South Africa visas

South Africa's visa landscape is dynamic, focusing on streamlining entry for tourism and business. The country offers visa-free access to many nationalities and has recently implemented both an eVisa and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to modernize its immigration processes.

Visa Overview

South Africa maintains a welcoming stance for tourists and business visitors from numerous countries, granting visa-free entry for stays typically up to 90 days. For other nationalities, the country has introduced an eVisa system, launched in February 2022, and a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which began its phased rollout in October 2025. The ETA system, currently applicable to specific nationalities like China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico for entry at major international airports, aims to simplify entry procedures and is expected to expand further in 2026. Recent policy changes (2024-2026) include improved visa processing times and temporary concessions for applicants facing delays. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond their intended departure and have sufficient funds.

Key Highlights

Visa-free entry is granted to citizens of many countries for stays of up to 90 days, including Australia, Canada, most EU nations, the UK, and the USA, and for up to 30 days for others like Hong Kong and Malaysia.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was launched in October 2025, with a phased rollout. As of late November 2025, it applies to ordinary passport holders from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico for business or tourism, entering through O. R. Tambo, Cape Town, or Lanseria International Airports. The ETA allows multiple entries for stays up to 90 days, with one online extension possible.

An eVisa system is available for eligible nationalities, with processing typically taking 5-10 business days.

Visa application fees vary; for example, a Visitor's Visa can cost around $36-$58 USD, while a Business Visa application fee is R1520 (DHA fee) plus a R1550 VFS service fee (as of 2026).

Processing times for temporary residence visas range from 4 weeks for Critical Skills Work Visas to 60 days for Visitor's Visas, and up to 12 months for Permanent Residence Permits, as per new DHA commitments in January 2026.

Official Resources

South African Government - Department of Home Affairs (Visa Information) South African e-Visa Online Portal South African Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Portal

Travel Tips

Always verify the latest visa requirements directly with an official South African diplomatic mission or the Department of Home Affairs website before making travel arrangements, as policies are subject to change.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa and contains at least one (preferably two) unused pages for entry/departure endorsements.
If you require a visa, it is highly advisable to submit your application as early as three months in advance of your travel dates to account for potential processing delays.
Travelers arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country must possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
As of March 2025, all attendees need to complete a traveler declaration form prior to arriving in South Africa.