A South Africa Transit Visa allows travelers to pass through the country on their way to another destination. Whether you’re stopping briefly at a South African airport or transiting by land to one of its neighboring countries, this visa ensures that you have legal permission to stay in South Africa during your layover.
How Does the South Africa Transit Visa Work?
A South Africa transit visa permits you to stay temporarily in South Africa during a layover, usually while waiting to continue your journey to another country. The visa is necessary even if you are only staying in the airport terminal and not leaving the airport.
For travelers using land ports of entry to transit through South Africa, a port of entry visa is required.
Who Needs a South Africa Transit Visa?
Anyone passing through South Africa en route to its neighboring countries—Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe—needs a South African transit visa, unless you are from a visa-exempt country.
You do not need a transit visa if you are traveling through the following international airports and meet biometric requirements at the airport:
- OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
- Cape Town International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
- Lanseria International Airport (Johannesburg)
However, the exemption does not apply to deportees transiting through these airports.
How to Apply for a South Africa Transit Visa
To apply for a transit visa to South Africa, follow these steps:
1. Determine Eligibility
You are eligible for a transit visa if you are traveling through South Africa en route to a neighboring country and are not from a visa-exempt nation. If unsure, check the South Africa visa exemptions list for your nationality.
2. Complete the Visa Application Form
Fill out Form BI-84, the official application for a South African transit visa. Ensure the form is completed in black ink, answering all questions truthfully.
3. Prepare Required Documents
Compile all required documents. The success of your application depends on submitting a complete document checklist. A full list of necessary documents is provided below.
4. Pay the Visa Application Fee
An application fee is required to process your visa. You can pay this fee either by electronic bank transfer or in cash, depending on where you submit your application. Be sure to keep a copy of the payment receipt.
5. Submit Your Application
Visit the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or visa application center to submit your application. You must apply in person, and in some cases, it may be necessary to book an appointment beforehand. Check with the relevant embassy to confirm this detail.
6. Wait for the Decision
Processing times typically take around five business days, although this may extend to ten days during peak periods. Once your visa is ready, you can return to collect it.
Required Documents for South Africa Transit Visa
You will need the following documents when applying for a South Africa transit visa:
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form BI-84): Download it here.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended exit from South Africa, and it must have at least two blank pages for stamps.
- Two Passport-Sized Photos: The photos must be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in size, have a white background, and be taken within the last month. For full specifications, check the South Africa visa photo requirements.
- Proof of onward travel: Submit proof of your return or onward flight tickets.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (if applicable): Required if you are traveling from a yellow fever-risk country.
- Proof of Relationship (if traveling with dependents): Submit legal documents like custody or guardianship papers if traveling with minors.
- Government Statement (for deportees): This is a written statement confirming that the host country is responsible for the deportee’s travel arrangements.
- Payment Receipt: Proof that you’ve paid the visa fee.
All documents must be translated into English and notarized.
How Long Can You Stay With a South Africa Transit Visa?
The length of stay on a South African transit visa depends on the mode of travel:
- Air Transit: You can stay for up to 24 hours.
- Land Transit: You can stay for up to 48 hours.
Processing Time for South Africa Transit Visa
The usual processing time for a South Africa transit visa is five working days, but during busier periods, it may take up to ten working days.
Cost of a South Africa Transit Visa
The application fee for a South African transit visa is R425 (approximately USD 24). Be sure to keep your payment receipt for submission during the visa application process.