Passport Validity for Travel to Africa:
Regardless of whether you need a visa, you must meet the following entry requirements:
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for no less than 30 days after your intended date of departure from South Africa.
- Blank Pages: Your passport must have at least two unused pages for entry/departure endorsements.
- Return Ticket: You must hold a return or onward ticket.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if you are traveling from or transiting through a designated yellow fever belt.
SOUTH AFRICA
VISA Application:
Do you require a Visa to visit South Africa? Please check whether your nationality is Visa Exempt for South Africa.
If you are from a non-exempt country, you can apply for a short-term Visitor’s Visa (typically valid for 90 days).
- Apply via the official e-Visa portal: Depending on your country of citizenship and arrival airport, you may be eligible to use the South African ETA.
- What is an ETA? – Electronic Travel Authorization. Your questions are answered here.
- Apply through VFS Global: For traditional visas, the South African Government processes applications through VFS Global. You will need Form BI-84, proof of funds (e.g., recent bank statements), accommodation details, and passport photos.
- Travelling with Minors: South Africa has strict regulations for traveling with children (under 18). Please check the requirements at the link above. You will generally need to provide an unabridged birth certificate and, in some cases, parental consent affidavits.
ONLINE TRAVELER DECLARATION:
Commencing on 01 July 2026 all travelers passing through a South African border are required to complete and submit an Online Traveler Declaration form.
- Open the link to access the documents for the Online Traveler Declaration.
- FAQ’s regarding the Online Traveler Declaration.
- This document must be submitted from your last point of departure to South Africa or within 24-hours preceding your arrival in South Africa.
- You will complete this form again when you depart from South Africa.
BOTSWANA
Do you need a visa for Botswana? Visas are available at the major ports of entry, however prior application for an eVisa is advised.
- Apply for your E-Visa in advance and allow a minimum of two weeks for the application to be processed. The visa is emailed to you once approved.
- Traveling with Minors to Botswana. Please check the requirements
ZAMBIA
Do you need a Visa for Zambia?
- e-Visa: For nationalities that require a visa, applications take about 3 to 5 working days to process. You must apply online at the Zambia eVisa Portal before travel, pay the visa fee, and bring the printed approval letter to immigration
- Visa on Arrival: Some passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival at major ports of entry, but it is highly recommended to check your specific eligibility on the Zambia Department of Immigration platform
ZIMBABWE
Do you need a visa for Zimbabwe?
- Apply for your Zimbabwe e-Visa
- You are required to complete an ARRIVAL DECLARATION FORM online prior to your arrival.
TANZANIA
Do you need a visa for Tanzania? Visas are available at the major ports of entry, however prior application for an eVisa is advised. A mandatory Travel Insurance is required if you visit Zanzibar irrespective of your own private travel insurance.
- Apply for your Tanzania e-Visa Allow 15 days for the application to be processed.
- Apply for your Zanzibar Travel Insurance
KENYA
PLEASE NOTE: Kenya is currently designated as a YELLOW FEVER ZONE.
Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for all foreign visitors. You must apply online at least 3 days prior to your trip, though applying at least 3 weeks in advance is highly recommended.
New Health Insurance Requirement for Kenya
Kenya has introduced mandatory inbound travel health insurance for all visitors entering the country. Policies must provide minimum cumulative cover of US$50,000, including medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, prescribed medicines, mental health treatment and repatriation of mortal remains. The cover must be issued by an insurer approved and licensed under Kenya’s Insurance Act.
This information is updated periodically and we will share it with you as soon as it is available.
Nationalities that require an e-Visa prior to arrival but are exempt from paying the visa fee;
- African Nations: Citizens of 52 African countries (excluding Libya and Somalia) do not pay visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) fees.
- Caribbean Nations: Travelers from over 20 Caribbean nations are exempt from the eTA and visa fees.
- Bilateral Exemption Partners: Specific countries—including South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Mozambique, San Marino, and Zimbabwe—have reciprocal agreements that exempt their citizens from the fee.
Note: Even though the fee is waived, most of these travelers must still secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight. Travelers from the East African Community (EAC) are fully exempt from both the fees and the eTA
Visa requirements for all other African countries are available on application.
