The Tourist Visa (Visitor's Visa for tourism) allows foreign nationals to enter South Africa for tourism, leisure, family visits, or other non-work related purposes for a limited period.
Citizens of many countries are exempt from visa requirements for short visits to South Africa, while nationals of other countries must apply for a tourist visa in advance. The visa is typically granted for up to 90 days. Some nationals are required to pay a visa application fee.
New World Immigration assists visitors who require a tourist visa with their application, ensuring all documentation is in order for a smooth entry into South Africa.
Who is this permit for?
The Tourist Visa is for foreign nationals who wish to visit South Africa for tourism, leisure, or family visits and whose nationality requires a visa.
You wish to visit South Africa for tourism, leisure, or family visits
Your nationality requires a visa to enter South Africa
You have a valid passport with sufficient validity beyond your intended stay
You can demonstrate sufficient funds for the duration of your visit
You have confirmed return travel arrangements or proof of onward travel
You have no criminal record and meet health requirements
Common reasons for rejection
Insufficient proof of funds is provided to support the applicant for the full duration of the intended visit
No confirmed return or onward travel arrangements are presented to satisfy the adjudicating officer of the temporary intent
The passport does not have the required validity or sufficient unused pages beyond the intended stay
The stated purpose of the visit appears inconsistent with a genuine, temporary tourism or family visit
Proof of accommodation or, where relevant, a host invitation supporting the visit is missing
A previous overstay or breach of South African visa conditions undermines confidence that the visitor will depart
Application process
1. Visa Requirement Check
We confirm whether your nationality requires a visa to visit South Africa.
2. Document Preparation
We prepare the application with all required documents including passport, financial proof, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
3. Application Submission
The application is submitted to the South African embassy, consulate, or visa facilitation centre.
4. Processing
The application is processed, which may include an interview at the embassy or consulate.
5. Visa Issued
Once approved, the Tourist Visa is stamped in your passport.
Key considerations
Citizens of many countries (including the UK, US, EU nations, and others) do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Some nationals are required to pay a visa application fee of approximately R425.
The tourist visa does not permit any form of employment or business activity.
You must have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of the visit.
Proof of return or onward travel is typically required.
Overstaying a tourist visa can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.
Yellow fever vaccination certificates may be required depending on your country of origin or recent travel history.
Costs
Tourist visa fees vary by nationality. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits.
Tourist Visa Application Fee: ± R425 (where applicable)
VFS Service Fee: Varies by location
Travel Insurance (recommended): Varies
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits. Some nationals are required to pay a fee of approximately R425. Fees and requirements vary by nationality and location of application.
Processing timeframes
Tourist visa processing is generally straightforward but should be applied for well in advance of travel.
Document Preparation: 1 - 2 weeks
Embassy Processing: 5 - 15 working days
Total: 2 - 4 weeks
Job offer requirements
A tourist visa does not permit any form of employment. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans.
If you intend to work in South Africa, you must apply for an appropriate work visa or permit.
New World Immigration can advise on the correct visa type if your visit involves any professional activities.
How to apply — step by step
1. Check If You Need a Visa
Determine whether your nationality requires a South African tourist visa. Many countries are visa-exempt, check the DHA's exemption list before applying.
2. Complete the Application Form
If a visa is required, complete the official South African visa application form and gather all supporting documents.
3. Submit to the SA Mission Abroad
Lodge your application at the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or VFS Global centre in your home country.
4. Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your tourist visa or receive electronic authorisation, depending on the submission method.
5. Travel to South Africa
Travel to South Africa within the validity period of your visa. You will be issued an entry stamp at the port of entry indicating your authorised length of stay.
Quick tips
Many nationalities are visa-exempt for South Africa, check whether you need a visa before applying.
Visa-exempt visitors are generally granted 30–90 days on arrival depending on nationality.
Always carry proof of a return or onward flight ticket; border officials routinely ask for this.
Show sufficient funds for your entire stay, 3 months of bank statements is a reliable benchmark.
Do not overstay your authorised period, overstaying can result in being declared an undesirable person and banned from re-entry.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and sometimes required for visa issuance.
Documents needed
Valid passport (minimum 30 days validity beyond your planned departure date and at least 2 blank pages)
Completed South African visa application form (if your nationality requires a visa)
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of accommodation in South Africa (hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host)
Return or onward flight ticket
Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay (last 3 months)
Travel insurance documentation
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a yellow fever-risk country)
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (where applicable)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries (including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and EU nations) do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Check with NWI or the South African embassy for your specific nationality.
Is there a fee for the tourist visa?
Some nationals are required to pay a visa application fee of approximately R425. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits and incur no fee.
How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
Tourist visas are typically granted for up to 90 days. Extensions may be possible in certain circumstances.
Can I extend my tourist visa?
Extensions may be applied for at the Department of Home Affairs before the current visa expires, subject to providing valid reasons and supporting documentation.
Can I work or study on a tourist visa?
No. The tourist visa is strictly for tourism, leisure, and family visits. Work and study require separate visa types.
Get expert help
Whether you need a tourist visa or are simply planning a visit to South Africa, our team can provide guidance on entry requirements.
Contact New World Immigration if you need assistance with your South African tourist visa application.