Is a South Africa tourist visa free?

Yes, citizens of many countries including the UK, US, EU nations, Canada, Australia, and others receive a visa-free entry stamp for 90 days. Countries that do require a tourist visa pay approximately R1,520 ($82 USD). Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the full exemption list.

How much does a South Africa work visa cost?

A South Africa general work visa costs R1,520 ($82 USD) for the application. A critical skills visa also costs R1,520. Additional costs include medical reports ($50-$100), police clearance ($30-$50), and SAQA qualification evaluation (R1,360). Employer-sponsored intra-company transfer visas are also R1,520.

Do I need a visa for South Africa from the UK?

No, UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to South Africa. You receive a free 90-day entry stamp on arrival. For stays longer than 90 days, or for work/study purposes, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the South African High Commission in London.

How long does a South Africa visa take to process?

Tourist visas (where required) take 5-10 working days. Work visas take 8-12 weeks. Study visas take 4-6 weeks. Critical skills visas take 4-8 weeks. Applications through VFS Global may add 2-3 days for courier handling.

What are the penalties for overstaying a South Africa visa?

Overstaying in South Africa results in being declared an undesirable person under the Immigration Act. Overstay of less than 30 days results in a 12-month ban. 30 days or more results in a 2-year ban. Overstay of more than 2 years leads to a 5-year ban from entering South Africa.

South Africa Visa Fees 2026 - Complete Cost Guide

South Africa offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries. For those who do need a visa, here is a complete breakdown of costs, processing times, and requirements.

Good News: Citizens of over 70 countries can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, including the UK, US, EU, Canada, and Australia.

South Africa Visa Fee Schedule 2026

Visa Type	Duration	Fee (ZAR)	Fee (USD approx.)	Processing Time
Tourist Visa (Visa-Exempt Countries)	Up to 90 days	Free	Free	On arrival stamp
Tourist/Visitor Visa	Up to 90 days	R1,520	~$82	5-10 working days
Business Visa	Up to 90 days	R1,520	~$82	10-15 working days
Transit Visa	Up to 5 days	R1,520	~$82	5-10 working days
General Work Visa	Up to 5 years	R1,520	~$82	8-12 weeks
Critical Skills Visa	Up to 5 years	R1,520	~$82	4-8 weeks
Intra-Company Transfer Visa	Up to 4 years	R1,520	~$82	8-12 weeks
Study Visa	Duration of study	R1,520	~$82	4-6 weeks
Relative's Visa	Up to 2 years	R1,520	~$82	8-12 weeks
Retired Person Visa	Up to 4 years	R1,520	~$82	8-12 weeks
Diplomatic/Official Visa	Varies	Gratis	Free	5-10 working days

Visa-Free Countries (90 Days)

Citizens of the following regions typically enter South Africa visa-free for tourism stays of up to 90 days:

Europe

United Kingdom
All EU countries
Norway, Switzerland
Iceland

Americas

United States
Canada
Brazil
Argentina, Chile

Asia-Pacific

Australia
New Zealand
Japan, South Korea
Singapore

Some nationalities receive 30 days instead of 90. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the complete list.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Item	Cost (Approx.)	Required For
VFS Global service fee	$30-$50	All VFS applications
Medical certificate	$50-$100	Work and study visas
Police clearance	$30-$50	Work, study, and long-term visas
SAQA qualification evaluation	R1,360 (~$74)	Work and critical skills visas
Courier/return postage	$15-$30	All postal applications
Biometric enrolment	Included in VFS fee	All applicants

Where to Apply

VFS Global Centres: South Africa uses VFS Global for visa processing in most countries. Applications must be submitted in person at a VFS centre.
South African Embassies/High Commissions: Direct application at the embassy is sometimes possible for complex cases
Department of Home Affairs: For extensions and changes of status while in South Africa

South Africa does not currently offer an e-Visa or visa on arrival for non-exempt nationalities.

Payment Methods

At VFS Global:

Cash (local currency)
Bank drafts / money orders
Credit/debit cards (most centres)

At Embassies:

Bank drafts payable to the embassy
Money orders
Some accept card payments

Children Travelling to South Africa

South Africa has strict rules for children travelling:

Children pay the same visa fee as adults (R1,520 where applicable)
Unabridged birth certificate required for all children under 18
If travelling with one parent: consent affidavit from absent parent + their ID copy
If travelling alone: parental consent letters from both parents + their ID copies
These requirements apply even to visa-exempt nationalities

Overstay Penalties

South Africa imposes severe penalties for overstaying your visa.

Overstay Duration	Penalty
Less than 30 days	12-month ban from South Africa
30 days to 2 years	2-year ban from South Africa
More than 2 years	5-year ban from South Africa

Extension option: Apply at the Department of Home Affairs at least 60 days before your visa expires to extend your stay.

Quick Reference

Tourist (Exempt): Free (90 days)
Tourist (Non-Exempt): R1,520 (~$82)
Business Visa: R1,520 (~$82)
Work Visa: R1,520 (~$82)
Study Visa: R1,520 (~$82)
Processing: 5-10 days (tourist)
Yellow Fever: Only if from endemic area
Currency: Rand (ZAR)

Important Notes

70+ countries are visa-exempt
All non-tourist visas require VFS appointment
Unabridged birth certificate needed for children
No e-Visa currently available
Fees non-refundable once submitted