---
title: South Africa visa for citizens of Eritrea
description: "Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: $36. Processing: 5–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/south-africa/eritrea
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# South Africa visa for citizens of Eritrea

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.*

Official application site: http://www.dha.gov.za/

## 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

- **Passport (valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages)** (Travel): Original and copy of bio page
- **Visa application form (BI-84/84A)** (Supporting): Completed and signed
- **Passport photos (2, 35x45mm, white background)** (Supporting): Recent, not older than 6 months
- **Flight itinerary (round trip)** (Travel): Confirmed bookings
- **Hotel reservations / accommodation proof** (Travel): For entire stay
- **Proof of sufficient funds** (Financial): Bank statements or sponsor letter
- **Travel insurance (minimum $30,000 coverage)** (Travel): Valid for entire stay in South Africa
- **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Supporting, optional): If traveling from an endemic country
- **Letter of employment (if employed)** (Employment, optional): With leave approval and salary details
- **Self-employed: business registration & tax returns** (Employment, optional): Proof of business ownership
- **Minor: birth certificate, parental consent letter** (Supporting, optional): Both parents' ID copies and consent if only one traveling
- **Sponsor letter (if sponsored)** (Financial, optional): Include sponsor's ID and financial proof
- **Police clearance certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): For stays longer than 30 days (may be requested)
- **Proof of residence (if applying outside home country)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](http://www.dha.gov.za/)

## More

- [South Africa visa for every passport](/visa/south-africa)
- [Every destination for Eritrea passport holders](/visa/passport/eritrea)