowed stay (30 or 90 days depending on nationality). Check the date carefully — South African immigration stamps can be hard to read. Overstaying even by 1 day results in being declared an undesirable person, which triggers a 1-5 year re-entry ban.
Keep your passport safe — extensions require visiting Home Affairs in person
Extensions can be applied for at any Department of Home Affairs office in South Africa, but processing takes 30-60 days. Apply at least 60 days before your current stay expires. The extension fee is approximately R1,520 ($85 USD). Extensions beyond 90 days total are rarely granted for tourist visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit South Africa?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to South Africa of up to 90 days. You receive a free entry stamp at the port of entry. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps and be valid for at least 30 days beyond your planned departure date. Citizens of about 80 countries are visa-exempt; check the Department of Home Affairs website for your nationality's specific requirements.
What are the passport requirements for South Africa?
South Africa requires that your passport have at least 2 completely blank pages (not partially stamped) designated for visa stamps upon arrival. This is strictly enforced, and travelers have been denied boarding or entry for insufficient blank pages. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure from South Africa. If traveling with children, you must carry an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' names.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for South Africa?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country (including many countries in West, Central, and East Africa, and parts of South America). Direct travelers from the US, Europe, or Asia do not need a yellow fever certificate. South Africa enforces this rule strictly at airports, and non-compliant travelers may be quarantined for up to 6 days or denied entry. Carry your yellow vaccination booklet if your travel itinerary includes any endemic country.
What are the rules for traveling with children in South Africa?
South Africa has strict rules for minors crossing its borders. All children must carry an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents' full names). If a child is traveling with only one parent, you need a consent letter from the absent parent, certified copies of the absent parent's ID, and a court order if applicable. These rules apply to both South African and foreign children. Non-compliance can result in being denied boarding or entry. These requirements have been relaxed somewhat since 2019 but are still enforced.