South Africa Online Visa (e-Visa): Visa Requirements

South Africa is the home of nature and animals. I will never forget seeing the big five in their natural habitat! It is an experience of a lifetime. If you want to experience it, you can! It's now easier than ever with the South Africa Electronic visa (eVisa).

Let me tell you everything you need to know about this visa:

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The South African electronic visa, also known as the eVisa system, is now live. They launched the South Africa eVisa in February 2022 for travelers from 14 countries. The South African Government will add more countries to the list soon. The eVisa system makes traveling to South Africa more accessible. Eligible passport holders can now apply online and receive the approved visa by email. In addition, you can apply for the South African eVisa if you're traveling for tourism (tourist visa) or business purposes. The visa is usually valid for 90 days which means that when you enter South Africa, you can stay there for up to 90 days, but you have to leave before your visa expires.

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There are several types of visas for South Africa. Your nationality will determine the type of visa you need. With traditional applications, visitors who require a visa for South Africa must apply for it in person at a South African Embassy, provide biometric data, and hold a passport at least valid for 1 month after they depart from South Africa (and with at least one blank page).

Visitors from more than 100 countries who want to visit South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions. These countries include:

Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African R., Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, Tunisia, and many more

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What Countries Can Travel To South Africa Without A Visa?

There are over 50 nationalities who can enter the country without a South Africa visa for up to 90 days. The nationalities which are eligible for visa-free travel include:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Israel, Italy, Monaco, Qatar, Switzerland, Spain, Tunisia, United States, Zimbabwe, and many more.

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Passport holders from 14 countries can now apply for a South Africa eVisa. The eligible countries in 2022 are: Cameroon, China, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Uganda.

More countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and all EU member states, could soon be added to the list. Until then, travelers from these countries need to apply for a traditional embassy visa for South Africa.

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No, there aren't. The South African Government announced on 22 July, 2022, that travelers who wish to travel to South Africa no longer need proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.

However, these regulations can change at any time, which is why I recommend you keep up to date on the latest travel regulations for South Africa.

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You need certain travel documents to apply for the eVisa for South Africa (visa requirements). Failure to send in these documents during your visa application process can slow down the processing time. During your application process, you need the following documents:

• A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay.
• At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements.
• Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay (bank statements).
• A return or onward ticket
• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

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Applying for any type of visa can be stressful. I know how it feels when you don't know what to do. That's why I'll provide a step-by-step guide so you know exactly what to do during your visa application.

Step1: Access the South African eVisa website

First, you need to go to the Department of Home Affairs website where you apply. You'll see four steps they give you: Create your profile, submit your online form, upload your documentation, and confirm secure payment. Start with the first step.

Step2: Create your account

You need to provide your name, passport number, email address, and password information. Then, they'll send you a verification email which you should use to activate your account.

Step3: Complete the e-visa application form

Next, log in to your account. Then you'll need to provide all the necessary details. These details include your travel information (how long you'll stay, accommodation in South Africa), passport details, and any other relevant information.

Step4: Upload travel documents

Next, you need to upload all the relevant travel documents like a copy of your passport, a passport-size photo, and anything else they might ask for.

Step5: Pay The Visa Fees

Last but not least, you need to pay the visa fees. They'll show you the amount you need to pay at the end of your application process. But, again, you can pay securely online with your debit or credit card.

Now you're all set. They will let you know via email if they accept your application. When they accept your application, you'll receive an electronic visa via email. Then you need to print it out to present to the Immigration Officer at your port of entry.

What Should I Do At The Airport With An Electronic Visa For South Africa?

Once they approve your online visa request, you'll receive your e-Visa by email. Upon arrival at the South African border, you need to show your travel documents and permissions. The passport (or other eligible ID) must be the same as the one you used during your e-Visa application. The South African authorities will decide if you can enter the country after examining your travel documents and (if applicable) your luggage.

At border control, it is important to collaborate with the South African officers and answer all questions that they may ask.

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Usually, the process takes 3 business days. Unfortunately, there are instances where it could take longer to process your visa. Therefore, I recommend waiting 5 business days before checking your status.

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Unfortunately no. If you do not use your e-Visa, you forfeit your fees. To my recollection, all visas have a no refund policy, which means that if you receive your visa and don't use it, you can't ask for your visa fees back. The same goes for when you submit your application and you want to cancel your visa. Once you submit your application, you can't get your money back.

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That's all!

Now you can experience the Safari life or even breath in the fresh air of Table Mountain in Cape Town.