Requirements

US Visa Requirements

For most South Africans, US visa requirements start with a nonimmigrant visa application: you complete the online DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee and book an interview through the official US visa appointment service for South Africa. Which visa you need depends on why you are travelling, so confirm your category before you start.

The fee for a B visitor visa (business, tourism or medical treatment) is $185 USD. Everything below is based on the US Department of State’s South African appointment service, and you should confirm it there before you pay.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance

Whether you qualify depends on your visa category and on the decision of the consular officer. These are the core steps for a US visa from South Africa.

Other categories, including student, exchange and work visas, have their own conditions and may need a document from a school, programme or employer first.

Passport and Travel Document Requirements

You need a valid passport for the application, and your photograph must meet the US Department of State specification. Eyeglasses are generally no longer accepted in new US visa photographs. See our guide to US visa photo requirements for what to prepare.

The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States, unless a country-specific agreement provides an exception (see the official FAQs). Confirm with your airline before you travel.

Visa and Supporting Document Requirements

Have these ready for your application and interview.

The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. It is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, covers one application only and cannot be moved to another country. Which supporting documents the consular officer expects varies by category, so check the official guidance for yours rather than relying on a generic list.

Financial, Health and Entry Conditions

Some applicants must pay an extra visa issuance fee, known as a reciprocity fee, depending on their citizenship and the type of visa. Applicants for F, M and J student and exchange visas also pay a separate SEVIS fee. Other categories carry different application fees: for example H, O, P, Q, R and L visas are $205 and E visas are $315, while F, M, J, C and D visas are $185 like the B visa.

The US asks most visa applicants for social media identifiers on the application form. Answer every question on the DS-160 truthfully and consistently with your documents.

How to Prepare or Apply

  1. Choose the visa category that matches your purpose of travel.
  2. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov and keep the confirmation barcode.
  3. Pay the fee and book your interview on the official fee and appointment pages for South Africa.
  4. If you need to update the DS-160 number on your booking, do it at least three business days before the interview. Otherwise you may have to reschedule and pay new fees.
  5. Attend the interview with your documents.

The US Department of State advises applicants not to book travel until they have received their passport and visa.

The US Embassy in South Africa says you must book with a valid DS-160 barcode number, and that the DS-160 must be submitted at least two business days before your interview or the appointment is cancelled. It adds that new appointments are released every Thursday afternoon, South African time, and that payment should be made only on the official appointment site or at a US embassy or consulate.

The embassy’s notice also lists Durban among the posts where routine visa services end from 1 August 2026, so check the appointment service for the interview locations open to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US visa as a South African?

Yes. The US Embassy says South African citizens need a visa before they can visit the United States. Which type you need depends on your purpose of travel, so check the US Department of State and the embassy’s website before you apply.

How do I apply for a US visa in South Africa?

Complete the DS-160, pay the visa application fee, and book an interview on the official appointment service at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za. The booking site shows the interview locations and available dates.

How much does a US visa cost?

A B visitor visa application fee is $185 USD and is non-refundable. Some applicants pay an additional reciprocity fee, and F, M and J applicants also pay a SEVIS fee.

How long is the visa fee valid?

365 days from the date of purchase. It covers one application only and cannot be transferred to another country.

Can I change my DS-160 number after booking?

Yes, but update it in the scheduling system at least three business days before your interview, or you may have to reschedule and pay again.

Can I renew my US visa without an interview?

Sometimes. The US Embassy lists the interview waiver criteria: you are renewing a B-1/B-2 visa that is still valid or expired within the past 12 months, you were at least 18 when it was issued, you live in South Africa and are physically present here, you have had your 10 fingerprints taken at a US embassy or consulate before, the previous visa was not lost, stolen or revoked, and your most recent application was not refused. A consular officer can still ask you to attend an interview.

What are the US visa photo requirements?

The photograph must meet the US Department of State specification, and glasses are generally no longer accepted. Read our US visa photo requirements guide.

See the full visa requirements hub and browse all travel and immigration requirements. Confirm current fees and rules with the US Department of State and the US visa appointment service for South Africa before you apply.

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