To apply for a South Africa visa, you will need to submit several documents. The required documents may vary depending on the visa type, but there is a general list of documents you need to provide.
What Documents Are Required When Applying for a South Africa Visa?
Here is a list of documents typically required when applying for a South Africa visa:
1. Completed Visa Application Form
You need to complete the BI-84 application form, which you can find online here. Fill it out using black ink, ensuring all information matches that in your passport, and do not leave any unanswered fields. Remember to sign the form.
Different forms apply depending on the visa type:
- DHA-1738 (Form 8) – Temporary residence visa
- DHA-1739 (Form 10) – Renewal of an existing visa
- DHA-84 (Form 11) – Port of entry or transit visa
- DHA-1743 (Form 13) – Corporate visa
- DHA-947 (Form 18) – Permanent residence permit
2. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended date of your exit from South Africa and must have at least two blank pages.
3. Two Photographs
Submit two color passport-sized photographs (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with a white background. The photos must be recent (no older than one month) and meet South African visa photo requirements. Scanned or photocopied photos are not accepted.
4. Proof of Payment
When applying for a visa, you must pay an application fee. Keep the receipt as proof of payment and include it with the other required documents.
5. Yellow-Fever Vaccination Certificate
If you are coming from a yellow fever-risk country, you must provide a valid yellow fever certificate. The certificate should be issued at least 10 days before travel to South Africa and must be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
6. Flight Itinerary
Provide your flight ticket showing both your arrival and return dates.
7. Proof of Relationship to Dependents
If traveling with dependents (e.g., spouse, children), provide:
- Guardianship or custody proof, or
- Consent from the guardian for unaccompanied minors.
8. Proof of Sufficient Means
You must demonstrate that you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay. Acceptable proof includes:
- Bank statements
- Salary slips
- Sponsorship proof (if staying with a host in South Africa)
- Bursary or medical cover
Visa Requirements for Minors
Visa applications for minors (children under 18 years) require additional documents:
- Accompanied by Both Parents: Valid passport, visa (if applicable), and an Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC).
- Accompanied by One Parent: Additional documents like a Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) may be needed.
- Unaccompanied Minors: In addition to the above documents, a Letter of Consent from parents or legal guardians and details about the person receiving the minor in South Africa are required.
Visa-Specific Requirements
For specific visa types, additional documents may be required. For example:
- Work Visa: Job contract, proof of qualifications
- Study Visa: Admission letter from a recognized educational institution
- Medical Visa: Proof of scheduled treatment at a recognized facility in South Africa
Where to Submit Your Visa Application
Submit your visa application and required documents at the nearest South African embassy or consulate. If there is no diplomatic mission in your country, you may submit your documents at a visa application center, a neighboring country’s South African embassy, or an embassy that handles South African visa applications.
What You Need When Entering South Africa
When arriving in South Africa, be prepared to present:
- A valid passport
- Your visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test
This list provides a general overview of the required documents for most South African visas. Specific requirements may vary based on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the type of visa you are applying for. Always double-check with the South African Department of Home Affairs or the nearest embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.