Visitor Visa - Tourist/Leisure (Section 11(1))
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Visitor Visa - Tourist/Leisure (Section 11(1))

Tourist

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

Optional

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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

1

Prepare documents

Gather passport, proof of funds, return ticket

2

Apply at embassy

Submit application at South African embassy or consulate in home country

3

Wait for processing

Processing takes 5-10 working days typically

4

Collect visa

Pick up passport with affixed visa

Application Forms

Visitor Visa Application Form

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