Quick Answer: South Africa Visa Application Form Requirements
The application form is the document that carries your request, and which form applies depends on the visa category and whether you are applying from abroad or from within South Africa.
Always obtain the current form from the Department of Home Affairs or the official application centre. Forms are revised, and an outdated version downloaded from a third-party site may be refused. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a visa agency, embassy, application centre or government department, and it cannot lodge, check or decide an application.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for anyone completing a South African visa application form.
For the categories themselves, see South Africa Visa Requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Establish which form applies before completing anything.
Applicant type
- Category. Visitor, study, work, business and residence routes use different forms or different sections.
- Where you are applying from. Applications from abroad and from within South Africa can differ.
- New application or change. Extensions and changes of condition normally use a different form from a first application.
- Accompanying dependants. May require their own forms rather than being added to yours.
Documents You May Need
The form is submitted with the supporting documents for your category.
Required proof
- The current form for your category, completed in full and signed.
- Passport and supporting documents as required for the category.
- Photographs meeting the stated specification.
- Proof of payment of the applicable fee.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Obtain the current form from the official source rather than a third-party site.
Complete every field, using the same details as appear in your passport, and sign where required.
Check it against the supporting documents so nothing conflicts, then submit the complete set.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
There is no charge for the form itself. Fees apply to the application. Forms are revised periodically, so confirm you have the current version before completing it.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Using an outdated form from an unofficial website.
- Completing the wrong form for your category or your location.
- Details on the form not matching the passport exactly.
- Leaving the form unsigned or sections blank.
- Adding dependants to your form where separate forms are required.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the current form, specification, fees and appointment process with the Department of Home Affairs or its appointed visa application centre. Requirements differ by nationality and change without notice. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get the visa application form?
From the Department of Home Affairs or the official visa application centre. Do not use forms from third-party websites, which may be outdated.
Which form do I need?
It depends on your visa category and whether you are applying from abroad or within South Africa. Confirm with Home Affairs.
Do dependants need their own form?
Often yes. Confirm whether separate applications are required for accompanying family members.
Does the form need to be signed?
Signature is normally required. An unsigned form is a common reason for an application being returned.
Where can I confirm form requirements?
Confirm with the Department of Home Affairs or the official application centre.