Visa information

• Tourist Visa
No visas are required for nationals from Commonwealth countries such as the USA, Japan and the European Union (for visits up to 90 days).
For all other nationalities, a visa application must be submitted to the nearest South African embassy in their country.
Validity : 3 months fee : 60 US$
Required documents : Visa application form, valid passport, and 2 passport-sized photos. Other documents might be required depending on nationality.
Delivery time : 2 weeks

• Student Visa
Candidates who wish to enroll at a higher education institution in South Africa are required to apply and obtain a Study Permit before proceeding to South Africa. Such applications should be submitted to the nearest South African embassy in their country.
Validity : depends on duration of studies
Fee : 200 US$
Required documents : study permit application form, passport valid for one year, an official letter of provisional admission from the institution concerned, financial guarantees, medical certificate and insurance, a repatriation guarantee (cash deposit equal to a return ticket to the country of residence).

• Working Visa
Foreign students are not allowed to work in South Africa. However, a provision has been made for students who have to do practical work as part of their research at either the university where they are studying or a related organization. In such cases a formal application for a Working Permit should be submitted to the nearest South African embassy in the student’s country of origin.
Fee : 200 US$
Required documents : work permit application form, passport valid for one year, employment contract, letter of motivation from the employer, and a medical and police report.