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Zebra in Mokala National Park, South Africa

© 123rf.com / Nico Smit

South Africa: visa and passport requirements

Passport required Return ticket required Visa required
Australian Yes Yes No
British Yes Yes No
Canadian Yes Yes No
Other EU Yes Yes No/1
USA Yes Yes No
Passports: 

To enter South Africa, a passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passports must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps - visitors have been refused entry by airport immigration officials for flouting that regulation.

Visas: 

Visas for South Africa are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days on holiday, except some EU countries (1). Contact the embassy for details.

Validity: 

Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.

Application to: 

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Important Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.

Working days: 

The processing period for visas and transit visas is 10 calendar days.

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