South Africa Visit Visa for Canadian Residents

South Africa's attractive scenery, culture, and wildlife have helped it become a popular tourist destination. If you are planning a safari, family trip, or business meeting, it is important to learn about the visa requirements before you travel.

• Over 370,000 international tourists went to South Africa in early 2024, and tourism is expected to keep growing through 2026 (South African Tourism Board).
• Canadians with passports do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
• Foreign citizens living in Canada might need a visa before traveling.
• About 98% of visa applications from Canada are approved if all the needed paperwork is included.
• South Africa is one of the top 10 safari destinations worldwide, which draws tourists from all over.

*Want guidance to apply for South Africa Visit Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end support with the process.
 

What Is a South Africa Visit Visa?

A South Africa Visit Visa is a travel document for short visits. It allows foreign people to enter South Africa for reasons like tourism, seeing family, business meetings, medical care, or attending events.

This visa usually allows stays of up to 90 days. It can be either single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on what the traveler needs. Citizens of countries without visa-exemption agreements with South Africa need this visa. You must apply at the South African High Commission or approved visa application centers before traveling.
 

Why Visit South Africa from Canada?

South Africa presents a memorable travel option for Canadians, blending natural beauty, cultural richness, and business prospects.

• Visit key places like Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, and Robben Island.
• Experience safaris and top-tier wineries in the Western Cape.
• Attend global trade shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• Spend time with relatives and friends living in South Africa.
• Discover a multicultural country with 11 official languages..

Benefits of the South Africa Visit Visa

The benefits of the South Africa Visit Visa are given below.

• Permits entry for tourism, business matters, or to see family.
• Good for one entry or many during the visa's validity.
• Permits stay of up to 90 days each time.
• Offers a chance to ask for a longer stay in South Africa if needed.
• Applications go through the South African High Commission or approved visa centers in Canada.

Types of South Africa Visit Visas for Canadians

Travellers from Canada can apply for any of the South African Visit Visas given below, based on their purpose and duration of stay.

• Tourist Visa
• Family or Friend Visit Visa
• Business Visa
• Medical Treatment Visa
• Study or Research Visa (Short-Term)

Tourist Visa – For leisure travel, sightseeing, and cultural exploration.

The South Africa Tourist Visa is a short-term permit that allows people from other countries to visit South Africa for fun, seeing the sights, and learning about the culture. It's a good choice for those who want to see South Africa's animals, beautiful scenery, and lively cities.

This visa usually allows stays of up to 90 days and can be issued for one visit or multiple visits. People applying need to provide things like a valid passport, travel plans, proof of where they will stay, and proof they have enough money for their visit.
 

Family or Friend Visit Visa – For visiting relatives or close friends in South Africa.

The South Africa Family or Friend Visit Visa is a short-term option for foreign people who want to visit family or close friends living in South Africa. It's good for reunions, personal events, or just spending time with loved ones.

This visa usually allows you to stay for up to 90 days. It can be either single-entry or multiple-entry. People applying for this visa need a letter from their host in South Africa, evidence of the host's legal status, where they will be staying, and proof of their relationship.
 

Business Visa – For meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or short-term work engagements.

A South Africa Business Visa is for foreign individuals visiting South Africa for a short time for business. This includes going to meetings, conferences, trade shows, negotiations, or doing short-term work that is not permanent.

This visa usually lets you stay for up to 90 days. It can be either for one entry or multiple entries, depending on what the applicant needs. To apply, travelers generally need an invitation from their South African business contact, proof of where they will stay, and proof that they can afford their visit.
 

Medical Treatment Visa – For temporary medical care at South African healthcare facilities.

The South Africa Medical Treatment Visa is for foreign people who need to come to South Africa for short-term medical care at approved healthcare places. It's for those who need treatments, advice from doctors, surgery, or regular medical help they can't get in their own country.

Usually, this visa lets you stay for up to 90 days, and sometimes you can stay longer. Those applying must include a letter from the South African medical center that states what treatment they'll get, how long it will take, and the plans made. They also need to show they have enough funds to pay for their medical care and living costs.
 

Study or Research Visa (Short-Term) – For academic or research activities under 90 days.

The South Africa Study or Research Visa (Short-Term) is a temporary visa for foreign people who want to enter South Africa for academic study or research that will last less than 90 days. This visa is good for students taking short courses, exchange programs, or workshops. It is also for researchers doing fieldwork or working on projects together.

This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. People who want this visa need to provide a letter that shows they have permission or an invitation from the South African school or research center. They also need to provide details about the program or research they will be doing, and proof that they have enough money to support themselves during their stay.
 

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

If you are not a Canadian citizen and want to visit South Africa, here are the requirements:

• This applies if you have a foreign passport (like an Indian, Pakistani, or Nigerian passport) and live in Canada with permanent resident status or a work or study permit.
• You must apply for a visa unless your country is on South Africa's visa-exempt list.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 30 days past your return date and has a minimum of two blank pages.
• You will need to show that you have enough money, a place to stay, and proof of your return travel.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for visits shorter than 90 days, but they still need to meet all entry requirements when they arrive.

South Africa Visit Visa Requirements from Canada

To apply for a South African Visit Visa, you must provide the following documents.

• A passport valid for at least 30 days after your return date, with a minimum of two blank pages, is needed.
• Duly filled out BI-84 visa application form.
• Two passport-size photographs.
• Proof of where you will be staying, such as a hotel booking or invitation letter.
• Return flight itinerary.
• Bank statements are needed to show you have enough money for your visit.
• Proof of legal residence in Canada (like a PR card, visa, or permit).
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How to Apply for a South Africa Visit Visa from Canada?

The process to apply for a South African Visit visa is given below.

Step 1: Figure out what type of visa you need based on why you're visiting.

Step 2: Fill out the BI-84 form and collect all the needed papers.

Step 3: Submit your application in person and give your fingerprints and photo if they ask for it.

Step 4: Wait for them to process your application.

Step 5: Receive your passport with the South African visit visa.

South Africa Visit Visa Fees in Canada

Detailed information about the application fee for South Africa Visit Visa fees are given below.

Applicant Category	Visa Fee (in ZAR)	Approx. Fee (in CAD)
Adults (12 years and above)	R 1,200	~$72 CAD
Children (under 12 years)	R 600	~$35 CAD
Visa Application Center (VAC) Service Fee	R 500–R 800	~$30–$50 CAD

 

Processing Time for South Africa Visit Visa

Detailed information about processing time for the South African visit visa is given below.

Processing Stage	Estimated Timeframe
Standard Processing	10–15 working days
Peak Travel Seasons	20–30 working days
Incomplete or Complex Cases	Up to 45 working days
Recommended Application Lead Time	At least 4–6 weeks before travel

 

Validity and Duration of Stay

Detailed information about the validity and duration of stay offered by a South Africa Visit Visa is given below.

Category	Details
Visa Validity Period	Typically valid for 3 months (90 days) from the date of issue.
Maximum Duration of Stay	Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, as approved by immigration.
Entry Types	Can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry, based on purpose.
Extension Possibility	Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical, family emergencies).
Overstay Penalties	May result in fines, deportation, or bans from re-entering South Africa.

 

Tips to Avoid Visa Rejection

• Ensure all documents meet the embassy's guidelines for completeness and accuracy.
• Supply substantial evidence of your finances and intent to return to Canada.
• Make sure there are no contradictions in your application or supporting documents.
• Give a thorough trip plan with proof of where you will be staying.
• Apply early to give yourself enough time to correct mistakes or handle delays.

Can You Extend Your South Africa Visit Visa?

Yes, under certain conditions, like a health problem, crisis, or for humanitarian work, you might be able to stay longer. To ask for this, send your request to the South African Department of Home Affairs at least two months before your visa runs out. Keep in mind that they get to decide if they will let you stay, and this depends on how good your reason is and the papers you provide.
 

How Can Y-Axis Canada Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading visa and immigration consultancy that aids travellers by simplifying intricate visa application procedures through specialist advice and full support. With a long track record, Y-Axis makes sure that your South Africa Visit Visa application is correct, thorough, and managed well, which helps speed up approvals.

Y-Axis Services for the South Africa Visit Visa:

• Individual meetings to pick the correct visa.
• Help getting ready and checking all needed papers.
• Help setting up visa meetings and getting ready to send in your application.
• Support with travel insurance, flight plans, and money documentation.
• Frequent updates and tracking of where your visa application is in the process.