🇨🇩→🇿🇦Democratic Republic of the Congo→South Africa

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:
• Bank statements for 6 months (Please note that all applicants must only submit an original bank statement with an official stamp and a signature by the bank official.
• Salary advances
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
• Bursary
• Medical cover or
• Cash available (including credit cards and Travelers’ cheques)
• Proof of Hotel Accommodation
• Proof of invitation letter, if an individual sponsoring the visitor in South Africa.
• Invitation letter, given by an individual from South Africa, must furnish his/her status of citizenship or resident permit in South Africa.

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84(application for a visa)
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• Submit duly completed application forms signed by the applicants
• Provide a corroborated statement demonstrating the need to employ foreign workers and the number of foreigners to be employed
• A certificate by the Department of Labour
• Proof of registration of the corporation with the:
• The South African Revenue Service
• Unemployment Insurance Fund
• Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries
• Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, where legally required
• The applicant for a corporate visa must provide proof that at least 60% of the total staff complement that are employed are citizens and permanent residents employed permanently in various positions.
• Provide a job description and remuneration for each foreign worker
• An undertaking to ensure that:
• the foreigner workers have valid passports the foreign workers will be employed only in the specific positions for which the visa are issued the foreign workers will leave South Africa on completion of their duties
• A cash deposit or guarantee for the foreign workers may be payable by the corporate entity or by the workers in the case of skilled workers

Upon receipt of the approved number of workers, the DHA will issue the corporate visa and authorization certificates for each worker in terms of regulation 18(2)(b), then the corporate entity can start recruiting workers. Once a corporate visa has been issued to the applicant (entity), the applicant may then proceed to recruit workers, the workers will then apply for Corporate worker certificates and these certificates are issued in line with the Corporate visa for 3 years, but may not exceed the validity period of the corporate visa.

• At least an amount in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry or
• At least an amount in cash and a capital contribution as determined from time to time by the Minister, is available.
• An undertaking by the applicant that atleast 60% of the total staff complement to be employed in the operations shall be South African Citizens or permanent residents, permanently employed in various positions.
• An undertaking to register with:
• The South African Revenue Service
• Unemployment Insurance Fund
• Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries
• Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, where legally required and
• Relevant professional body, board or council recognized by SAQA, where applicable.
• A police clearance certificate from each country where you resided since the age of 18 years, including the Republic of South Africa A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding -
• the feasibility of the business
• and the contribution to the national interest of the Republic.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled or intend travelling through a yellow fever endemic area Medical and radiology reports
• Information and Communication Technology
• Clothing and textile manufacturing
• Chemicals and bio-technology
• Agro-processing 
Metals and minerals refinement
• Automotive manufacturing
• Tourism Crafts
• Financial statements for the preceding financial year
• The contribution to the national interest of the Republic

To invest in or open a business in South Africa you will need to, along with Form BI-1738, submit a certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to the effect that you have:

The capital requirements above may be reduced or waived in respect of the following types of industries/businesses:

Business Visa applications made for existing businesses require the following documents (in addition to all those listed above) to be submitted with the temporary residence application form:

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

Section 17 of the ACT

• A duly completed BI-1738 application form
• A passport with at least 1 free page for a visa.
• The passport must be valid for 30 days after end of the intended visit
• Proof of financial means to cover your day to day expenses as well as those of persons accompanying you (the medical permit holder), if any, in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available,
• or travellers’ cheques
• A letter from your medical practitioner or a medical institution, indicating the reasons/ necessity for treatment, the period of treatment and particulars of the treatment plans in the Republic of South Africa
• Details of the person or institution responsible for your medical expenses and hospital fees
• Should your medical scheme or employer not be liable for expenses incurred, proof of financial means or medical cover must be submitted
• Proof of sufficient financial means or provision for the costs indirectly related to the treatment.
• Particulars of persons accompanying you
• A copy of a return or onward air ticket.
• Kindly note that the Department may request a cash deposit equivalent to the value of an air ticket to the country of your origin or residence
• A vaccination certificate, if required by law.

Medical visa

Documents required for a Medical Visa

Please note that a medical permit holder may not work or apply for work while in the country.

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
• Referral Letter from a Congolese doctor, specifying the nature of health problem and why the referral is being sought.
• Appointment letter from a South African doctor with his or her full contact details in South Africa and the letter from the doctor should include the estimate of envisage cost of treatment and stay in South Africa.
• Kindly note that patient going for more than 90 days must contact either at Embassy in Kinshasa or at Consulate General in Lubumbashi.
• ID & national registration number of the Congolese resident in South Africa, if sponsoring the visiting patient.

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• A duly completed BI-1738application form
• A passport with at least 1 free page for a visa.
• The passport must be valid for 30 days after end of the intended visit
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
• A cash deposit equivalent value to a return or onward ticket (not required for the spouse or dependent children of South African citizen/permanent resident).
• A statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit and proof that you are an immediate family member of a South African citizen/permanent resident (a full birth certificate for children, a marriage certificate in the case of a spouse and proof of kinship for others)
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• Medical and radiology reports for yourself and all family members accompanying you (pregnant women and children younger than 12 years need not submit these reports)
• Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residence of the relative in South Africa in the form of an identity document or passport
• Proof availability of a minimum amount of R8500 per month per person for living expenses (this does not apply for a spouse or dependent minor child of a South African citizen/ permanent resident)
• The holder of a relatives visa may not conduct work.

Relative’s visa

To apply for a relative’s visa you must submit:

you must submit the following:

• A duly completed application Form BI-1738
• A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act
• Proof of financial means to cover your living expenses during your stay in the Republic in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available,
• or travellers’ cheques
• Undertaking(s) by the host(s) in the Republic of South Africa
• Proof of medical cover
• A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket or an undertaking by the relevant institution to cover costs for deportation, if necessary
• Medical and radiology reports
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• A letter from the Department of Education or a public higher educational institution in the South Africa, confirming that it is responsible for organizing/administering the programme, outlining the activities and duration thereof, as well as confirming that it will take full responsibility for the student whilst he/she is in the country
• A letter from an organ of the foreign state, confirming the particulars of the student, including confirmation of the student’s registration with a tertiary educational institution abroad, as well as the date on which study will commence
• A report from a South African organ of state or learning institution prescribed in regulation 19(3)
• A duly completed application Form BI-1738
• A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act
• Proof of financial means to cover your living expenses during your stay in the Republic in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available,
• or travellers’ cheques
• Undertaking(s) by the host(s) in the Republic of South Africa
• Proof of medical cover Medical and radiology reports
• A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket or an undertaking by the relevant institution to cover costs for deportation, if necessary, along with proof of a return ticket
• A letter from the organ of state confirming the status/existence of the exchange programme.
• A letter from the educational institution abroad confirming your enrolment or a letter from the foreign state organ confirming your participation in the programme and their awareness of the exchange programme.
• Annual reports from the sponsoring body, outlining progress of the programme. In the absence of a sponsoring body, the educational institution or organ of state must submit the reports.
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• A duly completed application Form BI-1738
• A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act
• Proof of financial means to cover your living expenses during your stay in the Republic in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available,
• or travellers’ cheques
• Undertaking(s) by the host(s) in the Republic of South Africa
• Proof of medical cover
• Medical and radiology reports
• A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket or an undertaking by the relevant institution to cover costs for deportation, if necessary, along with proof of a return ticket
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• A statement from the prospective employer confirming that:
• the position for which the exchange permit will be issued exists
• that your remuneration complies with labour requirements
• the employer will provide for your welfare and needs whilst in its employ
• the employer will inform the Department if you do not comply with the terms and conditions of your permit or leave the Republic
• you will leave the country when your permit expires.

Exchange visa

If you require an exchange visa in order to take part in a programme administered or organized by an organ of the state (Section 22(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002)),

To apply for an exchange visa issued according to Section 22(b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) you must submit the following documentation at the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate in your country of origin:

You will not qualify for a permanent residence permit within 2 years after the expiry of your exchange permit.

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
• Certificate of Enrollment from the institution of South Africa, detailing course and the duration of the course
• If a service man going for a vocational short term study, need employer’s specific NOC
• Proof of funds to support study course and the stay in South Africa for that period, sprcified.If against scholarship, details in original.
• If study course exceeds consecutive 90 days, then applicant must apply directly at South Africa Mission with all credentials and documents.

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• Duly completed application form signed by the Applicant
• A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act
• Proof of financial means to cover envisaged living expenses during the sojourn in the Republic and to also pay for the tuition fees. This should be in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available,
• or travellers’ cheques
• Proof of medical cover
• A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket.
• In the case of African students, an undertaking from the relevant government to take full responsibility of the student and to pay all costs, should it become necessary to deport the student
• Medical and radiology reports
• An unabridged birth certificate in the case of minors.
• In the case of a minor, the particulars of the person in the Republic of South Africa who will act as the learner’s guardian and a letter from such person confirming guardianship
• Consent from both parents for your stay in South Africa, or from the parent who has sole custody, along with proof of sole custody
• An official letter from the educational institution, where you intend to study, confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course.
• Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
• If you are 18 years and older, a police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years is required. This should be submitted with the application
• No foreigner may displace a South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution
• The student must have proof of sufficient funds to pay for day- to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa
• The student must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and proof thereof

The holder of a study visa may conduct part-time work for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week.

The overriding consideration in processing applications for study permits are that:

Click here (PDF checklist ↗) for the general visa Documents and checklist

Click here (PDF checklist ↗) for the general visa Documents and checklist

• Duly completed and signed application form
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A statement or documentation explaining the purpose and duration of the visit.
• A valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation thereof
• Proof of sufficient financial means, defined as a gross salary of no less than the equivalent of R650 796, 00 per annum in the form of three months bank statements
• Valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a).
• Two color passport photographs
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if an applicant travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic are, provided that the certificate shall not be required where an applicant travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area.
• Valid contract of employment signed by both the applicant and the foreign based employer.
• Proof of payment of the applicable fee.

Documents required to apply for a Remote work visa

• A passport with at least 1 free page for a visa.
• The passport must be valid for 30 days after expiry of the intended visit
• 2 recent passport size colour photographs
• A photocopy of a valid residential permit, if applicable
• Permit fees (cash or bank transfer);
• A vaccination certificate (if you have travelled through or intend travelling to the yellow fever belt)
• Proof of medical cover
• Medical and radiology reports
• The minimum payment to a foreigner shall be per month, the amount determined from time to time by the Minister, this amount is currently set at R37 000,00.
• A minimum prescribed net worth currently set at R37 000,00.
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• The spouse and dependent children accompanying the holder of a retired person visa may be issued with an appropriate visa.

To apply for a retired persons’ visa you must submit the following documents with the Temporary Residency Permit Form BI-1738:

Treaty Visa

• A duly completed BI-1738application form
• A passport with at least 1 free page for a visa.
• The passport must be valid for 30 days after end of the intended visit
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
• A cash deposit equivalent value to a return or onward ticket (not required for the spouse or dependent children of South African citizen/permanent resident).
• A statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit and proof that you are an immediate family member of a South African citizen/permanent resident (a full birth certificate for children, a marriage certificate in the case of a spouse and proof of kinship for others)
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• Medical and radiology reports for yourself and all family members accompanying you (pregnant women and children younger than 12 years need not submit these reports)
• Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residence of the relative in South Africa in the form of an identity document or passport
• Proof availability of a minimum amount of R8500 per month per person for living expenses (this does not apply for a spouse or dependent minor child of a South African citizen/ permanent resident)
• The holder of a relatives visa may not conduct work.

• A duly completed application form signed by yourself, the applicant.
• A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of Payment of the prescribed fee.
• A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
• Proof of financial means to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until you receive a salary. This should be in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available,
• or travellers’ cheques
• A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return or an undertaking from the employer
• Medical and radiology reports
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years
• Proof of application for a certificate of registration with the accredited professional body, council or board recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Proof of evaluation of the foreign qualification/s by SAQA translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic.
• Proof of employment within 12 months after obtaining a Critical skills work visa in the form of an employment contract specifying the occupation and capacity in which the foreigner shall be employed.

Critical skills work visa

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or a detail Birth Certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of
• Bank statements for 6 months (Please note that all applicants must only submit an original bank statement with an official stamp and a signature by the bank official.
• Salary advances
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
• Bursary
• Medical cover or
• Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:
• Bank statements for 6 months (Please note that all applicants must only submit an original bank statement with an official stamp and a signature by the bank official.
• Salary advances
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
• Bursary
• Medical cover or
• Cash available (including credit cards and travelers’ cheques)
• Call letter from South Africa organization in original with detail contact details and interview details specified

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:
• Bank statements for 6 months (Please note that all applicants must only submit an original bank statement with an official stamp and a signature by the bank official.
• Salary advances
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
• Bursary
• Medical cover or
• Cash available (including credit cards and travelers’ cheques)
• Call letter from South Africa organization in original with detail contact details and interview details specified

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two color passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa
• If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
• Proof of guardianship or custody or detail child’s birth certificate
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

Documents required to apply for a South Africa visa

(application for a visa)