Visa information

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Do I need a visa to visit VICTAM Africa?

Whether you need a visa to travel to South Africa depends on your nationality, passport type, the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay.

Passport holders from visa-exempt countries may enter South Africa without applying for a visa in advance, subject to the period and conditions stated in the official South African visa exemption list. Depending on the country, the permitted stay is generally up to 30 or 90 days.

If your passport is not included in the visa exemption list, you must obtain a visitor’s visa before travelling to South Africa. Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry.

Visitors who require a visa should start their application well in advance through the appropriate South African embassy, high commission, consulate, visa application centre or official online application service.

Before you travel

International visitors should make sure that they have:

A valid and recognised passport or travel document;
At least one blank page in their passport for entry endorsements;
A valid visa, where required;
A return or onward travel ticket;
Sufficient funds for the duration of their stay;
A yellow fever certificate when travelling from or through a yellow fever risk area.

Important visa disclaimer

The visa and entry information on this page is based on the official South African regulations available at the time of publication and was last reviewed in July 2026.

Entry requirements, visa exemptions, application procedures and required travel documents may change before VICTAM Africa 2028. Visitors are personally responsible for checking the latest official requirements before booking and travelling.

Visitors should consult the South African Department of Home Affairs, the relevant South African embassy or consulate, or an official visa application service. VICTAM Africa cannot provide individual immigration advice or guarantee that a visa application will be approved.