Visa requirements and info

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA: GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

Foreigners subject to South African visa control who wish to visit the RSA for holiday, business or transit purposes must be in possession of valid and acceptable passports/travel documents and visas. Visas must be obtained at the South African Missions abroad prior to travel to South Africa.

Consular Section is opened for public Monday – Friday, 9.00 – 12.00

Processing period for visas is 5 days.

Visa application form (BI-84E) must be completed in English and in black ink only.

All documentation accompanying the application must be in English.

The passport must have at least two blank pages upon application.

Please note that the applicants may submit the application in person or by courier service. The documents may be collected in the same manner.

Additional documentation to prove the bona fides of the visit such as proof of registration of the company may be requested.

VISA REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF:

• TRANSIT
• TOURISM
• BUSINESS VISIT
• PRIVATE VISIT
• TRAINING PURPOSES AND STUDY UP TO THREE MONTHS
• SPORT PURPOSES
• RESEARCH (UP TO THREE MONTHS)
• MEDICAL TREATMENT
• INTENDED MARRIAGE (VISA VALID FOR 3 MONTHS)

TRANSIT

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA and which contains at least two blank pages in for endorsement of the visa and for entry/departure stamps.

Proof of status in the Russian Federation or Belarus. 

Proof of sufficient financial means: original 3 months bank or credit card statements or 3 months’ salary advices.

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Copy of flight itinerary. 

In the case of a minor: birth certificate and official consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be translated and certified at the Public Notary. 

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt (Yellow fever belt).

TOURISM

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letters of invitation from the South African travel agencies accompanied by detailed itinerary must be submitted (copies are applicable) or the hotel booking for the whole period of visit to the Republic.

Confirmation of employment in original reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave, granted for the period of visit:

Proof of financial means: original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months or original confirmation of purchase of travel cheques (copy of confirmation and copies of cheques must be attached)

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be translated and certified at the Public Notary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

BUSINESS VISIT

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming in detail purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African business company or institution.

An original letter from the Russian/Belorussian company confirming the purpose and duration of the visit

Proof of sufficient financial means: bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months or guarantee from either company confirming acceptance of responsibility for all expenditure on accommodation and incidental costs.

The profile of the company may be requested. 

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

PRIVATE VISIT

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: original letter of invitation from the South African host, stating purpose, period of visit, origin of relationship, residing address in the RSA. If the SA host guarantees to pay all expenses i.r.o. the guest whilst in the RSA, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation and original bank statement i.r.o. the SA host must be submitted. 

Copy of ID or other proof of legal residence status of the host in South Africa

Confirmation of employment in original reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave, granted for the period of visit:

Proof of financial means: original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months. If the host accepts financial responsibility, original proof of sufficient financial means in the form of bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months and a written undertaking must be submitted. 

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be translated and certified at the Public Notary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

TRAINING PURPOSES AND STUDY UP TO THREE MONTHS

Please note that any study related visit for up to three months will be regulated on a visitor’s visa, but for a visit longer than three months the applicant must apply for a study permit. In the case of practical training of a foreign student or in-house practical training of a foreign employee, the Act now makes provision for these persons to be regulated on study permits, irrespective of the period of their visit.

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from the South African employer confirming the need for training, duration of stay and that the applicant will return to his current job on completion of his training. In case of study up to three months a letter from educational organisation stating purpose, duration of the course and confirmation of payment for the course must be submitted (copies are acceptable)

Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and duration of visit is required. If such letter also guarantees payment of all expenses, the confirmation of employment reflecting salary details and proof of financial means are not required.

Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case if there is no financial guarantee from the SA host or the company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months.

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be translated and certified at the Public Notary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

SPORT PURPOSES

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from the South African sport organisation, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit (copies are applicable). If the South African sport organisation takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.      

A letter from the club/organisation, represented by the applicant stating purpose and period of visit (copies are acceptable). If this club/organisation takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter.      

Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case if there is no financial guarantee from the SA host or the   company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be translated and certified at the Public Notary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

RESEARCH (UP TO THREE MONTHS)

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African inviting organisation (copies are applicable). If the South African inviting organisation takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.      

Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and duration of visit is required. If such letter also guarantees payment of all expenses, the confirmation of employment reflecting salary details and proof of financial means are not required.

Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case if there is no financial guarantee from the SA inviting organisation or the company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

MEDICAL TREATMENT

Any medical related visit up to three months will be regulated on a visitor’s visa, but for a visit longer than three months the applicant must apply for a medical permit.

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

A letter from the applicant’s medical practitioner or medical institution, indicating the reason/ necessity for treatment. The period of treatment and particulars of the treatment plans in the      Republic.

Proof of funds available to cover cost of medical treatment.

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary

For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be translated and certified at the Public Notary

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

A repatriation guarantee may be requested.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

INTENDED MARRIAGE (VISA VALID FOR 3 MONTHS)

A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English

Two coloured recent passport type photographs attached to the application in the space provided. (Photo specifications for visas). 

A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA

Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements

Copy of internal passport: identification pages only

Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: original letter of invitation from the South African fiance, stating purpose of visit, origin of relationship, residing address in the RSA.

Original bank statement i.r.o. the SA host. 

Copy of ID or immigration permit i.r.o. the SA host.

Proof of marital status i.r.o. the SA fiancé and the applicant

If accompanied by children born out of previous marriage – birth certificate i.r.o. the child and consent of biological father/mother that the child may accompany father/mother and may live permanently in the RSA (copies, certified and translated into English at the Public Notary must be submitted).

Repatriation guarantee in all cases.

Visa processing fee 2300 Rubles. 

Proof of flight itinerary (one way ticket is applicable)

Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.

The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL COMPANIES FOR REGISTRATION AT THE EMBASSY:

Introductory letter of the company on original letter-head contained full details (contact names and telephone numbers): in English.

In case the Travel Company is an operator – confirmation of registration at the Federal Tourism Register is required.

In case the Travel Company is an agency – confirmation of registration with Tax Inspection and confirmation of tourism activity in the Charter of the company is required. 

Visa FEES

• The prescribed fee is 51 Euro or 2300 Rubles 

SCHEDULE OF FEES

Fees applicable only in the RF/BELORUSSIA 
(effective 1 April 2009)