South Africa Visa Requirements

South Africa Visa Requirements

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES ARE MADE ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT YOU NEAREST SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY FOR MORE ACCURATE VISA POSTING AND UPDATES

** Countries exempt from South African Visas **
** The above link has the list of countries whose nationals/citizens do not require a visa for entry into South Africa **

UYAPHI SAFARIS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY, SHOULD CHANGES OCCUR!

Travel Visas for South Africa are offered for 90 days or less.

Requirements for entering South Africa:

  • A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay.
  • At least two consecutive blank Visa pages in your passport (see below).
  • Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay.
  • A return or onward ticket.
  • Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America (see below).

If a person visiting South Africa wants to stay more than three months (90 Days) then that is a completely different kettle of fish, contact your nearest South African embassy.

!!!! IMPORTANT !!!!

  • Your passport has to have at least two consecutive blank Visa pages. These two pages need to be lying side by side in other words when your passport is open the right and left pages need to be blank (if a page has to be turned over to get to the other blank page you will be stopped from travelling or deported on arrival).
  • When entering South Africa (and many other African countries) your passport needs to be valid for a LEAST 6 months after the travel entry date. We always ask our clients rather look at nine months just to be on the safe side.

Travelers under the age of 18

  • If you are travelling with children (or if children are joining you) under the age of 18 you will need;
  • Unabridged birth certificate for each child (Unabridged = Original, not copies or even certified copies, Original).
  • If you are travelling with children and one of the parents is absent, a letter of affidavit from the absent parent is required (even if you are divorced). This letter needs to have been certified by the police in your home country.
  • So, in a Nutshell, the child will need;
    • Child + Both Parents = Unabridged birth certificate and passport.
    • Child + One Parent = Unabridged birth certificate, passport and affidavit from the absent parent.
    • Child + Guardian = Unabridged birth certificate, passport and affidavit from both absent parents.
    • Unaccompanied Child = Unabridged birth certificate, passport, an affidavit from both absent parents, the person who receives the child will need; letter with their address, full contact details and a certified copy of passport or ID.
  • The South African Government says that these measures are to protect children against trafficking.

Vaccinations

  • Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
  • Example; If you land in South Africa to connect to for example Zambia and then fly from Zambia back to South Africa to reconnect with your return flight home - you will need a Yellow fever certificate.
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Popular Game Reserves
  • Sabi Sand Lodges

    Nestled in the southwestern corner of the legendary Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve is a jewel of the African wilderness. This pristine sanctuary is not only renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for hosting some of Africa's most exclusive and luxurious safari lodges. Famed for its exceptionally high density of wildlife and intimate, up-close animal encounters, the Sabi Sand is particularly renowned for its leopard sightings.

    Iconic safari names like Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Londolozi, and Singita call this reserve home, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences, particularly for the elusive leopard, thanks to years of careful conservation and habituation. These lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing guests with world-class service, exquisite dining, and intimate encounters with the Big Five, making every safari an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.

  • Timbavati Lodges

    Nestled in the heart of South Africa's bushveld, within the greater Kruger National Park area, Timbavati Private Game Reserve offers a safari experience like no other. The reserve is not just a destination; it's a vibrant, breathing canvas where the wild roams free and nature unfolds in its timeless rhythm. Safari lodges and camps within Timbavati are more than mere accommodations; they are gateways to an immersive adventure into the wilderness.

    The allure of staying at a safari lodge or camp in Timbavati lies in the unparalleled access to some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. Guests wake up to the sounds of nature, with mornings greeted by birdcalls and evenings underscored by the distant roar of lions. These establishments are committed to conservation and responsible tourism, ensuring that every safari drive, guided walk, or night under the stars contributes to preserving this untouched ecosystem for future generations.

  • Cape Town Game Reserves

    Experience the thrill of a "Big 5" safari near Cape Town! With the magnificent Karoo as a backdrop and the unique Fynbos biome, the Western Cape province offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers.

    Visitors can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, Buffalo and leopards amongst other wildlife along with some pretty amazing birdlife.

    There are several Malaria-free game reserves within a 2-3 hours' drive from Cape Town offering luxury accommodation options with private air charters available at some reserves.

  • MalaMala Lodges

    MalaMala is more than just a game reserve; it's the blueprint for luxury photographic safaris in South Africa. Established in 1927, it's considered one of the best reserves in Africa, consistently offering incredible wildlife viewing. This vast, thriving wilderness covers an impressive 13,300 hectares, providing an unspoiled habitat for a diverse range of species.

    Bordered by the Sabie River, a permanent water source, this area attracts an incredible concentration of animals, including the "Big Five." Its unique location offers exciting and exclusive wildlife encounters, without the usual crowds. Within the reserve are four exceptional camps, designed to blend with the natural environment while providing top-tier comfort, service, and immersive safari adventures.

  • Shamwari lodges

    Shamwari Game Reserve is a premier wildlife and safari destination in the Eastern Cape, home to the famous "Big Five" and numerous other plains game and bird species; this malaria-free game reserve has been recognized for its incredible conservation efforts and luxury lodges.

    With miles of untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife, the Shamwari Game Reserve offers visitors an unforgettable experience that will surely be cherished for years to come.

    Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Shamwari provides something extraordinary that can not be found anywhere else.

  • Singita Lodges

    For decades, the Singita lodges within this exquisite portfolio have unquestionably epitomized the absolute pinnacle of luxury safari, consistently setting unrivaled standards in accommodation, conservation, and impeccable, personalized service. Each lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment while offering world-class amenities.

    If your quest is for the finest, most unforgettable experience imaginable—the very best that the safari industry offers—then your search culminates magnificently with any one of these extraordinary Singita lodges. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park, they promise an unparalleled journey into the heart of the wild.