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Post-COVID, What Additional Documentation Do You Need for a South Africa Travel Visa? This Article Has the Answers You Seek.
Navigating Post-COVID Travel Visa Procedures for South Africa
South Africa has always been a magnet for nature enthusiasts, eager to explore its wild landscapes. But how do you secure a travel visa for South Africa, especially in these post-COVID times?
South Africa has now reopened its doors to international travelers. However, ensure you've been vaccinated against COVID and possess valid confirmation, verifiable via QR code, physical copy, or electronically. If not vaccinated, you must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before your flight. In case of previous COVID infection, you need confirmation and a positive PCR test taken at least 10 days before and no more than 90 days prior. All tests must be WHO-recognized.
Arriving in South Africa without valid test results means you'll need to undergo an antigen test upon arrival, at your own expense. If positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days at your accommodation or a designated facility.
Essential Notes Before Applying for a South Africa Tourist Visa
– The visa you're applying for is a tourist visa, valid for 3 months and allowing single entry.
– All necessary documents must be translated and notarized within the month of visa application, with a validity period not exceeding 1 month.
– Submit your application at least 20 days in advance to stay proactive in case of any issues, ensuring approval time doesn't disrupt your plans.
Documents Required for South Africa Tourist Visa Application Procedure
Proof of Identity:
1. Original passport and a copy (notarized) valid for at least 30 days after intended departure from South Africa. Passport must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
2. Completed South Africa Tourist Visa application form as per South African government regulations. Fill in with black ink, uppercase letters, entirely in English. Download HERE
3. 2 photos sized 3x4cm, white background, not older than 3 months. Photos must be full-face, hair combed neatly, ears visible, no glasses, no hats.
4. Notarized copies of household registration book, birth certificate, ID card
5. Notarized copy of marriage certificate (if traveling with spouse) or divorce certificate
6. Certificate of vaccination against yellow fever (note: vaccination not required if not traveling through endemic areas).
7. Certificate of no criminal record from local police station of residence.
8. Travel insurance for the trip to South Africa.
9. If being sponsored by a South African resident, additional proof of relationship such as marriage certificate (if spouse), birth certificate, correspondence between parties, etc., is required.
Documentation for Travel Confirmation:
1. Detailed itinerary of the trip (plans for tourist or business destinations).
2. Confirmation of round-trip flight booking: Flight ticket displaying full name, departure and return dates, flight number, etc.
3. Hotel booking confirmation: check-in & check-out dates corresponding to flight booking confirmation, or confirmation letter from a hotel in South Africa.
Documentation for Employment Confirmation:
1. Valid employment contract or appointment decision, social insurance, leave application (with reason stated) stamped and confirmed by the company.
2. For business owners: Certified copies of business registration certificate, latest 3-month tax payment confirmation.
3. Retirement card, pension statement (if applicable).
4. Student card, leave application to travel to South Africa with school stamp. Children under 18 traveling without parents must have parental/legal guardian consent and household registration book/proof of relationship.
5. Proof of utility bill payments for the last 3 months.
Financial Documentation:
– For individuals: Bank statements for the last 3 months (transaction history, transaction amounts, etc.) with a minimum balance of 80 million VND and bank confirmation stamp; documents certifying ownership of valuable assets (real estate, stocks, cars, etc.)
– Sponsorship evidence: Proof of income and finances of the sponsor in South Africa; invitation letter outlining full name, dates of arrival and departure, purpose of invitation, and commitment to cover all expenses for the invitee's trip. If the sponsor is a Vietnamese national in South Africa, additional documentation of property ownership and passport of the signatory in the invitation letter is required.
*Note: If staying at the sponsor's residence, the sponsor must complete the 'AFFIDAVIT FOR VISA PURPOSES' form and submit it to the South African police station for verification. Refer to the form and download HERE
In Vietnam, South Africa has 2 visa permit offices:
– Embassy of South Africa in Hanoi
Address: 3rd Floor, Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phone: 84-04-39362000
Fax: 84-04-39361991
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Mondays to Fridays.
Note: The embassy operates only from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Monday to Friday). It's advisable to arrive early for procedures as payment is required and you need to return with the receipt.
– Consulate General of South Africa in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: 19 Phung Khac Khoan, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone: (028) 3823 8556
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Morning from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, afternoon from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM on Mondays to Fridays (except Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays).
Application Fees
Embassy Fee: The visa fee for South Africa will be transferred via bank to the Embassy of South Africa in Hanoi for approximately 1,192,000 VND. Bank transfer details:
– Account Name: Embassy of South Africa
– Account Number: 700-009-715759
– Branch: Shinhan Bank – Hoan Kiem Branch, 41 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Entry approval fee (paid at the Consulate General of South Africa in Ho Chi Minh City when submitting the application) is 100,000 VND if you can submit it in person, and 200,000 VND if you cannot appear in person.
Note: Visa fees for South Africa must be paid in VND and are non-refundable even if your visa application is rejected.
Processing Time
– If applying in HCMC: Embassy processing time is approximately 7 – 14 days (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).
– If applying in Hanoi: Embassy processing time is around 7 working days.
Note: During processing, staff at the Consulate General of South Africa may request additional documents. If requested, you should promptly provide them to expedite the visa issuance. If submitting late, provide reasons for prompt consideration by the Embassy.
Receiving Results
Upon receiving notification from the Embassy to collect results or on the appointment date on the receipt, visit the submission address to collect the outcome.
– If your VISA application is successful, you will get back your passport with the visa affixed and check if the information is correct. Report any errors immediately to Consular staff for rectification.
– In case your visa application is rejected, do not try to find out the reason why. The Embassy reserves the right not to provide reasons for refusal. Improve your visa success rate in subsequent applications by preparing a better application with a passport showing travel to multiple countries and strong finances.
Source: Mytour
MytourJune 24, 2022
