Eritrea passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Eritrea

Embassy / VFSVisa · Visitor's Visa (90 days)

Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visa · Visitor's Visa (90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Processing time	5–15 days
Government fee	$36
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements of last 3 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Gather all required original documents and photocopies.
2
Complete application form
Fill in the BI-84 form online or by hand, and sign it.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the South African High Commission or visa application centre.
4
Submit in person
Attend appointment with all documents, submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Pay visa fee
Pay the visa fee (currently USD 36 for visitor's visa) as instructed.
6
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days.
7
Collect passport
Collect your passport with visa decision, or receive by courier if offered.

Documents checklist

Travel

Passport (valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages)
Original and copy of bio page
Flight itinerary (round trip)
Confirmed bookings
Hotel reservations / accommodation proof
For entire stay
Travel insurance (minimum $30,000 coverage)
Valid for entire stay in South Africa

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements or sponsor letter
Sponsor letter (if sponsored)
Optional
Include sponsor's ID and financial proof

Employment

Letter of employment (if employed)
Optional
With leave approval and salary details
Self-employed: business registration & tax returns
Optional
Proof of business ownership

Supporting

Visa application form (BI-84/84A)
Completed and signed
Passport photos (2, 35x45mm, white background)
Recent, not older than 6 months
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
If traveling from an endemic country
Minor: birth certificate, parental consent letter
Optional
Both parents' ID copies and consent if only one traveling
Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For stays longer than 30 days (may be requested)
Proof of residence (if applying outside home country)
Optional
Visa/residence permit in country of application

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of $500 per day of stay

Bank statements (3 months)
Sponsor letter
Credit card statements

Sufficient funds to cover accommodation and expenses.

Good to know

Visa waivers may change; check with embassy before applying.
Overstaying may lead to fines or a ban.
Yellow fever vaccination mandatory if traveling from or via an endemic country.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and sign the form.

Insufficient funds

Provide clear proof of adequate financial means.

Return flight not confirmed

Submit a confirmed round-trip flight itinerary.

FAQ

Do citizens of Eritrea need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa · Visitor's Visa (90 days).

How long can citizens of Eritrea stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Eritrea?

Government fee: $36.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 5–15 days.

What documents do citizens of Eritrea need for South Africa?

Passport (valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages); Visa application form (BI-84/84A); Passport photos (2, 35x45mm, white background); Flight itinerary (round trip); Hotel reservations / accommodation proof; Proof of sufficient funds; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: http://www.dha.gov.za/

Sources

dha.gov.za

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