South Africa has become a nation that is deeply embedded in its rich cultural, political, and natural history. From the wildlife spotting at Kruger National Park to the Table Mountain that stands over Cape Town, the beauty of South Africa is simply unique and unparalleled.
Post-apartheid, the country has become a leading model for freedom, democracy and human rights. Thanks to the efforts of activist and former president Nelson Mandela, today South Africa has transformed to being one of the strongest economies on the African continent. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most exciting destinations to explore today.
So, if your journey involves passing through South Africa en route to its neighbouring countries, then you will need a transit visa. However, the Minister of Home Affairs has exempted travellers from needing a transit visa when passing through the following list of South African international airports: Lanseria International Airport, OR Tambo International, King Shaka, and Cape Town International. Travellers transiting through these aforementioned airports will instead be subjected to biometric capture.
Know the Eligibility and Requirements
According to a recent notification released by the Department of Home Affairs (Republic of South Africa), transit visas will only now be required for Bangladesh and Pakistan passport holders. As a result, passport holders of any other country will now be exempt from possessing a transit visa. The list of countries that are exempt from possessing a South African transit visa can be discovered here. Usually, a South African transit visa will be valid for three days or less.
So, if you are a Bangladeshi or Pakistani passport holder, then before proceeding to apply for your transit visa, remember to have a valid and acceptable travel document or passport for your intended stay. The travel document or passport should be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiration of your intended stay and must have at least two blank pages for entry/departure endorsements. Apart from that, you will require a “Transit” or “Entry Visa” application form (DHA-84) along with a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if needed).
Additional requirements include providing a statement or documentation showcasing the purpose and duration of your visit; providing two colour passport-sized photographs (35 mm in width and 45 mm in height); and your onward or return ticket (if travelling via air). You also need to have sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay. Do keep in mind that your “Proof of Financial Means” must be provided in the form of bank statements, salary advances, medical cover, a bursary, undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa, or cash available (including travellers’ cheques and credit cards).
Lastly, if you have minors or children travelling with you (below 18 years of age), then you need to provide the minor’s certified copy of their birth certificate, additional information or documents to prove “Proof of Custody or Guardianship,” and the guardian’s consent if the minor is unaccompanied. For unaccompanied minors, an identity document or valid passport and visa of the person who is to receive the child must be presented. Also, do not forget that there are certain goods that you cannot travel with when passing through South Africa and other goods for which customs duties have to be paid. For more information about South African customs requirements, click here.
Steps to Apply For South Africa Transit Visa
If you are a Bangladeshi or Pakistani passport holder and thereby want to apply for a South African transit visa, then you can do so by following the below-mentioned steps judiciously.
- Start the application process by first downloading the DHA-84 form, which is to be used for applying for an entry visa or transit visa.
- Once downloaded, print the form and start filling out the required information. Do remember that the form must be filled out in black ink only.
- Proceed to fill out your full name, date of birth, address, passport details, marital status, and detailed information about your visit to South Africa.
- After you have filled out the form, book an appointment with the nearest South African High Commission in your country or a registered visa application centre. Do not forget to pay the required fee as well, which is 50 USD. Fees must be pre-paid online, without which you will not be able to book an appointment.
- Submit your form with the requisite documents at the visa application centre.
- Once you have submitted your visa application, remember to continue tracking its status over time.
- After your visa application is approved, you can either proceed to collect it from the visa application centre or pay the required charges to have it delivered to your doorstep.
The current processing time for a South African transit visa differs between five and ten working days from the date of receipt of the complete application.
