South African Visas

The South African Government announced on 22 June 2022 that the remaining COVID-19 regulations have been repealed. Travelers entering South Africa are no longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests.

Applying for a South African Visa

Visitors' visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less.

The visa will allow you to travel to a South African port of entry where an immigration official will then determine if you are allowed to enter South Africa and for how long you can stay for that particular visit. Visitors are restricted to the activity or purpose for which their visas were issued.

On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor's permit. The permit's period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading "conditions" on the visa label. You must ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry in the country may be refused if the purpose of visit was not correctly stated.

Requirements for visitor's visas differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. Remember that there is a fee charged for issuing a visa.

All visa applications have to be lodged in person at the mission in Canberra by prior appointment only to book an appointment please call the mission or email: immigration.canberra@dirco.gov.za

Persons who are in Australia on short term visas (holiday, etc.), will not be accommodated for visa applications as they must apply for visas to visit South Africa from their countries of origin.

Transit visa will now be required for Pakistani and Bangladesh passport holders as per ID No.11 of 2022.

Please check if you need a visa to travel to South Africa: List of Visa exempt countries.

Check to see if you need to pay for your visa: Visa Fees

You need a yellow fever immunization certificate if you traveled through one of the following countries: Yellow Fever Countries

Updated Advisory:

Visa Categories:

  1. Visitor's Visas Less than Three (3) Months
    1. Visitor's Visa under section 11(2) of the immigration act - Authorisation to conduct work for a short period.
    1. Visitor's Visa under section 11(6) – Spouse / Life Partner of South African citizen. Reside with SAC and work / conduct business.

    Permanent Resident Applications

    Anyone wishing to apply for permanent residence in South Africa should contact the Mission for forms to be posted to them.

    Please view our contact page for our Consular hours.

    For forms and further information, please contact us via our contact page.

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