South Africa offers a variety of visa types depending on the purpose of your visit. Below are the most common visa categories:

1. Tourist Visa

• Purpose: For individuals visiting South Africa for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure activities.
• Validity: Typically granted for up to 90 days.
• Application: Available for nationals of countries that require a visa to visit South Africa.

2. Business Visa

• Purpose: For those traveling to South Africa for business meetings, conferences, and related professional activities.
• Validity: Valid for the duration of the business activity, typically up to 90 days.

3. Visitor Visa

• Purpose: For those visiting family, friends, or for short-term purposes not covered by a tourist visa.
• Validity: Usually issued for up to 90 days.

4. Transit Visa

• Purpose: For travelers passing through South Africa to another country.
• Validity: Valid for up to 72 hours.

5. Study Visa

• Purpose: For individuals intending to study at an accredited educational institution in South Africa.
• Validity: Granted for the duration of the course or program.

6. Work Visa

• Purpose: For individuals offered employment in South Africa.
• Types: General Work Visa, Critical Skills Work Visa, and Intra-company Transfer Visa.
• Validity: Dependent on the type of visa and employment contract.

7. Spousal Visa

• Purpose: For individuals married to South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Validity: Granted based on marriage and relationship duration.

8. Retirement Visa

• Purpose: For retirees who wish to live in South Africa.
• Validity: Generally issued for up to 4 years.

9. Religious Visa

• Purpose: For individuals intending to engage in religious activities or work with religious organizations in South Africa.
• Validity: Typically granted for the duration of the religious activity or program.

10. Diplomatic and Official Visa

• Purpose: For diplomats or government officials visiting South Africa for official purposes.
• Validity: Usually linked to the specific mission or assignment.

Application Process:

• Online Application: South Africa now offers the ability to apply for an eVisa for certain countries. For more detailed instructions, visit the official website.
• In-Person Application: Applications for other types of visas can be submitted at South African missions (embassies or consulates) around the world.

Website to Apply:

For online visa applications (eVisa) and further details, you can visit the official South African Department of Home Affairs website: https://www.dha.gov.za/

Additionally, you can apply for specific visas through the South African Visa and Permit application website:https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica