How much does a South African visa cost: latest fees and application guide (summary of hot topics in the past 10 days)
Recently, South Africa's visa fees and application process have become hot topics, especially as international travel gradually resumes, many tourists have begun to pay attention to South Africa's entry policy. This article will combine the hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the fees, types and application precautions for South African visas.
1. South Africa visa types and fees (latest data in 2023)

| Visa type | Applicable people | Fee (RMB) | Validity period |
|---|---|---|---|
| tourist visa | Individual or group tourists | 800-1200 yuan | 90 days |
| business visa | Business event participants | 1500-2000 yuan | 30-90 days |
| work visa | long-term worker | 3000-5000 yuan | 1-3 years |
| student visa | International students | 1000-1500 yuan | According to course duration |
2. Summary of recent hot issues
1.Controversy over rising visa fees: In the past 10 days, many media have reported that South Africa’s visa fees may increase, especially tourist visa fees that may increase by 20%. There is no official confirmation from the South African Immigration Service but applicants are advised to prepare in advance.
2.Electronic visa system testing: The South African government is testing an electronic visa system that may simplify the process and reduce fees in the future. Pilot countries include China, India, etc., and it is expected to be fully promoted in 2024.
3.Visa rejection rate rises: According to feedback from netizens, the visa rejection rate in South Africa has increased recently, mainly due to incomplete materials or unclear itinerary. It is recommended to provide complete proof of hotel reservation and round-trip air tickets.
3. How to save visa fees in South Africa?
1.Apply in advance: To avoid expedited charges, the regular processing time is 15 working days. If urgent, you will need to pay an additional 500-800 yuan.
2.Choose a group visa: Group applications of 5 or more people can enjoy a 10%-15% fee discount.
3.Follow official offers: The South African Tourism Board has recently launched the “Early Bird Program”, where part of the fees can be waived if you apply 60 days in advance.
4. List of application materials (required)
| Material type | Detailed requirements |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for more than 6 months, at least 2 blank pages |
| photos | 2 recent 35mm×45mm photos with white background |
| Itinerary | Detailed daily plan (English version) |
| Proof of financial resources | Bank statements in the past 3 months (balance ≥ 30,000 yuan) |
5. Things to note
1.health requirements: According to the latest policy, tourists coming from yellow fever endemic areas are required to provide proof of vaccination.
2.insurance advice: South Africa compulsorily requires travel insurance to cover medical expenses (insured amount ≥ 300,000 yuan). If you fail to purchase it, your visa may be refused.
3.Additional materials for minors: Birth notarization and parental consent form (certified in Chinese and English) are required.
Summary: South Africa visa fees vary by type. It is recommended to choose the appropriate visa category according to your itinerary and pay close attention to policy changes. Recent hot spots indicate that electronic visas and fee adjustments may bring about new changes. It is recommended to obtain the latest information from the official website of the South African Embassy.
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