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| Visa requirements and information |
Republic of South Africa: General administrative issues:
Foreigners subject to South African visa control who wish to visit the RSA for holiday, business or transit purposes must be in possession of valid and acceptable passports/travel documents and visas. Visas must be obtained at the agency duly authorised to receive applications on behalf of the South African Mission, prior to travel to South Africa (See address below).
A new visa application and delivery system has been introduced for short-stay visitors visas to South Africa issued on ordinary passports by the Embassy in Kinshasa and the Consulate General in Lubumbashi.
The application and delivery elements of the visa process, that is to say the counter services, have been contracted out to a service provider with extensive experience all over the world in providing this kind of service – VFS Global. The VFS Global operation is being run under the registered company name of Euro World SPRL.
In terms of this new system all short-stay visitors visas to South Africa, that is to say for 90 days or less, issued on ordinary or private passports, regardless of the purpose of the visit, must be submitted at the new South African Visa Application Centres in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
It is important to highlight that the new service will be limited to applications for short-stay visas on ordinary passports; all other applications for longer term visas and permits on ordinary passports, e.g. for study or work or resettlement purposes, will still be received by the Embassy. In addition, all visa applications, including for short-stay purposes, on diplomatic and official passports, will also still be received by the Embassy. |
| The South African Visa Application Centre in Kinshasa |
The South African Visa Application Centre is situated on the Second Floor, Immeuble Future Tower, No 3642 Boulevard du 30 Juin, Gombe, Kinshasa.
Visa applications are received from 08h00 to 13h00, Monday to Friday, except for public holidays observed by the Embassy of South Africa. The cut-off time for an applicant to enter the application centre for submission of an application is 12h30.
Delivery of passports with visas is done from Monday to Friday from 13h30 to 16h00, except holidays observed by the South African Embassy.
For any queries, the VFS Global call centre can be contacted at (+243) 824264746 from 08h00 to 12h00 and from 13h00 to 16h00 from Monday to Friday, except the holidays observed by the South African Embassy.
For Kinshasa, applicants can also forward their queries to infokinsa@vfshelpline.com. |
The South African Visa Application Centre in Lubumbashi |
The South African Visa Application Centre is situated at N° 440, Avenue Maman Yemo, Lubumbashi.
Visa applications are received from 08h00 to 13h00, Monday to Friday, except for public holidays observed by the Consulate General of South Africa. The cut-off time for an applicant to enter the application centre for submission of an application is 12h30.
Delivery of passports with visas is done from Monday to Friday from 13h30 to 16h00, except holidays observed by the South African Consulate General.
For any queries, the VFS Global call centre can be contacted at (+243) 824264746 from 08h00 to 12h00 and from 13h00 to 16h00 from Monday to Friday, except the holidays observed by the South African Consulate General.
For Lubumbashi, applicants can also forward their queries to
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| General visa requirements and issues: |
Processing time for visas is 5-10 working days.
Visa application form (BI-84E) must be completed in English and in black ink only.
All documentation accompanying the application must be in English.
The passport must have at least two blank pages upon application.
Please note that the applicants may submit the application in person.
Authorising a third party to do so on behalf of the applicant is acceptable, but the application form must at all times be signed by the applicant himself/herself
Additional documentation to prove the bona fides of the visit may be requested over and above the requirements listed below.
A fee of US Dollar 125 is payable on submission of the application for a visa, consisting of an official visa fee US Dollar 45 and a service fee of US Dollar 80 plus optional US Dollar 3.00 for SMS fee. |
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| Visa requirements in respect of: |
Tourism
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letters of invitation from the South African travel agencies accompanied by detailed itinerary and the hotel booking for the whole period of visit to the Republic.
Confirmation of employment in original reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave granted for the period of visit.
Proof of financial means: original bank statements.
Certificate of vaccination/yellow fever (original and copy)
Copy of passport
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary booking
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
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| Business |
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming in detail purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African business company or institution. If the SA host undertakes financial responsibility/hospitality, same must be clearly stated in the submitted documentation.
An original letter from the Congolese company confirming the purpose and duration of the visit or business trip/deputation order.
The profile of the company may be requested.
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary booking
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt. |
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| Private visit |
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: original letter of invitation from the South African host, stating purpose, period of visit, origin of relationship, residing address in the RSA. If the SA host guarantees to pay all expenses i.r.o. the guest whilst in the RSA, this must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.
Copy of ID or other proof of legal residence status of the host in South Africa, certified a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Confirmation of employment in original reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave, granted for the period of visit:
Proof of financial means: original bank statements for the last 3 months. If the host accepts financial responsibility, a written undertaking to that effect must be submitted. In addition, utility bill and proof of status (Copy of ID, passport and residence permit must be submitted).
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary booking
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
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| Training purposes and study up to three months |
Please note that any study related visit for up to three months will be regulated on a visitor’s visa, but for a visit longer than three months the applicant must apply for a study permit. In the case of practical training of a foreign student or in-house practical training of a foreign employee, the Act now makes provision for these persons to be regulated on study permits, irrespective of the period of their visit.
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from the Congolese employer confirming the need for training, duration of stay and that the applicant will return to his current job on completion of his training. In case of study up to three months a letter from educational organization stating purpose, duration of the course and confirmation of payment for the course, medical aid, radiological report, medical certificate and police clearance must be submitted and repatriation deposit of $1100 must be paid.
Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and duration of visit. If such letter also guarantees payment of all expenses, the confirmation of employment reflecting salary details and proof of financial means are not required.
Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case there is no financial guarantee from the SA host or the company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months.
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary booking
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt. |
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| Sport purposes |
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from the South African sport organization, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit. If the South African sport organization takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.
A letter from the club/organization, represented by the applicant stating purpose and period of visit (copies are acceptable). If this club/organization takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter.
Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case if there is no financial guarantee from the SA host or the company represented by the applicant): original bank statements for the last 3 months
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary booking
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa.
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| Research (Up to three months) |
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African inviting organization (copies are applicable). If the South African inviting organization takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.
Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and duration of visit is required. If such letter also guarantees payment of all expenses, the confirmation of employment reflecting salary details and proof of financial means are not required.
Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case there is no financial guarantee from the SA inviting organization or the company represented by the applicant): original bank statements for the last 3 months
Visa processing fee -$45
Proof of flight itinerary booking
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt. |
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| Medical treatment (Visa) |
Any medical related visit up to three months will be regulated on a visitor’s visa, but for a visit longer than three months the applicant must apply for a medical permit.
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
A letter from the applicant’s medical practitioner or medical institution, indicating the reason/ necessity for treatment. The period of treatment and particulars of the treatment plans in the Republic. Date of appointment, written by the RSA doctor, Price Quote, Three months bank statements /Proof of funds available to cover cost of medical treatment.
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary booking and proof of accommodation
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English, medical certificate& radiological report.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
If applying for medical permit, include police clearance
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| Intended marriage (Visa valid for 3 months) |
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: original letter of invitation from the South African fiancé, stating purpose of visit, origin of relationship, residing address in the RSA.
Copy of ID or immigration permit i.r.o. the SA host certified by the SAPS.
Proof of marital status i.r.o. the SA fiancé and the applicant
If accompanied by children born out of previous marriage – birth certificate i.r.o. the child and consent of biological father/mother that the child may accompany father/mother and may live permanently in the RSA (notarised, translated into English).
Repatriation guarantee in all cases - $1100
Visa processing fee – $45
Proof of flight itinerary (one way ticket is applicable)
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
Note: Documents contemplated above shall be originals or certified copies authenticated by the issuing authority or the country of origin. Please note that the Embassy reserves the right to request any additional documentation. |
| Requirements for travel companies for registration at the embassy: |
Introductory letter of the company on original letter-head contained full details (contact names and telephone numbers): in English.
In case the Travel Company is an operator – confirmation of registration at the Congolese Tourism Register is required.
In case the Travel Company is an agency – confirmation of registration with Tax Inspection and confirmation of tourism activity in the Charter of the company is required.
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| Documentation |
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