If you’re a citizen of another country and want to travel to South Africa then you need a visa. South Africa has numerous types of visas that are designed for different purposes.
It is incredibly important to get your visas. These are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board.
South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over one year of age. This is essential for people travelling from an infected area or for those who have been country hopping through infected areas. Countries such as Zambia, Angola and Mozambique are considered as infected areas.
Depending on where you’re from, visa requirements differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. Remember, there is a fee that will be charged for issuing you a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually.
Here are the main types of visas:
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- South Africa tourist visa (e-Visa)
- South Africa visitor visa
- South Africa business visa
- South Africa work visa
- South Africa medical visa
- South Africa student visa
- South Africa transit visa
- South Africa relatives’ visa
- South Africa exchange visa
- South Africa retired persons’ visa
The “visitor” visa is for international travellers who permanently reside outside South Africa. It’s also for those who wish to visit the country on a more temporary basis for tourism or business purposes. But it won’t last forever.
Now that you’re allowed in, the visa will grant you access to the South African port of entry, where an immigration official will determine if you are allowed to enter the country and for how long. Once here, the visa is considered to be a visitor’s permit.
The permit’s period of validity is set from the date you came in and will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label.
It’s important to ensure that you apply for the correct visa or permit. Note; the number of countries exempt from South Africa visas might change depending on whether you have a diplomatic, official, or service passport.
If your visit would exceed ninety days or if you want to travel to South Africa to study or to work, you will need to apply for a temporary residence visa instead of a visitor's visa. Requirements for a temporary residence visa are not the same with visitor's visa.
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Foreigners who wish to visit South Africa must have passports / travel documents valid for thirty (30) more days after the intended return date from South Africa. The passport must contain at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate. One page is for affixing the visa or permit at the Embassy/Consulate and the other page is for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services.
In order to comply with Regulation 2(1) (A) of the Immigration Act of 2014, only machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will be accepted on submission of visa applications and at Port of Entry. Therefore, no extended passports will be accepted.
A visa only enables the holder to proceed to a port of entry before the expiry date of the visa. The holder must comply with the applicable law, regulations and the following entry requirements of the Republic of South Africa.
Entry will not be permitted on a one-way flight ticket. The visa is issued for a maximum period of 90 days with an expiry date 90 days from date of issue. Once the visa is issued entry is to be made before the expiry date of the visa.
To apply for a South Africa Visa, follow these general steps:
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- Find out which type of visa you need to apply for.
- Book an appointment. Find the nearest South Africa visa application office and book an appointment- this could be an embassy, consulate or a visa application center. Make sure you do it weeks before the intended trip because frequently, depending on your nationality, you have to go to a different country to attend the visa appointment.
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the required documents.
- Attend the scheduled appointment. You must attend the appointment for your visa application and not send someone else in your place.
- Pay your fees.
- Wait for a decision. After completing the previous steps, you only have to wait for a decision.
- Collect your visa. After a decision is made, you can go pick up your passport, which has your visa. You will need to bring your visa application center receipt and a form of government identification when you pick up your passport in person.
South Africa’s e-Visa was launched in February 2022 for travelers from 14 countries. The South African Government will add more countries soon. You can apply for a South Africa e-Visa if the purpose of your visit is tourism or business.
- Create your account.
- Complete the e-visa application form. You will then need to log in to your account. After that, you’ll need to provide all the necessary information.
- Upload the required documents. Next, upload all the necessary documents.
- Pay the visa fees. At the end of the application process, you will see the amount you need to pay at the end of the application process.
- Wait for approval. The process takes about three working days.
- Receive your e-Visa.
According to the high commission requirements, you must have funds equivalent to 3000 South African Rand ($164.30) to apply for the visa. The validity of a South Africa visa is a maximum of 90 days. The fee for a South Africa visa depends on the type of visa. The processing time for a South Africa visa is ten to fifteen working days.
If your visa is denied, you will have ten working days to submit an appeal. You will need to find out the reason for your visa refusal to overturn the rejection notice. In addition, you will have only one chance to appeal; after that, you will have no grounds to appeal again.
Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services.
Proof of funds is official evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in South Africa. It forms part of the visa application process and is used by the South African Department of Home Affairs to assess whether you can cover your accommodation, daily expenses, and travel costs without relying on public funds.
The requirement applies to most visa categories, including:
- Tourist visas - to show you can afford your stay for the requested period.
- Student visas - to confirm you can pay for tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
- Work visas - to prove you can sustain yourself before your first salary payment.
- Retirement visas - to ensure you have ongoing income or accessible funds to live in South Africa long-term.
While the basic purpose is the same, minimum amounts and accepted documentation vary depending on the visa type. For all categories, the funds must be available in your own account or in the account of an approved sponsor, and they must be readily accessible - not tied up in assets or investments that can’t be quickly converted to cash.
South Africa’s immigration regulations require visa applicants to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while in the country. The required amounts differ by visa category and are calculated per person, per month unless otherwise noted.
Minimum Proof of Funds Amounts by Visa Type
Here's a breakdown of the minimum required funds for different visa types:
| Visa Type | Minimum Required Funds (ZAR) | USD Equivalent* | Duration Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | R3,000 p/m p/p | ~$165 p/m | 3 months = R9,000 (~$495) |
| Student Visa | R3,000 p/m p/p (for one year) | ~$165 p/m | 12 months = R36,000 (~$1,980) |
| Work Visa | R8,500 p/m p/p | ~$467 p/m | 6 months = R51,000 (~$2,800) |
| Retirement Visa | R37,000 p/m applicant + R8,500 p/m per dependent | ~$2,035 p/m + ~$467 p/m | Main applicant with 1 dependent = R45,500 (~$2,502) p/m |
| Business Visa | R8,500 p/m p/p | ~$467 p/m | 12 months = R102,000 (~$5,604) |
| Relative Visa (spouse/life partner) | R8,500 p/m p/p | ~$467 p/m | 6 months = R51,000 (~$2,800) |
| Research Visa | R3,000 p/m p/p | ~$165 p/m | 12 months = R36,000 (~$1,980) |
Important Notes:
- p/m = per month, p/p = per person.
- Proof of funds must be readily available in a bank account - not tied up in investments or assets.
- Applicants with dependants must calculate the total amount by multiplying the monthly requirement by the number of people and the number of months of stay.
- Always verify these amounts with the South African Department of Home Affairs before applying, as exchange rates and policies can change.
Accepted Proof of Funds Documents
For South African visa applications, the only accepted form of proof of funds is a bank statement from either:
- The applicant’s own bank account, or
- A sponsor’s bank account (with supporting sponsorship documentation).
Requirements for Bank Statements:
- Name match: The account holder’s name must match the applicant or the declared sponsor.
- Minimum coverage: Statements must cover at least the last 3 months.
- Balance requirement: The available balance must meet or exceed the monthly amount specified for the chosen visa type.
- Official certification:
- Printed statements - signed and stamped by the issuing bank.
- Digital statements - issued directly by the bank as certified PDFs or authenticated via official online banking systems.
- Currency clarity: If the account is in a foreign currency, the equivalent value in ZAR should be indicated, ideally with an official conversion rate at the time of issue.
Not Accepted as Proof of Funds:
- Fixed deposit slips
- Investment account statements
- Property deeds or asset ownership certificates
- Informal sponsorship letters without a matching bank statement
- Unverified photocopies or screenshots of account balances
How To Arrange Your Bank Statement For Visa Application In 2025
How to Prepare Proof of Funds for Your Visa Application
Having the correct proof of funds is essential to avoid delays or rejections in your South African visa application. Follow these steps to ensure your documents meet official requirements:
Step 1 - Choose the Correct Bank Account
- Use your own bank account or your approved sponsor’s account.
- Ensure the account consistently meets the minimum monthly requirement for your visa type.
Step 2 - Calculate the Total Required Amount
- Multiply the monthly requirement by the number of months you intend to stay.
- If travelling with dependents, multiply the total by the number of people included in your application.
Example: Work Visa (R8,500 p/m p/p) for 6 months for 2 people = R102,000 total.
Step 3 - Request Official Bank Statements
- Obtain the last 3 months of statements from your bank.
- For printed statements: make sure they are signed and stamped by the bank.
- For digital statements: download certified PDFs from your bank’s official platform.
Step 4 - Ensure Currency Clarity
- If your account is in a foreign currency, ask your bank to include the ZAR equivalent using the current exchange rate.
- Keep a copy of the exchange rate reference in case the visa officer requests it.
Step 5 - Double-Check the Details
- The name on the statement matches your passport or your sponsor’s ID.
- The balance is above the required total for your visa category.
- The statement shows clear, traceable transactions (no suspicious deposits).
Step 6 - Submit With Your Application
- Attach your certified bank statement(s) to your application.
- If using a sponsor’s account, include a notarised sponsorship letter and proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate).
Common Proof of Funds Mistakes That Cause Visa Rejections
Even if you meet the financial requirements, certain errors in your proof of funds can result in your visa being refused. Below are the most common issues immigration officers report:
- Submitting Statements Older Than 3 Months
Bank statements must be recent. Applications with outdated statements are rejected because they don’t reflect your current financial position.
- Insufficient Balance for the Full Period of Stay
If your available balance falls below the minimum monthly requirement for your entire planned stay, your proof of funds will not be accepted - even if it covers part of the period.
- Account Not in Applicant’s or Sponsor’s Name
Statements from accounts belonging to friends, colleagues, or extended family (without official sponsorship) are not valid. The account must be in your name or your declared sponsor’s name.
- Using Unacceptable Document Types
South African authorities only accept bank statements. Fixed deposits, investment account summaries, property ownership documents, or informal letters cannot be used as proof of funds.
- Missing Official Certification
Printed statements without the bank’s stamp and signature. Digital statements without certification or secure verification codes. These documents are treated as incomplete and are often rejected.
- Large, Unexplained Deposits
Significant deposits without supporting evidence (e.g., salary slips, sale agreements) can raise concerns about the legitimacy of your funds and may result in a refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions on Proof of Funds for South African Visas
- Can I use a joint bank account as proof of funds?
Yes - as long as your name appears as one of the account holders and the balance meets the minimum requirement for your visa type.
- Can I use my spouse’s or sponsor’s bank account?
Yes - if you include a notarised sponsorship letter and proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate for a dependent).
- Are online banking PDF statements accepted?
Yes - provided they are downloaded from your bank’s official platform and show certification, a secure verification code, or a bank-issued digital stamp.
- How recent must my bank statements be?
Statements must cover at least the last 3 months and be issued no earlier than 7 days before submission of your application.
- Do I need proof of funds if I am fully sponsored?
Yes - your sponsor must provide their certified bank statements and a formal sponsorship letter confirming they will cover your expenses.
- How much should be in my account for a 90-day tourist visa?
For a 90-day tourist visa, you must show at least R9,000 per person (R3,000 per month × 3 months), or the equivalent in foreign currency.
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