Visiting SA: visas Considering visiting South Africa? Here's information on the basic requirements for entering South Africa, as well as comprehensive information on visas - what they are, who needs them, and when, where and how to apply for them. Department of Home Affairs Subdirectorate: Visas Private Bag X114 Pretoria 0001 South Africa Telephone: +27(0)12 314 8911 Fax: +27(0)12 328 3908 Info & inquiries on the Internet: What's a visa? South Africa, like every sovereign country, has the right to decide who may and who may not enter its territory. A visa ensures that you are properly screened before entering the country, and provides immigration officials with the information they need to make sure that you are admitted to South Africa for the correct purpose and length of time. Possession of a visa does not guarantee you entry to South Africa. It merely entitles you to proceed to a South African port of entry, where an immigration officer will check that you satisfy the basic requirements for entry into the country. What are the basic requirements for entering SA? You must have a passport valid for long enough to cover your intended stay in South Africa - along with a valid visa, if required. You must be of sound mind and body, and have a clear record as far as certain criminal offences are concerned. You must have enough money both to support yourself for a reasonable period after your arrival, and to pay for your return passage if you do not already have a return or onward ticket. Yellow fever. If you come from or have or journeyed through or disembarked in a country in the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America, you must have proof of inoculation against the disease. Note that a yellow fever inoculation certificate only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation - after which it remains valid for 10 years. What's the difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit? A visa allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry. A temporary residence permit will be issued to you at the port of entry. It replaces your visa, and regulates the duration and purpose of your stay in South Africa