Visa requirements for South Africans
Plain-English guides to the visas South African passport holders apply for most — what each embassy wants, what it costs, how long it takes, and where the applications usually fail.
Schengen visa
South African passport holders need a Schengen visa for short stays in 29 European countries. You apply at the embassy or visa centre of your main destination — the country where you'll spend the most nights.
UK Standard Visitor visa
South Africans need a Standard Visitor visa to enter the UK for tourism, family visits or business meetings. The application is fully online, followed by a biometrics appointment at a UK visa centre in South Africa.
US B1/B2 visitor visa
The US B1/B2 visa covers tourism, family visits and business travel. South Africans apply online with the DS-160 form, pay the MRV fee and attend an in-person interview at the consulate in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
UAE tourist visa
South African passport holders can get a UAE tourist visa online through an airline, hotel or accredited agent. There is no embassy interview and approvals are usually issued within a few working days.
Thailand tourist visa
South Africans travelling to Thailand for tourism apply for a tourist visa through the Royal Thai Embassy's e-Visa system before departure. Requirements are straightforward but financial proof is checked closely.
Turkey e-Visa
Turkey is one of the easiest visas for a South African passport — an online e-Visa, usually approved the same day, with no embassy appointment and no biometrics.
China tourist (L) visa
The Chinese L visa covers tourism and family visits. South Africans apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre with a detailed day-by-day itinerary — the itinerary is the part most applicants get wrong.
South African visitor visa
Visiting South Africa from a country that isn't visa exempt? We prepare inbound visitor visa applications and supporting travel documents — flights, accommodation and a compliant itinerary — for travellers arriving into Cape Town.
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