This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated December 2024
South Africa draws tourists with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, dynamic cities, and rich cultural heritage that resonates with people across the globe. Discovering this hidden gem in the southern hemisphere is now a convenient process, thanks to South Africa’s electronic visa system, which simplifies the application process and promotes accessibility and security.
In this article, Wego tells you everything you need to know about obtaining a digital visa for South Africa.
Table of Contents
What is the South Africa eVisa?
The online eVisa service in South Africa offers a hassle-free and secure way to apply for an electronic visa through the Department of Home Affairs. This service allows direct communication with the department in charge of processing and approving eVisas for travelers entering South Africa.
With a straightforward four-step process, applicants can easily submit all necessary information and conveniently monitor the status and outcome of their applications.
Book cheap flights to South Africa
Eligible countries
Please note that the South African eVisa system is currently only available for citizens from the following nationalities:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Belarus
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Comoros
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- France
- Germany
- Ghana
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Japan
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Lithuania
- Mali
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- People’s Republic of China
- Philippines
- Republic of Guinea
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Slovakia
- Uganda
How to apply for the South Africa eVisa?
Requirements
Here are the documents you must submit in order to obtain an eVisa for South Africa.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date in South Africa and with at least two blank pages for stamps.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip, such as bank statements for the last three months.
- Proof of travel plans, including proof of accommodation and an onward or return ticket.
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable) if you’re coming from or transiting through a country with a high risk of yellow fever.
Application process
To begin your application, visit the official South Africa eVisa portal and follow the steps below:
- Register and create your profile by providing information such as name, passport number, country of residence, email address etc.
- Access the online application form and fill in the necessary information.
- Upload the required documents to support your eVisa submission.
- To complete your application, you must pay the application fee and upload the proof of payment.
Once the eVisa is approved, a notification will be made available on your eVisa online portal.
Please note that you must print a copy to bring with you your passport and bring it along when you travel to South Africa. When you arrive in South Africa, you must have your e-visa notification printout and your passport at all times.
Cost
The cost of the eVisa you apply for will be presented to you during the capture and completion of your application form. The fee is stated in South African Rands (ZAR).
Please note that fees are not refundable once paid, regardless of whether your visa is approved, denied or unused.
How to check the status and validity of South Africa eVisa?
Each country has different entry rules into South Africa. As such, the validity of an eVisa to South Africa varies by type and country. Validity periods are stated when the eVisa is issued. In general, most countries have a validity period of up to 90 days.
Progress and status updates on your application can be obtained via the dashboard on your South Africa eVisa online portal, by signing in with your email address, passport number and password.
