🇿🇦South Africa Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Africa· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for South Africa?
It depends on your passport. Out of 197 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 94 enter South Africa visa-free and 103 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
Visa-free
94
nationalities
E-visa
103
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for South Africa
A transit visa exists for travellers changing planes or passing through without entering the country.
- Stay:
- 5 days
- Fee:
- 425 ZAR
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (dha.gov.za), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
South Africa visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime South Africa applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
South Africa visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category South Africa publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | 425 ZAR | Portal | |||
| Business visa | Business | 3 years | 1,520 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Critical Skills Visa | Work | 5 years | 1,520 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| General Work Visa | Work | 5 years | 1,520 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Remote Work Visitor visa | Work | 3 years | 425 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Study visa | Study | Duration of programme | 425 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Spousal visa | Family | 2 years (renewable) | 0-425 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Retired Person Visa | Retirement | 4 years | 425 ZAR | 8 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Transit visa | Transit | 5 days | 425 ZAR | 5 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Pretoria
Population
64,386,489
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR R)
Languages
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Tsonga, South Ndebele, North Ndebele
Continent
Africa
Calling code
+27
Timezone
Africa/Johannesburg
Area
1,219,912 km²
Government
Parliamentary Republic
National day
April 27 - Freedom Day
Internet domain
.za
About
South Africa is Africa's richest country with a solid and diversified economy. It has a robust financial sector, competitive manufacturing industry, and abundant natural resources. The country has 64.39 million inhabitants distributed among 80.2% Black, 8.8% Coloured, 8.4% White, and 2.5% Asian populations.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(High)
- Avoid nighttime travel in urban areas
- Do not display valuables
- Use official taxis or secure transport services
- Remain vigilant in public transportation
Terrorism(Low)
- Low terrorist risk but to monitor
- Consult official travel advisories before departure
Transport
- Prefer official taxis or private transport services
- Drive cautiously and avoid nighttime trips
- Check the condition of the rental vehicle
Natural risks(Minor earthquakes possible, seasonal droughts)
- Prepare for seasonal weather variations
- Check weather forecasts before travel
Health(High-quality private healthcare system in urban areas, limited public services)
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended
- Malaria prevention in certain regions
- International health insurance strongly recommended
- Access to medications generally good in pharmacies
Practical tips
- Register your contact details with your embassy
- Keep copies of important documents
- Avoid political demonstrations
- Strictly respect local laws
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Johannesburg · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Left
Safe in major urban areas
10-15% at restaurants, optional for services
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
South Africa
Pixabay
South Africa
Frans van Heerden
South Africa
Theo Topolevsky
South Africa
Chané Bruwer
South Africa
Corné Nel
South Africa
Magda Ehlers
South Africa
Marina Zvada
South Africa
Adrien Olichon
South Africa
Travel with Lenses
South Africa
Adrien Olichon
South Africa
Andrew Harvard
South Africa
Pixabay
South Africa
K
South Africa
Andrew Harvard
South Africa
Joshua Bull
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Car rental (DiscoverCars)
Compare local rental companies, free cancellation on most offers.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to South Africa?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for South Africa across 197 nationalities: 94 visa-free, 103 with an e-visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a South Africa visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 425 ZAR (Short-stay (tourism)). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for South Africa?▾
South Africa issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 5 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to South Africa?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate to high risk depending on regions. Urban areas pose crime risks, while main tourist areas are generally safe.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in South Africa?▾
The official currency is South African Rand (ZAR R). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of South Africa?▾
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria. The main spoken languages are: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Tsonga, South Ndebele, North Ndebele.
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