Visa Requirements for South Africa

Visa Requirements for South Africa, South Africa Travel Guide and Tourist Information

South Africa Visa Requirements

Visa requirements in South Africa are strictly enforced. South Africa enforces their right to decide who can, and who cannot enter the country. A visa ensures screening before entering South Africa, and it gives custom officials the information they need to grant admission for the correct length of time and purpose. A visa doesn’t guarantee admittance. It only guarantees that an immigration official will check the basic requirements for entry into the country.

The basic requirements for entry are: A valid passport or travel document with two blank pages; a valid visa; a return ticket; sufficient funds and a return ticket home. Yellow fever certificates are also required if a journey starts or passes through the yellow fever area of South America or of Africa.

US citizens that plan to stay in South Africa for less than 90 days do not need a visa. Canadian, British, Australian, and most EU members do not need a visa if they plan to stay for thirty days or less. South Africa has a list of countries that are visa exempt so it is a good idea to check that list before you leave home.