Do I need a visa on arrival for South Africa?

 

Whether you need a visa on arrival for South Africa or not will depend on your nationality. Only eligible citizens can obtain a visa on arrival. Citizens of several countries can obtain their visa upon arrival as long as they meet the requirements.

The South Africa visa on arrival is granted to travelers who are visiting South Africa for tourism purposes. It is a single entry visa and allows a 30-day stay in the country.

From June 2019, the Government of South Africa is implementing a new South Africa electronic visa, which is expected to be available for many of the South Africa visa on arrival countries. The eVisa will also be valid for a single entry stay of up to 30 days in the country. Once implemented, applicants will be able to obtain the eVisa through a simple online South Africa eVisa application form, eliminating the need for long waiting times for a visa on arrival at border entry points.

South Africa visa on arrival countries

 

Citizens of several eligible countries including Australia, Canada, the United States and European Union member countries can obtain a visa on arrival for South Africa. Travelers simply need to meet the South Africa visa on arrival requirements to get their visa at a port of entry.

From June 2019, many of these same countries will be able to obtain a South Africa tourist visa exclusively online through the new South Africa eVisa application. The South Africa online visa is being implemented to expedite the visa application process, and allow eligible citizens to avoid long waits for a visa on arrival at the Lao border.

There are a few nationalities that aren’t required to obtain the visa on arrival. Citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreements with South Africa since 2005. Japan, South Korea, Russia and Switzerland have visa-free access to South Africa and can stay in the country for up to 15 days.

South Africa visa on arrival requirements

 

The requirements for a South Africa visa on arrival are as follows:

  • An original passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in South Africa.
  • A completed visa application form signed by the applicant.
  • Two recent passport-type photographs in color and with a light background.
  • Cash to pay for the visa fee and additional costs if they apply

The visa on arrival application form is available at 22 ports of entry in South Africa or when traveling by plane are given by the airline before landing.

If the traveler does not have a photo, there is an additional fee for scanning the photo from their passport. Those who wish to visit South Africa should also know that there are additional charges for the visa if you arrive between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning, on a weekend, or on a national holiday.

How to get a visa on arrival for South Africa

 

To get a visa on arrival for South Africa the traveler should have all of the documentation listed on this site: their passport, two photographs and the completed form.

On arrival, the traveler should head to the window marked “On Arrival”. The immigration window is only for people who already have the visa.

If the traveler hasn’t already filled the application, it is advised to complete the visa on arrival form by the window. Once completed, the traveler should submit the form and the two photographs to the immigration official at the “on arrival” window.

To finalize the process, the traveler is expected to pay the visa fee in cash. It is possible to pay for this fee in american dollars. After providing all the documentation, travelers are asked to wait. The name of the traveler will be called when their application has been reviewed.

Once it is implemented in June 2019, the South Africa electronic visa will eliminate the need for this complicated application process upon arrival. Applicants will be able to complete a simple form with personal and passport information and receive a copy of the eVisa via email. They will then be able to print a copy to present at the border for an expedited entry into the country.

Main border Checkpoints in South Africa for visa on arrival

 

There are 22 ports of entry where foreign visitors from eligible countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival to enter South Africa. These are the main border checkpoints in South Africa:

International airports:

  • Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital;
  • Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province;
  • Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province;
  • Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet Province.

These are the land border checkpoints where it is possible to get a visa on arrival for South Africa:

Thailand-South Africa:

  • Chiang Khong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
  • Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province;
  • Houi Koln – Nam Ngeun, Nan to Sayabouly Province;
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhai-Vientiane Capital;
  • Tha Naleng train station in Vientiane;
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan-Savannakhet Province;
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province;
  • Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province.

Cambodia-South Africa:

  • Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province.

Vietnam-South Africa:

  • Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
  • Namkan – Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province;
  • Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province;
  • Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province.

China-South Africa:

  • Mohan – Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.

Visa Requirements

 

Travelers who wish to visit South Africa will need to meet the South Africa Visa requirements to be eligible to apply online.

The online visa for South Africa will be launched by the Government of South Africa in June 2019. The full list of South Africa online visa requirements will be confirmed when the online visa system is implemented. Check for updates about the South Africa electronic visa requirements on this website.

Apply for South Africa visa online

Which countries need a visa for South Africa?

 

Several countries will be eligible to obtain an online visa for South Africa. The complete list of eligible countries for South Africa eVisa will be confirmed when the electronic visa is officially released.

EU citizens, North Americans, and Australians can currently get their South Africa visa upon arrival in the country. It is possible that these citizens will be eligible to get their eVisa for South Africa.

Citizens of some African and Middle Eastern countries are required to apply for a tourist visa in advance at a South Africa embassy or consulate.

Citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Japan, South Korea, Russia and Switzerland enjoy visa-free access to South Africa.

What are the travel documents needed to enter South Africa?

 
  • A passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival.
  • Two blank pages on your passport to get the South Africa visa stamp.
  • Two recent colored passport photos with a light background.
  • A copy of your travelling plan.

Eligible citizens for a visa on arrival must possess a completed visa application form with one of the photographs attached to it.

The traveler will have to pay a fee at a South Africa port of entry to get his visa on arrival at a South Africa .

Fees may vary according to their nationality, and date and time of arrival.