What is the South Africa ETA?

The electronic travel authorisation is South Africa��s online entry permit for visa-required visitors, being phased in to replace paper visa stickers.

What documents do I need?

A passport valid for at least 30 days beyond departure with two blank pages, a recent photo, a confirmed return or onward flight, and proof of accommodation.

How long does it take?

South Africa ETAs and eVisas are usually processed within a few working days. Apply ahead of travel via the official portal.

Are there rules for travelling with children?

Yes. South Africa has strict documentation rules for minors — an unabridged birth certificate is often required, so check the requirements before you travel.

How long can I stay in South Africa?

Tourist entry is generally granted for up to 90 days.

Do you need a South Africa visa?

Planning a trip to South Africa? Most travellers can now skip the embassy queue and apply for the South Africa Tourist eVisa / ETA entirely online. VisitsVisa fills the government form for you, checks every document, and delivers your approved visa by email — usually within 5 days. Most international travellers need a South Africa Tourist eVisa / ETA before they arrive, and the fastest way to get one is to apply for your South Africa visa online rather than queuing at an embassy. Start with a quick eligibility check and we confirm the exact route and documents for your nationality and country of residence.

How do I apply for a South Africa visa online?

Applying for a South Africa Tourist eVisa / ETA with VisitsVisa takes minutes. Complete one simple online form, upload your passport and photo, and pay securely. Our visa experts review every detail against the latest South Africa immigration rules before your application is submitted, which is the single biggest thing you can do to avoid a rejection. Once approved, your South Africa eVisa is emailed to you — there is nothing to collect and no embassy visit — and you can track your South Africa visa application live from any device until it lands in your inbox.

How much does a South Africa visa cost?

A South Africa Tourist eVisa / ETA costs $85 through VisitsVisa. The $85 price is all-inclusive — the government fee and our service fee are already bundled in, so there are no hidden charges at checkout. Every traveller on the trip — including children and infants — needs their own South Africa visa, and you can add multiple applicants to a single order and pay together in one checkout.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Standard South Africa visa processing usually takes 5 days. If you are travelling soon, choose Express at checkout and we prioritise your application, with delivery typically within 24 hours. We recommend applying a few days before departure so your South Africa eVisa is confirmed well ahead of your flight.

How long is a South Africa visa valid and how long can I stay?

The South Africa Tourist eVisa / ETA permits a stay of Up to 90 days and is valid for 3 months from issue (single entry). Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of arrival, as this is the most common reason South Africa applications are refused.

South Africa Visa Online — Price, Requirements & Apply | Tourist eVisa / ETA

South Africa Visa Information

Visa TypeTourist eVisa / ETA

Length of StayUp to 90 days

Validity3 months from issue

EntrySingle entry

MethodPaperless eVisa

We work with trusted global partners to deliver smooth, reliable, and hassle-free visa services, ensuring expert support at every step.

Documents Required

Only 2 Documents

Passport

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date.

Photograph

Recent passport-size photo with a white background.

All documents are securely processed and protected.

Top Places to Visit in South Africa

Cape Town

Kruger National Park

Garden Route

Cape of Good Hope

Blyde River Canyon

Boulders Beach

Track Your Application

How South Africa eVisa Process Works

1
Fill Form
Complete the simple online form.

2
Make Payment
Pay securely online.

Live
3
Upload Document
AI verifies your documents instantly.

4
Submitted to Immigration
Sent to South Africa Immigration.

5
Get Your Visa
Delivered to your email.

Check Your nationality Eligibility

Many Western and African nationalities enter South Africa visa-free. Visa-required travellers use the electronic travel authorisation or eVisa, applied for online before departure — visas are not issued at ports of entry.

Eligible nationalities

161 Countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Many nationalities — including the US, UK, EU and several African states — enter visa-free. Visa-required travellers apply for the ETA / eVisa online before departure. Check your nationality page for the exact rule.

Still have questions?

Our visa experts are here to help you 24/7.

Email Us

How we reviewed this page

Verified

VisitsVisa follows strict sourcing guidelines. The South Africa visa information on this page is verified against official government sources and reviewed by our visa specialists. We avoid using tertiary references and update this page as entry requirements change.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official South Africa visa portal
Official SourceOfficial
South Africa Immigration
Immigration & entry-requirement notices
Official SourceOfficial
IATA Travel Centre
Documentation database
Official SourceOfficial

Last reviewedAugust 2026

Next reviewOctober 2026

Your safety is our priority.Accurate information, always.

South Africa Visa

South Africa Visa Information

Documents Required

Top Places to Visit in South Africa

How South Africa eVisa Process Works

Fill Form

Make Payment

Upload Document

Submitted to Immigration

Get Your Visa

Check Your nationality Eligibility

Eligible nationalities

Frequently Asked Questions

How we reviewed this page