After the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa has finally opened their border for tourism and business purposes. Now, foreign visitors can enter the country using a travel document - unless you are from visa-exempt countries!
Foreign nationals have multiple options when it comes to South African visas. Although, it’s possible to apply for a traditional visa by visiting the South African embassy, getting a South African electronic visa is a more convenient and faster option.
Types of South Africa e-Visas
South Africa offers different types of electronic visas for different purposes. A foreign citizen can get the following e-visas to enter South Africa:
Tourist Visa
In case you want to visit South Africa for tourism purposes (visiting famly members or friends or exploring the country) you can get a South Africa tourist visa. South Africa offers a tourist visa that allows a holder to stay in the country for maximum of 30 days.
Business Visa
Alternatively, if you want to visit South Africa for professional or commercial activities, you'll need to get a business visa. Just live the tourist visa, business visa also allows a holder to stay in the country for thirty days!
Missionary Visa
South Africa offers missionary visas to those people who seek to enter the country for religious reasons, or to those who like to join an organization doing South Africa-approved missionary work. It is also a single-entry visa with a validity period of 30 days.
Short-Term Work Visa
All foreign nationals (even citizens from visa-exempt countries) are required to have a travel document to enter South Africa for work purposes. If you're seeking work in South Africa, you'll need to get a short-term work visa. It is a single-entry visa that allows a holder to stay in the country for 90 days!
Required Documents for South Africa e-Visa
To get your travel document, all foreign visitors are required to fulfill some visa requirements. You basically need 3 documents to apply for an e-visa, including:
Valid Passport - You must have a passport valid for more 3 months. Plus, your passport must have at least two blank pages.
E-mail Address - Your email address is electronically linked to your travel document, making the application process quick and convenient. Once approved, you'll receive your travel document via email, making it a hassle-free experience.
Means of Payment - Applicants are required to pay the embassy fee and visa service fee using an online payment method, such as a debit or credit card!
Besides these, depending on the purpose of your visit, you'll need some extra documents, including:
Digital photograph
Health insurance
Bank statement
Proof of accommodation
Business letter
Invitation letter
How to Apply for South Africa e-Visa?
Compared to traditional visas, applying for a South Africa visa online is certainly a more convenient option. You don't have to worry about visiting the embassy or filling out multiple forms. All you need to do is:
Complete the application form - Log onto VisaHQ and select your travel destination. Afterward, start the visa application process and fill out the application form by providing personal, contact, and travel details.
Pay the South Africa visa fees - Next, pay the South Africa evisa fee. This includes both the visa service charges as well as the embassy fee.
Submit the application - Finally, submit your application form along with the required documents.
That's it! Afterward, the embassy will process your application, and you'll receive your South Africa visit visa.
Visa Application Form
To fill out the online form, you will need to give personal, contact, travel, and passport details, including:
Full name
Home address
Travel dates
Passport number
Phone number
Passport expiry date
Date of birth
Before you submit the application form, make sure to review it thoroughly to prevent errors and mistakes. Otherwise, your visa will most likely be delayed by the South African embassy.
Processing Time
The visa processing time for a South Africa online visa depends on the visa type and the applicant's nationality. Generally, it takes between five to ten working days to process an application. However, processing times can be longer during peak travel seasons.
Plus, if your application is incomplete, the embassy will delay your evisa South Africa. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for a South Africa visa at least two weeks before the intended entry date.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To ensure a smooth application process, consider the following tips:
Apply well in advance of your travel date to allow sufficient time for processing
Double-check all the information before submitting the application
Keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents
Contact the South Africa e-Visa support team if you have any questions or concerns
Fulfill all of the South Africa entry requirements to avoid issues on your arrival