South Africa visas
South Africa's visas and entry requirements are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits, while others need a Visitor's Visa or travel authorisation — this varies by nationality, so it is essential to confirm your own situation. The Department operates online systems for travel authorisation (eta.dha.gov.za) and for visas and permits (ehome.dha.gov.za). This hub is a plain-language, high-level orientation and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
Important information
South African visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in South Africa — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to South Africa to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.3 visas
- Study visasStudying in South Africa — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in South Africa — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to South Africa as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in South Africa long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
South African visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to South Africa?
The visa policy of South Africa is the method by which the South African government chooses who is permitted to enter and who is not permitted to enter the country. In order to enter South Africa, visitors must first get a visa from one of the country's diplomatic missions, unless they are travelling from one of the visa-exempt nations, in which case they will be issued a "Port of Entry Visa."
Visitors who seek a visa must submit an application in person and provide biometric information. General visa information for South Africa. Visitors' visas are issued to foreign nationals (citizens of other countries) with permanent residence outside South Africa who wish to visit the country temporarily for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less.
Entry into South Africa
There are no COVID-19 limitations on travel from Ireland to South Africa. There is no necessity to produce immunisation or testing certifications for COVID-19. If you are in South Africa, you should routinely monitor the situation and adhere to the advise of local authorities. South Africa has an extremely high rate of crime, particularly violent crime. The most violent crimes typically occur outside of typical tourist destinations, but you should still take prudent precautions to ensure your safety. Be especially alert if you're attending an event that attracts a huge crowd, such as a sporting game or concert. (See Security and Safety) There are stringent documentation requirements for travellers with children entering or leaving South Africa.
Requirements to apply for a South Africa Visa
You will need the following:
- A passport or other travel document that is valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure date.
- Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements.
- A filled out Form BI-84.
- Payment of the required charge.
Who Can Visit South Africa Without a Visa?
U.S. citizens (passport holders) visiting the Republic of South Africa for tourism or business purposes for less than ninety (90) days do not require visas. Visitors from all other nations are required to obtain a visa prior to entry.
South Africa — key facts
- Entry document
- Depends on nationality
- Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits
- Authority
- Department of Home Affairs
- Republic of South Africa
- ETA
- eta.dha.gov.za
- South Africa's electronic travel authorisation system
- Online applications
- ehome.dha.gov.za
- Official ePermits portal for visas and permits
South African visas — people also ask
It depends on your nationality. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits, while others need a Visitor's Visa or travel authorisation. The rules are set by the Department of Home Affairs, so confirm your own situation on the official website.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.