South Africa visa types

Whenever you travel to a new foreign country, you will need to find out about the entry requirements. After all, you may have to apply for a visa in advance. Traveling to South Africa is no different.

While there are countries whose citizens are exempt from getting a visa, all other nationalities are required go to the nearest South African embassy or diplomatic mission and apply for a valid travel document. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you will have to apply for the correct visa type. Below, you will find the most common South Africa visa types that you can apply for:

• South Africa Visit Visa – this visa type is for people who are not visa-exempt and want to travel to South Africa for tourism and/or business purposes. However, if you are visa-exempt and you plan on staying for longer than the exemption allows, you will need to apply for this type of visa. This visa allows you to stay in South Africa for no more than 90 days.
• South Africa Business Visa – to obtain this visa, you must work or invest in the economy of South Africa. If you want a start a business, there are special forms you need to fill. The South Africa business visa grants you a stay of no longer than 90 days.
• South Africa Work Visa – you can only apply for this type of visa if you possess some special skills that the country needs at the moment of your application. The duration of stay of this visa depends on the work you are approved to do in South Africa.
• South Africa Medical Visa – you can apply for this visa if you are seeking medical treatment in South Africa. If granted, you can spend up to 6 months in South Africa. You must fill in a special form, but you must also hold a letter from your doctor that states the reasons for which you need the treatment in question. You must also have proof that you can cover the costs of all medical treatments and living expenses.
• South Africa Study Visa – you can apply for this visa if you are planning on studying in South Africa. You must be studying on a full-time basis, at multiple levels of education. The South Africa study visa is valid for the length of your studies, and you must provide proof of funds, medical overage, parental consent if you are under 18, etc.
• South Africa Relatives’ Visa – you can apply for this visa only if you are an immediate family member of a South African citizen or legal resident. The maximum duration of stay is 2 years, but you can re-apply after that time. You must have proof of funds, and a copy of the passport or ID card of the South African citizen or resident you are related to. You are not permitted to work in South Africa with this type of visa.
• South African Exchange Visa – this visa is meant for people under 25 who want to participate in cultural, economic, or social programs. The program must be organized by a public institution. This visa is valid for the duration of the program, and it cannot be extended or renewed.
• South Africa Retired Persons’ Visa – if you want to retire in South Africa, you can apply for this type of visa. However, some financial requirements must be met; your monthly pension/payments cannot be less than $3000.
• South Africa Tourist eVisa – as of November 2019, eligible nationalities will be able to apply for an electronic visa. More information on this will be provided soon.