Do citizens of the United States need a visa to visit South Africa?

No — citizens of the United States can typically visit South Africa visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays or other purposes (work, study, residence) use a dedicated visa route.

Do citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa to visit South Africa?

No — citizens of the United Kingdom can typically visit South Africa visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays or other purposes (work, study, residence) use a dedicated visa route.

Do citizens of Germany need a visa to visit South Africa?

No — citizens of Germany can typically visit South Africa visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays or other purposes (work, study, residence) use a dedicated visa route.

Do citizens of India need a visa to visit South Africa?

No visa — but citizens of India typically need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for South Africa, applied for online before travel.

Do citizens of Canada need a visa to visit South Africa?

No — citizens of Canada can typically visit South Africa visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays or other purposes (work, study, residence) use a dedicated visa route.

Do citizens of Australia need a visa to visit South Africa?

No — citizens of Australia can typically visit South Africa visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays or other purposes (work, study, residence) use a dedicated visa route.

Can I work in South Africa on a South Africa Study Visa?

Yes, within limits — up to 20 h/week on the South Africa Study Visa. Conditions can change — last verified 12 Jun 2026; confirm against the official source before relying on it.

Can I work in South Africa on a South Africa Exchange Visa?

Yes, within limits — Work only within the approved exchange programme on the South Africa Exchange Visa. Conditions can change — last verified 12 Jun 2026; confirm against the official source before relying on it.

Africa

Every way into South Africa.

Deep coverage14 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.

Personalize for your passports

Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for South Africa.

2 routes

Visit

Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.

Tourist Visa

South Africa Visitor's Visa (Tourism)

Short-stay visa under section 11 of the Immigration Act for tourism, visiting family or short non-work visits. Nationals of many countries are visa-exempt for up to 90 days; others apply at a South African mission. It does not permit work. South Africa also operates an electronic travel authorisation pilot for selected nationalities.

Processing time: 30 days
Max stay: 90 days
Validity: 90 days

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid for at least 30 days beyond the intended departure, with two blank pages.
Return/onward ticketProof of onward or return travel.
Proof of fundsBank statements showing sufficient means for the stay.
Accommodation detailsWhere the visitor will stay in South Africa.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalIf arriving from a yellow-fever risk country.

Medical Treatment Visa

South Africa Medical Treatment Visa

For foreigners travelling to South Africa for medical treatment, supported by a letter from the treating South African medical practitioner or facility setting out the treatment and expected duration. Valid for the treatment period and renewable where care is ongoing. Does not permit work.

Processing time: 30 days
Validity: 180 days

Document checklist (4)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Medical letterLetter from the SA practitioner/hospital confirming treatment and duration.
Proof of fundsEvidence of ability to pay for treatment and stay.
Police clearanceOptionalWhere the stay exceeds the prescribed period.

Not yet researched

Transit Visa
Business Visitor Visa
Pilgrimage Visa

2 routes

Study & Training

Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.

Student Visa

South Africa Study Visa

For foreigners enrolled at a registered South African learning institution (school, college or university), valid for the duration of the course. Holders may undertake limited part-time work (commonly up to 20 hours per week during term) where permitted, and must maintain medical cover. Tied to the institution and course.

Work: up to 20 h/week
Study: Full-time enrolment is the visa purpose

Processing time: 45 days
Validity: 1,095 days

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Acceptance letterOfficial acceptance from a registered SA institution.
Proof of medical coverMembership of a registered SA medical scheme.
Proof of fundsEvidence of means to cover tuition and living costs.
Police clearanceFrom age 18, for each country of residence over 12 months.

Exchange Program Visa

South Africa Exchange Visa

For participants in an organised cultural, economic or social exchange programme operated under an agreement between South African and foreign institutions. Applicants under 25 may participate in approved youth/work-exchange arrangements. Valid up to 12 months and generally not renewable; tied to the sponsoring programme.

Work: Work only within the approved exchange programme
Study: Study/training within the programme

Processing time: 45 days
Validity: 365 days

Document checklist (4)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Programme confirmationLetter from the sponsoring exchange organisation/institution.
Proof of funds/undertakingFinancial undertaking by the sponsor or evidence of means.
Police clearanceOptionalFrom each country of residence over 12 months.

Not yet researched

Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa

3 routes

Work & Self-Employment

Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.

Digital Nomad Visa

South Africa Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)

Introduced into the Immigration Regulations on 28 March 2024 and operational from 2025, this visitor's visa lets remote workers employed by or contracted to a foreign employer live in South Africa for up to 12 months, renewable. Applicants must show a minimum gross income of ZAR 650,976 per year (reduced from ZAR 1,000,000 in October 2024). Local employment or freelancing for South African clients is not permitted. Stays of 183+ days can trigger South African tax residency.

Family: Accompanying family apply for linked visitor's visas

Processing time: 45 days
Validity: 365 days
Min. income / month: ZAR 65,097,600

Document checklist (6)

PassportValid for the duration of stay with blank pages.
Proof of foreign employment/contractEmployment contract or service agreements with a foreign employer/clients.
Proof of incomeBank statements/payslips showing at least ZAR 650,976 per annum.
Police clearancePolice clearance certificate from countries of residence.
Medical and radiological reportsStandard DHA medical and radiological reports.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalIf arriving from a risk country.

Skilled Work Visa

South Africa General Work Visa

Employer-sponsored work visa for foreigners with a confirmed job offer, issued only where the employer proves, via a Department of Employment and Labour certificate, that no suitably qualified South African citizen or permanent resident is available. Validity matches the contract, up to five years, and it is tied to the employer and position. A route to permanent residence exists after five years of continuous work-visa status.

Work: Tied to the sponsoring employer and role
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family apply for accompanying visas

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: 1,825 days

Document checklist (6)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Job offer / employment contractSigned contract from the South African employer.
Labour Department certificateCertificate confirming no local candidate was available.
SAQA evaluationSouth African Qualifications Authority evaluation of foreign qualifications.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.
Medical and radiological reportsStandard DHA reports.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

South Africa Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa

Allows a multinational to transfer an employee from a foreign branch, subsidiary or affiliate to a South African office. No labour-market test applies, but a skills-transfer plan to South African staff is required. Valid for up to four years and not renewable in-country; it is tied to the transferring employer and does not by itself lead to PR.

Work: Tied to the transferring employer
Family: Family apply for accompanying visas

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: 1,460 days

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Employment proof abroadEvidence of at least 6 months' employment with the foreign entity.
Transfer/secondment letterLetter from the employer confirming the transfer and SA role.
Skills-transfer planPlan to transfer skills to South African citizens/residents.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.

Not yet researched

Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa

2 routes

Invest & Capital

Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.

Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa

South Africa Financially Independent Permit (PR)

A permanent-residence category for self-sufficient applicants who can prove a net worth of at least ZAR 12 million and pay a once-off fee of ZAR 120,000 to the Department of Home Affairs. It does not require a job offer, business or family link and grants permanent residence with the right to live in South Africa indefinitely. Applicants must still pass medical and character checks.

Work: Permanent resident; may work or run a business
Study: Permanent resident; may study
Residency: Grants permanent residence directly
Family: Family apply for linked permits

Processing time: 240 days
Min. investment: ZAR 12,000,000

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Net-worth statementAuditor-verified statement of net worth of at least ZAR 12m.
Proof of fee paymentReceipt for the ZAR 120,000 once-off fee.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence since age 18.
Medical and radiological reportsStandard DHA reports.

Business Investor Visa

South Africa Business Visa

For foreigners establishing or investing in a business in South Africa in which they will be employed. The benchmark capital contribution is ZAR 5 million (waivers possible in priority sectors), and the business must employ at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents. A recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is required. Valid up to three years, renewable, and a route to permanent residence.

Work: Work within the established business
Residency: Direct PR category for qualifying business owners
Family: Family apply for accompanying visas

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: 1,095 days
Min. investment: ZAR 5,000,000

Document checklist (6)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Business planPlan for the South African undertaking.
Proof of capitalEvidence of the ZAR 5m (or approved) capital contribution.
DTIC recommendationRecommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Undertaking on local staffUndertaking that 60%+ of staff will be SA citizens/residents.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.

Not yet researched

Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment

1 route

Retire & Lifestyle

Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.

Retirement Visa

South Africa Retired Person's Visa

Open to applicants of any age (not only pensioners) who can show a guaranteed retirement income — a minimum of ZAR 37,000 per month from a pension, retirement annuity or irrevocable income source, or net assets able to generate that amount. Granted for up to four years (temporary) and renewable; a permanent-residence variant exists for those showing the income for life. Work is not the purpose but may be authorised on application.

Study: May study as a resident
Residency: Direct PR variant where lifetime income is shown
Family: Spouse and dependent children may accompany

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: 1,460 days
Min. income / month: ZAR 37,000

Document checklist (4)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Proof of retirement incomeEvidence of at least ZAR 37,000/month or qualifying net assets.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.
Medical and radiological reportsStandard DHA reports.

Not yet researched

Working Holiday Visa

2 routes

Family & Origin

Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.

Family Reunification Visa

South Africa Relative's Visa

For immediate family members of a South African citizen or permanent resident (e.g. parents, children, siblings) who do not qualify under another category. The sponsoring citizen/resident must provide a financial assurance — the Department requires a minimum income of about ZAR 8,500 per month per sponsored relative. Valid up to two years and renewable; does not permit work or study without endorsement.

Residency: Immediate relatives of citizens/residents may pursue PR

Processing time: 45 days
Validity: 730 days

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Proof of relationshipBirth/marriage certificates proving the family link.
Sponsor's statusID/PR certificate of the SA citizen or permanent resident.
Financial assuranceProof the sponsor meets the ~ZAR 8,500/month threshold.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.

Spouse / Partner Visa

South Africa Spousal / Life-Partner Visa

For the spouse or proven life partner (including same-sex partners) of a South African citizen or permanent resident. The relationship must be shown to be genuine and existing for a qualifying period. The visa can be endorsed to allow work, study or business, and after five years of marriage/partnership the holder may apply for permanent residence.

Residency after 5 years
Family: Issued to the partner; dependent children may be included

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: 1,095 days

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Marriage/partnership proofMarriage certificate or evidence of an existing life partnership.
Sponsor's statusID/PR certificate of the SA partner.
Proof of cohabitation/financial interdependenceFor life partners, evidence the relationship is genuine.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.

Not yet researched

Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation

2 routes

Special Categories

Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.

Talent / Highly Skilled Visa

South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa

For foreigners whose occupation appears on South Africa's published Critical Skills List (e.g. engineering, ICT, health, science). No labour-market test is required, but applicants must prove qualifications and registration with the relevant professional body. Granted for up to five years and a strong route to permanent residence — holders with a job offer may apply for PR directly.

Work: Work in the listed critical-skills occupation
Residency: Direct PR category with a qualifying job offer
Family: Family apply for accompanying visas

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: 1,825 days

Document checklist (6)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Proof of critical skillQualifications and proof the occupation is on the Critical Skills List.
Professional body registrationRegistration/licence with the relevant SA professional body.
SAQA evaluationEvaluation of foreign qualifications.
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence over 12 months.
Medical and radiological reportsStandard DHA reports.

Permanent Residence

South Africa Permanent Residence (Direct Categories)

Permanent residence under section 26 (residency-based — e.g. five years' continuous work visa, or spouse/child of a citizen or resident) and section 27 (direct — critical skills with a job offer, business, retired persons with lifetime income, financially independent). PR confers the right to live, work and study in South Africa indefinitely, with most rights of citizens except voting. Holders must not be absent for over three years to retain status.

Work: Permanent resident; unrestricted work
Study: Permanent resident; may study
Residency: Is permanent residence; citizenship by naturalisation later
Family: Family may hold linked PR/temporary status

Processing time: 240 days

Document checklist (5)

PassportValid passport with blank pages.
Category proofEvidence for the chosen s26/s27 category (work history, job offer, business, income, relationship).
Police clearanceFrom each country of residence since age 18.
Medical and radiological reportsStandard DHA reports.
SAQA evaluationOptionalWhere qualifications underpin the application.

Not yet researched

Religious Worker Visa
Humanitarian / Asylum Route
Journalist / Media Visa
Official / Diplomatic Visa
Long-Term Residence Permit

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