South Africa Visa From Nigeria – How To Apply
South Africa visa from Nigeria took a new dimension in 2018. Now, you need to authenticate your marriage certificate and children birth certificates if travelling with family – VFS Lagos. And due to the pandemic, it is now mandatory for all applicants to pay for courier service.
In this blog, we will show how you can apply for a South Africa visa in Nigeria and whoe you the South Africa visa requirements (people living in Nigeria, including foreigners).
South Africa is one of the nations in the African landmass that attracts a lot of immigrants with Nigerians, making up the lists.
South Africa is a country in southern Africa that has borders with Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Swaziland, Lesotho, and Mozambique are to the east and northeast of these countries. There are stunning places to explore in South Africa. One could travel to South Africa for a variety of reasons. Before traveling to South Africa, whether for business or pleasure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the country’s immigration regulations and give all the information required for obtaining a visa. The finest action to take before entering South Africa is typically to obtain a visa. This South African Sticker visa requirement does not apply to all citizens, nevertheless.
Who is eligible to enter South Africa with a visa and who is not depends on their visa policy. Despite the fact that Nigerians make up the majority of immigrants in South Africa, it is expected that before a Nigerian enters the country, he or she would have to meet all visa criteria. Nigerians must apply for a South African Sticker visa if they intend to visit South Africa, whether it is for a brief visit or a long-term stay. The processes for applying for a visa to South Africa are easy and straightforward. There are South African Sticker visa criteria that you must meet in order to get your application approved.
South African Visa Processing Time in Nigeria
Have you ever imagined visiting South Africa to take in its world-class nightlife, wineries, and wildlife parks? With the help of knowledgeable guidance on how to secure your South African visa, you can now make your dream a reality. In order to enter South Africa, residents of Nigerian passports need a visitor visa. You must submit your application at a branch of the VFS Global Center in Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt. To ensure enough processing time, always apply for your South African tourist visa at least four weeks before your trip.
Usually, processing time for South African visas is quick. In Nigeria, the processing period is from 6 to 8 days. The processing time occasionally varies and may depend on a personal evaluation. The length of time it takes to process a South Africa visa in Nigeria might vary depending on a number of factors, including the kind of visa being applied for. If there are a lot of applicants, the processing time may also go over budget.
Find below types of South Africa visa issued to Nigerian passport holders.
TYPES OF SOUTH AFRICA VISA
- Visitor’s Visa
- Business Visa
-
Work Visa
-
Corporate Visas
-
Study Visas
-
Exchange Visas
-
Relatives’ Visa
- Medical Treatment Visa
Before we explain the category, let quickly give you the general list for South Africa visa requirements for Nigeria.
Documents Required For South Africa Sticker visa In Nigeria
- A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
- Your passport must have at least 2 unused pages for entry/departure endorsements
- A completed Form BI-84 (Click here to download)
- Visa fee (must be paid with your credit/debit card)
- Self Introduction letter (typed)
- Introduction letter from your employer (typed)
- Colour copy of Yellow fever card for adult For children below 10years, make copies of their Immunization card.
- Confirmed hotel reservation or accommodation
- If invited, host’s utility bills, data page and invitation letter
- Two colour passport photographs
- A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
- Certified copy of the Birth certificate and consent letter(s) for minors with copy of Parent(s) ID card. Certified copy of Marriage certificate or Certified copy of Death certificate if applicable
- If you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents
- Proof of guardianship or custody or
- Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
- Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:
- 3 months bank statement – original, stamped and signed by bank authority (Lagos and Port Harcourt). For Abuja, 6 months bank statement – original, stamped & signed by bank authority.
- Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
- Bursary
- Medical cover or
- Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)
Prepare the list or South Africa visa requirements for Nigeria as outlined above and submit your application at the South Africa Visa Application Centre.
Nigerian nationals can now easily apply for a South African e-Visa online.
The traveler must have Internet access in order to complete the form. They could operate a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Nigerian visitors must possess a valid passport, a debit or credit card, and an email account before completing the form. It is important to follow a few simple procedures in order to successfully apply for a visa to South Africa from Nigeria.
- Complete the South Africa eVisa form.
- Examine the information entered.
- Use a credit or debit card to pay the e-Visa charge.
- Submit application
The e-Visa system will process the applicant’s information after the application has been submitted. The South African e-Visa is sent right to the traveler’s email after it has been accepted. Click here to see detailed information about the South Africa E-visa.
SOUTH AFRICAN VISA CATEGORIES
- Visits to family/friends and also for tourism purposes
- Business purposes
- Spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit
- Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits
- Fiancee/fiance to join his or her partner with the intention of marrying within 90 days
- Study purposes (max stay 3-months) for South Africa visa
- Charitable or voluntary activities
- Research purposes
- Conferences
- To work in the production of a movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry)
- For medical purposes (3-month stay)
- Sport events
Where To Submit South African Visa Application:
Many people believe submission is done at the South Africa Embassy. No, they have given the submission and payment processes to VFS Global. See Submission centres below:
ABUJA: Visit 3rd Floor, Plot Visa Application Centre Sterling Bank Plaza 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, to submit your South Africa visa.
LAGOS: For South Africa visa in Lagos – Manor Hall, Freedom Way, off Ikate Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lekki, Lagos.
RIVERS: To submit your South Africa visa in Rivers state, visit Vineyard Shopping Centre 88 Woji Road, GRA, Port Harcourt
Visa fee is about NGN39,021 for regular and NGN45,000 for VIP. Visa fees are subject to change at any time. The fees for regular includes courier charge.
NOTE: Your application must be filled with a black pen and in capital letters. If you are submitting a corporate account, you need to get a reference letter from your bank. If you are being sponsored, your sponsor must indicate it in a letter that your expenses will be covered and a copy of his/data page included in your application. Sponsor must also include bank statement in your application.
Ensure you have a checklist in order to have a complete document for South Africa visa requirements for Nigeria before visiting the centre.
Requirements for entering South Africa
After meeting the South Africa visa requirements for Nigeria and visa granted, you will also need the following if you wish to visit South Africa:
- A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay
- Confirmed hotel/accommodation and South Africa visa.
- A valid visa
- Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay
- A return or onward ticket
- Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
If you need visa assistance regarding your South Africa visa application, click here to contact us.
Countries exempt from South African Visa are:
As of 20 February 2020
| Visa Exemption List | ||||||
| COUNTRY NAME/ORGANISATIONS | Passport Type | Visa Fees | ||||
| Diplomatic | Official | Service | Ordinary | Special | ||
| African Union Laissez Passer | 90 Days | No | ||||
| Albania (Republic of) | 120 Days | 120 Days | 120 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| Algeria | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Andorra (Principality of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| Angola (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days P/A | Yes | ||
| Anguilla | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Antigua and Barbuda | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Argentina | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Australia | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Austria (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Bahamas | 30 Days | Yes | ||||
| Barbados | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Belarus (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Belgium | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
Belize* |
30 Days |
30 Days |
30 Days |
Yes |
||
| Benin (Republic of)* | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Bermuda | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Bolivia, Plurinational State of | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Botswana | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Brazil | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| British Antarctic Territory | 90 Days | Yes | ||||
| British Indian Ocean Territory | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| British Virgin Island | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Bulgaria (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Canada | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Cape Verde | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Cayman Islands | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Chile | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| China (People’s Republic of) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Comoros (Union of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Congo (Democratic Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Costa Rica | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
Croatia (Republic of) |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
Yes |
||
| Cuba (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Cyprus | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 30 Days | No | |
| Czech Republic | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Denmark (Kingdom of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Ducie and Oeno Islands | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Ecuador | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Egypt | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Falkland Islands | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Finland (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| France (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Gabon (Republic of)* | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Germany (Federal Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Ghana (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
Gibraltar |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
Yes |
||
| Greece (Hellenic Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
Guernsey |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
No |
||
| Guinea (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Guyana | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Henderson | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Hong Kong (SpecialAdministrative Region of China)* | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Hungary | 120 Days | 120 Days | 120 Days | 30 Days | No | |
| Iceland (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| India | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Indonesia (Republic of) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes, For South Africa visa | ||
| Ireland | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
Isle of Man |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
No |
||
| Israel | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Italy (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Ivory Coast (Republic of Còte D’Ivoire) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Jamaica | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Japan | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Jersey | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Jordan | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Kenya (Republic of)* | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Lesotho (Kingdom Of) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Liberia | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Liechtenstein | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Luxembourg (Grand Duchy of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | |
| Macau | 30 Days | No | ||||
| Madagascar (Republic of) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 90 Days P/A | Yes | |
| Malawi | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Malaysia* | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Maldives | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Mali (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Malta | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Mauritius | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
| Mexico | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
Monaco (Principality of) |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
Yes |
||
| Montserrat | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Morocco (Kingdom of) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
| Mozambique (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 30 Days | Yes | |
| Namibia | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 90 Days P/A | No | |
| Netherlands (The Kingdom of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | |
| New Zealand | 90 Days | Yes | ||||
| Niger | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Nigeria (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| Norway | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Panama (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| Paraguay | 120 Days | 120 Days | 120 Days | 90 Days | No | |
| Peru | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | No | ||
Pitcairn Islands |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
Yes |
||
| Poland (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 30 Days | Yes | |
| Portugal (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Qatar (State of) | 90 Days | Yes | ||||
| Republic of Korea (South Korea)* | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| Romania | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Russian Federation | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| Rwanda (Republic of) | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes For South Africa visa | ||
| SADC laissez-passers | 90 Days | No | ||||
| Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha,Gough Island | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| San Marino (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes, For South Africa visa | ||
| São Tomé and Príncipe (Democratic Republic of) | 90 Days | Yes, For South Africa visa | ||||
| Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of) | 90 Days | Yes, For South Africa visa | ||||
| Senegal | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
Seychelles |
30 Days |
30 Days |
90 Days P/A |
No |
||
| Singapore (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes, For South Africa visa | ||
| Slovak Republic | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Spain (Kingdom of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes, For South Africa visa | ||
| Sweden | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Switzerland | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Tanzania (United Republic of) | 90 Days P/A | 90 Days P/A | 90 Days P/A | Yes | ||
| Thailand (Kingdom of)* | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 30 Days | Yes | |
| Trinidad and Tobago (Republic of) | 90 Days | Yes | ||||
| Tunisia (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes |
| Turkey (Republic of)* | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | Yes | ||
Turks and Caicos Islands |
90 Days |
90 Days |
90 Days |
Yes |
||
| Uganda (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| United Arab Emirates | 90 Days | Yes | ||||
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 90 Days | No | ||||
| United Nations Lasse Passer | 90 Days | No | ||||
| United States of America | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes |
| Uruguay | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Vietnam (Republic of) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | Yes | ||
| Virgin Islands (British) | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
| Zambia | 90 Days P/A | 90 Days P/A | 90 Days P/A | No | ||
| Zimbabwe | 90 Days | 90 Days | 90 Days | No | ||
Diplomatic, Official and Service Passport holders do not pay VISA FEES |
|
| Angola (Republic of) | Each visit not to exceed 30 days |
| Germany (Federal Republic of) | Except diplomatic passport holders who are due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of Germany in South Africa, require visas for accreditation purposes |
| Kenya (Republic of) | Including civil servants holding ordinary passports travelling for official government business |
| United States of America | Except diplomatic passport holders who are due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of the USA in South Africa, require visas for accreditation purposes |
| Belize* | Please note that countries marked with an asterisk are only subject to South Africa visa fees if the intended visit exceeds thirty (30) days: |
| Benin (Republic of)* | |
| Gabon (Republic of)* | |
| Hong Kong (SpecialAdministrative Region of China)* | |
| Kenya (Republic of)* | |
| Malaysia* | |
| Republic of Korea (South Korea)* | |
| Thailand (Kingdom of)* | |
| Turkey (Republic of)* | |
