Services · Visitors
Visitors visa
Many routes exist for short stays in South Africa - from visa-exempt entry for qualifying passports to embassy-issued visitor visas where required. The right option depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and how long you intend to stay.
Section 11(1) - tourist / holiday
Where a visitor visa is required, it is typically obtained at a South African mission abroad. It allows entry for a defined period (often up to three months, depending on the grant) and may be renewable in-country in some cases - always subject to Home Affairs discretion and your circumstances.
Visa-exempt entry (Section 10(a))
Nationals of certain countries may receive a port-of-entry visa for holiday purposes for a period not exceeding three months, with possible extension once for a further three months in appropriate cases. Passport category and purpose must align with immigration rules at the time of travel.
Short-term business or meetings
Some itineraries require specific visa categories rather than a standard visitor visa - for example where short-term work activities are involved. Getting this wrong can create compliance issues at the border. We map your itinerary to the correct route.
Disclaimer: Immigration instructions change. This summary is not legal advice. We confirm options against the latest requirements for your passport and travel purpose.