Getting a South African visa as a Nigerian is relatively easy provided you have the right information, and you are well prepared. In this post, we will be talking about the visa requirements, necessary documents, application guidelines, cost and any other recent development in such a way that you are able to handle the South Africa visa process by yourself.
Bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini, South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa. With her vibrant cities, unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, she boasts of having a dynamic blend of the old and the new. Hence making it a getaway destination for travellers.
Still contemplating why you should go there? Here are some reasons why you need to visit South Africa;
- Tourism
As a traveller and a lover of tourism, South Africa is a great place for you, as it is blessed with natural treasures, wonderful wildlife, and mountains that are pleasing to the eyes. Bored of always staying at one place? South Africa is a great place for vacation as there are lots of interesting places, such as beaches, great food and wine, and beautiful nature treasures.
- Education
There is a great and functioning educational system in South Africa that you would love to try. There are great schools and interesting courses that you might find fascinating.
- Work
You can also travel to South Africa for the purpose of working. If you are employed or want to be employed in South Africa, you will need to be there, and besides, there are lots of job opportunities there.
- Business
Are you looking for a place to expand your business? South Africa is the answer. You can invest there and expand your business.
- Family visits
Do you have friends or relatives in South Africa? Going to visit them will be great, as you can use this opportunity to appreciate the beauty of South Africa.
As a Nigerian traveller who would love to visit this amazing place, it is necessary to have a South Africa visa. Without a visa, you cannot make the trip; therefore, it is important to know the South Africa visa requirements for the Nigerian passport holder in order to get the right kind of visa without being denied or delayed.
Types of Visa
As there are various reasons why you should visit South Africa, there are also numerous types of South Africa visas, depending on the purpose of usage. They include;
- Tourist Visa
- Medical treatment visa
- Business visa
- Relative visa
- Student visa
- Work visa
- Volunteer visa
- Visa for cultural / economic / social exchange programme
- Transit visa
South Africa visa requirements for Nigerian citizens
Here are the requirements for applying for a South Africa visa;
Valid Passport
In order to be able to visit South Africa, a passport is required. This passport’s validity must be at least 30 days beyond your intended date to leave South Africa.
There must be at least two blank pages when the passport is presented for endorsement. These blank spaces are for an entry visa, a permanent residence permit, or departure stamp.
Two Coloured Photographs
Two coloured photographs must be included with a white background. The photographs will have a dimension of 3.5cm by 4.5cm without borders.
This must be a recent photo and not older than one month. They must be taken in such a way that 70-80% of the photograph contains your face.
Proof of the Visa Fee Payment
For a complete application for the South Africa visa to be made, an application fee must be paid. When this is done, save the receipt (proof of payment) and submit it along with other documents.
A Yellow-Fever Vaccination Certificate
For you to be allowed a safe passage into South Africa, you must be administered a yellow fever vaccination and the appropriate certificate, which is approved by the World Health Organization and is valid for ten years.
Proof of Relationship to Dependents
If you are being accompanied by family member while travelling to South Africa, you will need to provide;
- Proof of custody
- Consent of the guardian in a situation where the person is not up to the age of 18.
Proof of Sufficient Means
You will provide proof that you can independently cater for your self by showing the following;
- Bank statements
- Available cash and credit cards
- Salary advances
- Proof of sponsorship by the host in South Africa
South Africa Visa Requirements for Children Under 18
If accompanied by both parents
- Valid passport
- Unabridged Birth certificate or equivalent document
- Valid visa (if required)
If accompanied by a guardian who is not their biological parents
- Valid passport
- Parental Consent Affidavit or letter of special circumstances
- Unabridged Birth Certificate
- Valid Visa (if required)
If accompanied by adoptive parents
- Valid passport
- A confirmation of adoption from the court or Unabridged Birth Certificate of the minor which will have the adoptive parent’s particulars
If not accompanied by anyone
- Valid passport
- Contact details of parent or legal guardian
- Unabridged Birth Certificate
- Parental Consent Affidavit
- Letter from person who is hosting the minor in South Africa. This will contain his contact information and address.
- A copy of any identity document of the host of the minor in South Africa.
Step-by-Step guide on the South Africa Visa Application Process
There are two ways in which you can apply for South Africa visa in Nigeria;
Applying at the South African Embassy or
Applying for an online visa (eVisa)
Applying at the South African Embassy in Nigeria
Identify the Type of Visa You Need to Apply for
Check the type of visa you need to apply for and check your eligibility to know if you’re eligible to go on with the application.
Book an Appointment:
Go to the nearest South African Embassy to book an appointment. Do this week’s before the intended travel date.
Fill and Complete the Application Form:
Download the visa application form. Carefully fill it out and print. Now take it to the embassy for submission.
Gather the Necessary Documents:
Gather the documents listed above, as they will be needed depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Attend the Scheduled Appointment:
On this day you will submit the necessary documents personally as an appointment cannot be attended by third party.
Pay your Fees
In order to complete the process, the visa fee must be paid at the visa application centre via cash or credit card.
Await Decision
The South Africa visa’s processing time is fifteen days so after making payment, you have to wait for the decision to be made.
Collect your Visa
After the approval, you can get your visa at the embassy along with your application centre receipt. Another person can actually get the visa for you after lots of checks and confirmations.
Where to Apply for South Africa Visa in Nigeria
You can apply for the South Africa visa through the VFS global offices:
South African High Commission
Plot 371, Diplomatic Zone
Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria.
Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,
Opposite Treasure Garden Estate,
Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase 1,
Lagos, Nigeria.
Vineyard Shopping Centre,
88 Woji Road, GRA,
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
For further information:
You can contact the South African Embassy for Lagos on 01-4612067 or 01-4612050
For the South African Embassy for Abuja, please contact them on +234-9-462-4200-1
For Port Harcourt Embassy, please contact them on +2348150188800
The working hours at VFS Global are; Monday – Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 (You can submit your application within this time).
Applying for the South Africa eVisa
As a tourist, you can apply for a South Africa visa online. The process is as follows;
- Open the South Africa eVisa Websites
- Create your account
- Complete the e-Visa application form
- Upload the necessary documents
- Pay for the Visa Fees
- Await the Approval
- Receive your e-Visa
Visa Fees and Processing Time
| Visa Type | Visa Fees | Processing Time |
| 1 Medical visa | 14,000 Naira | 6 working days |
| 2 Business visa | 10,400 Naira | 6 working days |
| 3 Student visa | 37,000 Naira | 6 to 8 weeks |
| 4 Tourism visa | 104000 Naira | 6 working days |
| 5 Voluntary visa | 10,400 Naira | 8 weeks |
Common Mistakes and Tips
There are some mistakes made by people who are applying for the South Africa visa. These mistakes can lead to various consequences; therefore, they should be avoided at all costs. They are;
Providing False Information
Some applicants might provide false information, such as employment information, travel history, criminal record, health condition, etc.
This can lead to serious consequences, both legally and for future travel. This act is considered fraudulent and can lead to visa denial as well as being detained.
Applying for the Wrong Type of Visa
This is a common mistake usually made by travellers who have little or no information on the types of South Africa visa.
Applying for the wrong visa type might lead to visa rejection, therefore causing an additional delay or hold on whatever you wanted to accomplish at South Africa.
Failing to Apply for a Visa Early
Some travellers think or assume that visa can be obtained immediately and tend to make the mistake of applying for it when they need it.
This will not only delay whatever plans they had for the trip but might lead to them having errors as they will tend to rush in order to meet up with the intended date to travel. This mistakes can cause visa delay or even denial of the visa.
Lack of Proper Documentation
One of the most common mistakes made by travellers is lack of Proper Documentation. Failure to provide the right documents for the right trip can lead to visa denial.
You should have a proper check of the documents before submission and also double check the information on the documents to prevent errors.
How to Avoid Errors with Your South Africa Visa
In order to prevent making mistakes that can lead to visa rejection or denial, follow these instructions;
Research Visa Requirements
Before applying for a visa be sure to make proper research on the eligibility criteria and required documents for the trip.
Gather all Necessary Documentation
Be sure to have all the required documents. The documents listed above should be acquired and properly documented.
Double-check all Information
Before submitting these documents to the South Africa Embassy, be sure to double-check all your documents to avoid situations that can lead to visa denial.
Seek Professional Advice
If you have no idea how it works, seek the advice of a professional, such as a visa specialist or immigration lawyer, to ensure you are on the right path.
Visa Appointment
Due to the number of people who visit each centre per day for appointment booking, It is advisable to book an appointment months before at the application centre.
Visa Approval and Travelling to South Africa
After the approval of your visa, you need to have a traveller’s declaration before you can enter or exist in South Africa. This form can be filled out online.
It is a way of pre-declaring any purchases, such as gifts or any amount of cash you are carrying. This is to enhance smooth and lawful movement through the borders. Also read about cities we recommend that you visit during your stay in South Africa.
Ensure to check the current weather situation in South Africa at the time you want to travel. This is to know the right type of clothes to pick for the movement. Have a peaceful trip to the place of natural treasures.
very helpful information