South African visa information

This page is for people travelling to South Africa, and covers the requirements for entry to the country.

Most visitors to South Africa, including UK passport holders, won't need a visa if they're staying less than 90 days.

Important information if you are travelling with children who are South African nationals, or for any child travelling unaccompanied: Please read the section below about children carefully as there are specific requirements you should be aware of.

For more information and advice, contact the South African High Commission.

Apply for a South African visa

Most people travelling to South Africa won't need a visa, if they're staying for less than 90 days. However, if you do need one, we can help. We've partnered with VisaCentral, the global visa and passport experts. They can apply on your behalf for a fee. And if you're a Flying Club member, you'll also earn two miles for every £1 you spend.​

Apply for your visa now

You can also apply for your visa through the South African High Commission in London:

South African High Commission

South African High Commission
South Africa House
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DP

Tel: (0) 20 7451 7299

Information for UK passport holders

If you are a UK passport holder visiting South Africa, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date that you leave the country. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.

This guidance is for UK passport holders only. Passengers from other countries should check with the necessary Government department in their country of residence​ for travel information.

Travelling to South Africa with children

There have been some recent changes to South Africa’s immigration rules. As of 10th November 2019, you won't need any additional supporting documents such as birth certificates and consent letters to travel with children who aren't South African nationals.

All unaccompanied children still need additional documentation, regardless of nationality.

If you are travelling with a South African Child they will still need supporting documents along with their passport as proof of parentage:

Where both parents are travelling together with a South African child, they'll also need to show a copy of their birth certificate or an equivalent document containing the parents details. 

If only one parent is travelling with a South African child, they must also show:

• copy of a birth certificate or equivalent document
• parental consent letter
• copy of the passport or identity document of the absent parent
• contact details of the absent parent
• or where applicable-
  • copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.
  • copy of a death certificate of the deceased parent

If a person is travelling with a South African child who is not their biological child, they must also show:

• copy of a birth certificate or equivalent document
• parental consent letter(s)
• copy of the passport(s) or identity document(s) of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
• contact details of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
• or where applicable-
  • copy of a death certificate
  • copy of an adoption order
  • copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.

Regardless of nationality, ALL unaccompanied minors must have the following documents to travel into or from South Africa, in addition to their passport:

• A copy of their birth certificate or equivalent document
• parental consent letter(s)
• A copy of the passport(s) or identity document(s) of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
• contact details of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
• or where applicable-
  • copy of a death certificate
  • copy of an adoption order
  • copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.

Further information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website or the UK Foreign and Commonwealth website.