Information on visa applications

Visa applications should be submitted to the Embassy Monday through Friday, from 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs. Visa applicants should fulfil the following formalities:

Ø      Fill in a visa application form to be collected from the consular section at the above-mentioned dates and times;

Ø      Attach the following documents:

-         a valid passport or travel document with at least TWO EMPTY PAGES in the passport;

-         a return air ticket (tickets without confirmed return trip are not acceptable);

-         two passport-type photograph;

-         a letter of invitation;

-         a copy of the relevant pages of the passport;

-         a confirmed hotel booking;

-         a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Immunization is a requirement, if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or Southern America;

-         a guarantee of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the sojourn (about 50,000 CFAF per day in the form of travellers’ cheques, international credit card or cash).

OFFICIAL

Visa applicants going on an assignment to South Africa must submit a travel authorization. A Note Verbale is required for holders of diplomatic or service passports.    

BUSINESS

Business visitors must supply details of their customers in South Africa. The nature of the business they wish to conduct in South Africa must be fully explained. If necessary, a separate letter must be attached.  

TOURISM

Visitors on a private or tourism visit who wish to stay with relatives or friends should provide a work certificate and a leave certificate. A letter of invitation with the contact details and status of their relative or friend living in the Republic of South Africa and ensuring their return at the end of the visit must be attached. If the host is a South African citizen, a copy of his/her identity card will be required. In case he/she is a foreigner, a copy of his/her work permit will be required.  

MEDICAL

Applicants for a medical visa should provide a letter from their family doctors specifying the nature of their disease, the reasons for the treatment in South Africa and the duration of the treatment. A letter from their usual doctors in South Africa with confirmed appointment and a letter of undertaking to pay for the costs will also be required. 

WORKERS OR STUDENTS

Applicants who intend to work or study in South Africa should first have a work or study permit. Special conditions must be fulfilled for the issuance of such permits. Enquire from the consular section.

VISA FEES

Nationals of certain countries are subject to the payment of visa fees amounting to 32,000 CFAF payable when submitting the application. Visa fees are not refundable. Senegalese citizens are exempted from the payment of visa fees.

PROCESSING TIME

Visa applications are processed within a period of three (3) working days.

IMPORTANT

In case your application is refused and you wish to know the grounds for such refusal, please write to the Consul. No information shall be given over the phone or to any third party.

The visa granted by the Embassy only allows the holder thereof to proceed to a port of entry.
The sojourn in South Africa is governed by the temporary residence permit issued by the immigration authorities on arrival at the port of entry. Visitors who wish to extend the duration of their sojourn beyond the date of expiry of their residence permit should apply to the nearest office of the South African Ministry of Interior.