Apply for your South Africa visa before you even book your tickets to this country to the far south of the Dark Continent. The visa allows for the South African immigration to keep checks on who is entering the country and barring any serious problems with your record, visas are mostly approved - so don't worry and simply just follow the procedure below.
Who needs a South African visa: Technically, every American citizen would need to hold a visa before entering South Africa, but there are a few exceptions. These include any stay that is shorter than 90 days in the country, and when you are in transit. These restrictions and exceptions apply even to holders to diplomatic or official passports.
Procedure: If you are expecting to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days, then you will be required to have a visa before entering the country. Complete the application and have an approved visa before you enter! To apply for a South African visa, fill in the BI-84 form found on the South African Department of Home Affairs website.
You must then bring the form, fees and required documents to the South African diplomatic or consular representative (such as a mission or embassy) to submit for processing. South African missions in the United States are located in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles. You might also be able to get your travel agent to submit the application for you.
Processing time generally takes up to four weeks, and might even take longer if you don't submit the documents directly to the consulate itself. Keep this in mind and apply early.
Other Things to Know: South African regulations stipulate that all travelers passing through and coming from the Yellow Fever belt in Africa - including regions such as Ethiopia, Nigeria and Kenya, amongst others - must be vaccinated against the virus. If traveling through these regions, a vaccination certificate will need to accompany your visa application.
Cost: The cost of applying for a South African visa is currently US$37.
Documents: When applying for a visa for South Africa, be sure to bring along your passport that is valid for at least 30 days before you leave the country, and containing at least one blank page. You must also bring along the proof of booking of your airline ticket, and two identity photographs. All forms must also be accompanied by the applications fees, support documents confirming the purpose of the visit, and if necessary, the vaccination certificate.
Validity: The South African visa allows you to obtain a temporary permit of entry when you arrive at the immigration. The permit of entry is only valid for the duration you intend to remain in the country, and be sure to get your extension done well before the permit expires at any Home Affairs office in South Africa. There are extra fees for the extension of your visa.
South Africa is truly a place of any traveler's dream. Be sure you can enjoy it without worries; remember to apply for your visa!
Visit often to learn more information from our updated South Africa Visa.
