The South African government offers three types of visas for travelers wishing to enter the country: business, tourist, and social (tourist). There is also an e-visa available online at www.southafrica.net/evisa/.
The country is one of the most beautiful African countries to visit, hence the question, “how much is a South Africa Visa?”
South Africa visa fee in Nigeria 2023
The cost of applying for a South African visa from Nigeria is NGN25,470, including service charges. However, due to the fluctuation in dollars, the prices might constantly change. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the application to be processed once it is received.
Types of South Africa Visa
Visitor’s Visa
The visitor visa is the most common type of visa. You must apply for this if you intend to stay longer than 90 days and less than six months in South Africa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. However, it can be extended by an additional 30 days at a time up to a maximum of 1 year.
Business Visa
If you wish to visit South Africa for business, you must apply for this visa before traveling. This visa allows individuals with business interests in South Africa to enter into trade agreements with local businesses or conduct research or surveys on behalf of a company within the country. The duration of this visa varies from person to person depending on their purpose of travel and how long they intend to stay in South Africa.
Emigration Visa
Suppose you want to permanently move from your home country and live in South Africa. In that case, you will need an emigration visa which allows people who want to settle in South Africa permanently through employment or as self-employed persons in specific categories of occupation, provided that they meet certain requirements set out by the authority.
Tourist Visa
This single-entry visa is valid for 90 days. It allows you to stay in the country for 30 days. Before traveling, you can apply for this visa through any South African embassy or consulate in your home country. You must show proof that you have sufficient funds and/or credit cards to finance your stay while in South Africa, as well as proof of onward travel arrangements at the time of application, such as airline tickets or hotel reservations.
Student Visa
This is for people who plan on studying in South Africa, including international students and those who are studying at an institution in South Africa but don’t have a permanent resident status yet. You’ll need this if you’re applying for a study permit or have already been accepted into a course at a recognized university or tertiary education institution in South Africa.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for and Process a South African Visa
The South African Department of Home Affairs is responsible for issuing visas to foreign citizens. The visa application process can be completed online or in person at the nearest embassy. Applicants must submit a passport valid for at least six months, a visa application form, and supporting documents.
The department of home affairs website has all the information you need to apply for a South African visa. After checking your eligibility, you can download the application form, pay online and print out your appointment letter. The next step is to print out your visa letter, which will contain instructions on collecting your passport with the visa once it has been issued.
Visas are not required for citizens from countries that have signed bilateral agreements with South Africa, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Citizens from these countries can stay for 90 days without a permit or visa.
To apply for a South African visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed application form.
- One passport-size photograph with a white background was taken within the last six months.
- A copy of your round-trip ticket or an itinerary showing all travel dates to and from South Africa.
- Passport (with at least six months validity). Your passport must be valid minimally for six months beyond the date you intend to leave South Africa. If you plan to travel in Africa before going to another country, you will need a minimum of 5 blank pages in your passport for visas and stamps.
- A copy of your passport (both sides). You will need to scan or photograph both sides of your passport and send it as an attachment with your application form.
- Proof of travel insurance (must cover medical expenses). You will need evidence that you have adequate travel insurance covering medical expenses in case of an accident or illness while traveling abroad. You can purchase such insurance from any reputable company, including those outside South Africa. Still, purchasing from a company licensed by our Financial Services Board (FSB) is advisable.
To apply for a South African visa, you will need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Complete the online application form
Step 2: Collect the documents required by your visa type
Step 3: Pay the visa fee
Step 4: Submit your application
Step 5: Track your application status
You can apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs website. This is usually done by post, and the application process can take up to 6 weeks. It’s also possible to apply for a visa at an international passport stamping office.
When do I apply for a South African visa?
You should apply for your visa at least three months before you want to travel to South Africa. If you are traveling to South Africa on business, we recommend that you apply at least four months before your trip.
How long will my South African visa stay before getting ready?
The visa processing time depends on the type and where you are applying for the visa. It can take anywhere between one week and several weeks for certain visas, so it is advised that you apply for your visa at least three months before your trip, if possible. For example, if you are traveling from the UK or Europe, please allow at least six weeks for processing times as this is our busiest area.
Can I apply for more than one type of visa simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for multiple different types of visas at the same time. For instance, if you want to apply for both a business and tourist visa, you can apply for both types of visas on separate forms. You will then receive one receipt for both applications, which you can use as proof that you have applied for both types of visas at once instead of having to submit two separate receipts later on when we start processing your applications!
Can my spouse and children travel with me to South Africa?
Yes, your spouse and children (up to 23) can accompany you on your trip to South Africa.
How long does it take for me to receive my e-visa once I submit my application online?
Once we receive your application and payment, we will send you an email within 24 hours confirming that we have received it. The processing time for an e-visa is approximately seven business days from the date of submission by our office.
What are the requirements for applying for an e-visa?
- You must be: 18 years or older;
- A legal resident in one of the eligible countries;
- Must not have a criminal record, and
- Have access to a valid passport with at least six months of validation beyond your intended departure date from South Africa
Conclusion
South Africa visa is one of the most affordable visas you can get from Nigeria. You should visit the South Africa visa website to check whether you meet the criteria and is eligible before beginning the application process, regardless of the visa type you are applying for.
Each visa type has its peculiar requirements. Ensure you confirm and ascertain that from the South African Embassy in Nigeria or online at the South Africa Visa website. It is advised to go through the South African Embassy or approved agencies when applying for the visa. Ensure to report any form of irregularities experienced during the visa application.