🇿🇦South Africa Visa for Democratic Republic of the Congo Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Democratic Republic of the Congo passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply at a South Africa embassy or consulate, or the official visa portal, before travelling.

How Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens apply for a South Africa visa

South Africa visa cost for Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens

Port of Entry / Visitor's Visa (short-term visitor visa, sticker/embassy-issued)

USD 36

up to 90 daysofficial source
saembassy.org

South Africa eVisa (ePermits online visa application)

Fee not published by South Africa

official source
ehome.dha.gov.za

Applications are handled via VFS Globala service fee applies on top of the visa fee and varies by country and centre.

Fees checked 2 Jul 2026 · sourced from official government fee schedules

Documents required for Democratic Republic of the Congo applicants

The exact documents Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens must submit for South Africa, by visa type, from the official visa application centre.

touristHoliday Visa

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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.

workWork Visa (General)

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

studentExchange Visa

Exchange visa - A duly completed application Form BI-1738 - A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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) 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)), 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 - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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 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: - A duly completed application Form BI-1738 - A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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. You will not qualify for a permanent residence permit within 2 years after the expiry of your exchange permit.

businessBusiness Visa

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

otherVisitor Visa

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(application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

medicalMedical Treatment Visa (Over 3 Months)

Medical visa Section 17 of the ACT Documents required for a Medical Visa - 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 - Payment of the prescribed fee. - 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. Please note that a medical permit holder may not work or apply for work while in the country.

Show all 23 visa-type document checklists
businessConference

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

workRemote work Visa

Documents required to apply for a Remote work visa - 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.

medicalMedical Visa (only private hospitals & clinics)

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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.

retirementRetired Person's Visa

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

otherTraining Visa

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

studentStudy Visa

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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.

businessOwn Business

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: - 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 The capital requirements above may be reduced or waived in respect of the following types of industries/businesses: - Information and Communication Technology - Clothing and textile manufacturing - Chemicals and bio-technology - Agro-processing 
Metals and minerals refinement - Automotive manufacturing - Tourism Crafts 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: - Financial statements for the preceding financial year - The contribution to the national interest of the Republic

otherInterviews

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

otherFrequent travellers to the Republic of South Africa

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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)

otherExceptional Skills Visa

Critical skills work visa - 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.

transitTransit Visa

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

businessCorporate worker 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.

otherMeetings

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 (application for a visa) - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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

otherTreaty Visa

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. - Payment of the prescribed fee (not applicable for the spouse or dependent children of a South African citizen/permanent resident) - 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.

studentStudy Visa.

- Duly completed application form signed by the Applicant - A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit - Payment of the prescribed fee - 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 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: - 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

workWork Visa: Intra Company Transfer

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

otherRelative's Visa

Relative’s visa To apply for a relative’s visa you must submit: - 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. - Payment of the prescribed fee (not applicable for the spouse or dependent children of a South African citizen/permanent resident) - 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.

via VFS Global ↗
Other South Africa visa categories (18)

These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to South Africa. Eligibility varies by visa type — some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.

General Work Visa

Issued to foreign nationals who have a confirmed offer of employment in South Africa in an occupation where South African citizens or permanent residents are not available.

multiple entryonline

Valid for up to 5 years. Employer must demonstrate that no suitable South African candidate is available (labour market test). Governed by Section 19(2) of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Critical Skills Work Visa

Issued to foreign nationals whose occupation appears on the South African Critical Skills List, allowing them to work for a South African employer.

multiple entryonline

Valid for up to 5 years. Requires confirmation from a professional body/council recognised by SAQA. Employment offer required. Critical Skills List is gazetted periodically. Governed by Section 19(4) of the Immigration Act. Requirements version effective 9 October 2024.

Apply here ↗

Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa

Issued to employees of multinational corporations being transferred to a South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate within the same group.

multiple entryonline

Valid for up to 4 years. Non-renewable and non-extendable. Governed by Section 19(7) of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Corporate Visa

Enables corporations to employ a predetermined number of foreign nationals in specific occupations where South African workers are unavailable.

multiple entryonline

Valid for up to 3 years. Issued to the corporation; employees named under the corporate visa are then authorised to work. Governed by Section 21 of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Section 11(2) Short-term Work Authorisation

Permits foreign nationals to perform short-term work in South Africa as a sub-category of the Visitor's Visa framework.

90 dayssingle entryonline

Governed by Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act 2002. For short-term assignments, filming, performance, etc. not exceeding 90 days.

Apply here ↗

Crew Visa (Section 16)

Issued to foreign nationals working as a crew member of a conveyance (ship or aircraft) calling at or operating within South Africa.

90 daysmultiple entry

Governed by Section 16 of the Immigration Act 2002. Issued for a maximum of three months at a time, and only for the period the crew member's conveyance remains in South Africa. Holder may not conduct work other than duties as a crew member of the conveyance. Applies to crew of foreign private, chartered, or commercial ships and aircraft.

Apply here ↗

Remote Work Visa (Port of Entry Visa)

Issued to foreign nationals employed by a foreign-based employer who wish to work remotely from South Africa for more than 90 days.

single entry

Minimum gross annual salary of R650,796.00 required. Applicant must hold a valid employment contract signed by both parties. Must be resident in a country with valid long-term residence status. B1/B2 US visa holders must apply from their country of origin. Requires FBI background check, medical report, and proof of accommodation. SARS registration required if present for more than 183 aggregate days. Fee listed is USD $36 from US applications. Added to Immigration Regulations effective 28 March 2024.

Apply here ↗

Study Visa

Issued to foreign nationals intending to undertake full-time study at an accredited educational institution in South Africa.

multiple entryonline

Valid for the duration of the course. Holder may work up to 20 hours per week. Must have medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme. Governed by Section 18 of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Exchange Visa

Issued to foreign nationals under 25 years of age participating in cultural, economic, or social exchange programmes in South Africa.

365 dayssingle entryonline

Valid for up to 12 months. Non-renewable and non-extendable. Applicant must be under 25 years of age. Governed by Section 18 of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Retired Person's Visa

Issued to foreign nationals who wish to retire in South Africa on a temporary basis for limited or seasonal periods.

multiple entryonline

Requires proof of minimum monthly income of R37,000 or minimum net worth of R37,000 (note: official website states R37,000; actual threshold may be higher - verify current gazette). Holder may not work. Governed by Section 17 of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Medical Treatment Visa

Issued to foreign nationals who need to travel to South Africa for life-saving or specialised medical treatment unavailable in their home country.

180 dayssingle entryonline

Valid for up to 6 months. Requires letter from a South African medical practitioner confirming treatment. Holder may not work. Governed by Section 11(4) of the Immigration Act 2002.

Apply here ↗

Relative's Visa

Issued to relatives of South African citizens or permanent residents wishing to live in South Africa for an extended period.

multiple entryonline

Valid for up to 2 years. The South African relative must provide a financial assurance of at least R8,500 per month per person. Governed by Section 18 of the Immigration Act 2002. Spouses of South African citizens/permanent residents may apply under Section 11(6) Spousal Visa.

Apply here ↗

Spousal / Life Partner Visa - Section 11(6)

Issued to the spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident who intends to visit or reside in South Africa.

multiple entryonline

Governed by Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act 2002. Allows the holder to work in South Africa. Must demonstrate a bona fide spousal or life partnership relationship.

Apply here ↗

Diplomatic Visa

Issued to accredited diplomatic personnel and their dependents assigned to South Africa in an official diplomatic capacity.

multiple entry

Issued to diplomats accrediting to South Africa. Diplomatic passport holders from certain countries still require a port-of-entry accreditation visa (e.g., USA, Australia, Germany). Managed via DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation).

Apply here ↗

Treaty Visa

Issued to foreign nationals conducting activities in South Africa under the terms of an international treaty or agreement to which South Africa is a party.

multiple entry

Governed by international agreements to which South Africa is a signatory. Specific terms depend on the relevant treaty.

Apply here ↗

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An online pre-travel authorisation for eligible visa-required nationalities visiting South Africa for tourism or short-term purposes, replacing the traditional paper visa for qualifying travellers.

90 daysmultiple entry1d processingonline

Launched September/October 2025. Initial eligible nationalities: China, India, Indonesia, Mexico; expanding to all visa-required nationalities. Stay extendable once for additional 90 days (max 180 days total). Entry initially limited to OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports, expanding to secondary airports. Work not permitted. Processing within 24 hours per Minister Schreiber. Not required for visa-exempt travellers.

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eVisa (ePermit)

An online visa application system allowing visa-required foreign nationals to apply for South African visitor, study, business, and other visa categories digitally.

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Available at ehome.dha.gov.za. Eligible applicants must enter through OR Tambo, Cape Town, or Lanseria International Airports. The eVisa is a digital form of the paper visa covering all visa categories available under the Immigration Act. Replaces traditional embassy paper applications for eligible nationalities.

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Permanent Residence Permit

Grants foreign nationals the right to reside permanently in South Africa without time limitations, available under various categories including retirement, business, critical skills, family, and financial independence.

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Governed by Section 27 of the Immigration Act 2002. Categories: (a) spouse/life partner of SA citizen, (b) critical skills, (c) business/investor, (d) refugee, (e) child of SA citizen, (f) financially independent. Applicants typically must hold a temporary residence visa for 5 years before qualifying (except certain categories). Does not automatically confer citizenship; naturalisation requires additional years of PR.

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South Africa visa for Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens — FAQ

Do Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Yes — Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a South Africa embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.

What documents do Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens need for South Africa?

A valid passport plus the South Africa document checklist for your visa type — Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.

Related visa requirements