South Africa•AfricaVisitor Visa - Tourist/Leisure (Section 11(1))
At a Glance
Processing Time
0-56 days
Application Fee
Free
Stay Duration
90 days
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Not Specified
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Short-term visa for tourism and recreational visiting, valid for up to 90 days. Allows visitors to explore South Africa for leisure purposes without engaging in employment.
The Tourist/Leisure Visitor Visa is designed for short-term tourism and recreational visits to South Africa. It is the most common visa type for travelers visiting South Africa for holiday purposes. Visa-exempt nationals receive this automatically at port of entry, while others must apply in advance.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
30 days after intended return date months
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 30 days validity after intended departure, 2 blank pages minimum
Passport photo
Recent photograph
Proof of funds
Evidence of financial means to support stay
Return ticket
Proof of return travel or funds to purchase
Accommodation proof
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Travel itinerary
Purpose and outline of visit
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Short processing time (5-10 working days)
- Extendable while in country
- No employment restrictions to comply with
- Valid for multiple entries in some cases
Considerations
- Limited to 90 days per entry
- Cannot engage in employment
- Cannot engage in paid work or business
- Not a pathway to residency
Application Process
Prepare documents
Gather passport, proof of funds, return ticket
Apply at embassy
Submit application at South African embassy or consulate in home country
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5-10 working days typically
Collect visa
Pick up passport with affixed visa
Application Forms
Visitor Visa Application Form
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa