The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is a country located in the southernmost part of the African continent. South Africa is a nation of diverse people, cultures, religions and languages. The Republic of South Africa shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. The South African coastline stretches along the South Atlantic ocean and the Indian ocean.
The most spoken languages in South Africa are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. With a population of over 60 million people, South Africa is the 23rd most populous country on Earth. The Republic of South Africa is well known for its inland safari destinations, beaches, lush vineyards and beautiful scenery.
Types of South Africa visa
- Visitors visa: This type of visa is issued to people visiting family or vacationing for a short period of time. It is valid for a temporary stay of up to 90 days.
- Long stay visitors visa: This type of visa is issued to people who want to stay in South Africa for a long period of time. It is valid for a period between 3 months to 3 years.
Visa requirements
Nigerians travelling to South Africa require a visa to be allowed entry into the country. The visa on arrival option is also unavailable for Nigerians. To get the South Africa visa, you need the following:
- An original and valid Nigerian passport: Ensure that the passport is valid for a minimum of one month after the intended stay.
- Photographs: Two passport-sized photographs (45mm by 45mm) with white background.
- Application form fully filled in.
- Copy of the bio-data page in the passport.
- Copies of previously issued visas (if you have any).
- Self-introduction letter with a physical address and phone number.
- Recommendation or Introduction letter from an employer.
- Verifiable hotel reservations and bookings.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Recent bank statements of six months or a financial support letter from the employer with six months’ bank statements in a case where the employer is sponsoring the trip.
- Birth certificate of children (minors) travelling with parents.
- Payment of non-refundable visa fee of 8,600 naira, excluding service fee.
- Flight bookings.
You can apply for your visa at the VFS Global located in Port Harcourt, Abuja or Lagos.
E-visa requirements
The South Africa E-visa allows Nigerian visitors to enter the country for short term trips. The E-visa is valid for a single entry or multiple entries for varying lengths of time depending on the applicant. The following are needed for a successful application for the E-visa.
- Nigerian passport: The passport must be valid for a minimum period of 1 month after the intended date of arrival.
- Confirmed email address.
- Debit or credit card details.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Confirmation of a return ticket or onward travel ticket (for those travelling in transit).
- Proof of vaccination.
How to apply for the E-visa
- Fill in and submit the online visa application form (form BI-84).
- Provide basic information, passport information and details of the planned trip
- Answer health and security related questions.
- Once approved, the E-visa is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport.
Border control officials will scan your passport to ascertain that you have a visa. However, if your travel date changes before you arrive in South Africa, you are required to apply for a new E-visa.