Visitor's visa for tourism (section 11(1)), with Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or port of entry visa
Citizens of countries on South Africa's exemption list (for example EU states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina) can visit without a visa, usually for up to 90 days and for some countries 30 days; they receive a section 11(1) visitor's visa on arrival. Travellers from visa-required countries must get a port of entry visa before travelling, either online through the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for arrivals at the four main airports, through the eVisa system where available, or at a South African mission. Visitor's visas cover tourism and visits for up to 90 days and do not allow work.
1 entry rule for South Africa based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers over 1 year arriving from a WHO yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) must show a valid yellow fever certificate. Without one: may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days or until the certificate becomes valid.
National Department of Health (South Africa): Health Protocols for Travellers Arriving in South Africa (2026) WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Visiting South Africa
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
Life in South Africa
Money
3
Currency
South African Rand
ZAR
South African Rand
Cost of living
43
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
18–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15% · social security 1%
45% applies to taxable income above R1,878,600 (2027 tax year); rebates create an effective tax-free threshold.
Living
1
Happiness
#99 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals living outside South Africa who want to visit for tourism, family or business meetings for 90 days or less.
Eligibility
Exempt or visa-required
Check the DHA list of passports exempt from port of entry visas; if yours is not on it, get a visa before you travel.
90 or 30 days
Visa-exempt stay periods · depends on passport, per DHA list
- Visas are not issued at ports of entry
- Airlines must refuse boarding without a required visa
Official wording
DHA publishes a list of passports exempt from port of entry visas and the period (90 or 30 days). If your passport is not on it, you need a visa before travelling; visas are not issued at ports of entry and airlines must refuse boarding without one.
Residence outside South Africa
You need permanent residence outside South Africa and must be visiting temporarily for tourism or business.
90 days or less
Maximum stay
Official wording
Visitor's visas are for people with permanent residence outside South Africa visiting temporarily for tourism or business for 90 days or less.
ETA routeETA
Apply online for an ETA if you hold a valid ordinary passport and will land at one of four named airports.
- Airports: O. R. Tambo, Cape Town, Lanseria, King Shaka
- Visa-required travellers get a section 10(a) port of entry visa
- Visa-exempt travellers may also apply to speed up border processing
Official wording
Holders of valid ordinary passports may apply online if they will land at O. R. Tambo, Cape Town, Lanseria or King Shaka international airports. Visa-required travellers get a section 10(a) port of entry visa; visa-exempt travellers may also apply to speed up border processing.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPassport validity
- Document checklistPassport valid at least 30 days after the visit (7 months for ETA) with an unused page
- FeesVisitor's visa (section 11), including renewals
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 4 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in South Africa
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- DHA, Countries exempt from South African visas
- DHA, Types of visas (visitor's visa requirements and fee-liable countries)
- DHA, Fees (updated August 2026, Gazette 55209)
- DHA, Turnaround times for visas and permits
- DHA, South African ETA – home and FAQs
- SAnews (GCIS), SA rolls out Electronic Travel Authorisation, 14 May 2026
Other routes to South Africa
- StudyStudy Visa
- Work permitsCritical Skills Work Visa (section 19(4), Immigration Act 13 of 2002)
- FamilyRelative's Visa, including spouse and life partner
- Investors & entrepreneursRemote Work Visa - visitor's visa under section 11(1)(b)(iv) for remote work
- Asylum & protectionAsylum application at a Refugee Reception Office
- Work permitsGeneral Work Visa (section 19(2), Immigration Act 13 of 2002)
