Visitor's Visas
How to obtain a visitor's visa
In South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor's permit. You must apply for the correct visa/permit in the country, as it may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not correctly stated.
Visitor’s visas are issued to the following people, among others:
- Those visiting for holiday and family visits, on organised study or tourism packages and for sporting activities;
- Spouses or dependent children accompanying visa or temporary residence permit holders;
- People who intend to apply for permanent residence;
- People that require medical treatments;
- People attending conferences, researchers, and those visiting the country for business purposes.
Additional visa application requirements for the above are:
- Documentation supporting the purpose of the visit;
- Proof of funding for the visit (either a bank statement or a letter from the relevant institution agreeing to provide funding for you).
If you are married to a South African and want to accompany or join your spouse in the country, apply for a visitor’s visa and accompany the application with an affidavit ‘to join spouse’ completed and signed by your spouse. When you arrive in South Africa, you will be issued with a temporary residence permit.
If you are engaged to be married to a South African and want to accompany or join your fiancé(e) in the country, apply for a visitor’s visa and accompany the application with an affidavit completed and signed by your fiancé(e) that you are to be married within three months. When you arrive in South Africa, your visa will be replaced by a temporary residence permit.
More information on the requirements for the visas can be found on the Home Affaires Department site (www.dha.gov.za ).
Also in this section
- Visas: What papers are needed to come to South Africa?
- Visa applications: How to apply for a visa
- Visitor's Visas: How to obtain a visitor's visa
- Residence: Who can become a resident in South Africa?
- Permanent Residence: How to stay permanently in South Africa
- Work permits: Who needs them?
- Student and Exchange Permits: Who needs them?
- Retired Persons and Medical Permits: Who can apply?