North Korea passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of North Korea

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (Visitor's Visa)

Citizens of North Korea 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 · Tourist Visa (Visitor's Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	10–15 days
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the last 3 months

How to apply

1
Gather required documents
Collect all documents as per the checklist for a South African visa
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment online at the VFS Global visa application centre
3
Submit application and biometrics in person
Attend the appointment to submit documents, photographs, and fingerprints
4
Pay visa and service fees
Pay the applicable government visa fee plus VFS service charge
5
Track application online
Use the reference number provided to check application status
6
Collect passport with decision
Return to the centre or opt for courier delivery to receive the passport

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (original and copy)
Must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages
Completed visa application form (DHA-84)
Must be signed by the applicant
Two recent passport-size photographs
Must meet South African photo specifications

Travel

Round-trip flight itinerary
Must show entry and exit dates
Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
May include an invitation letter if staying with host
Travel insurance covering medical expenses
Optional
Highly recommended for tourist visa applications

Financial

Bank statements for the last 3 months
Must show sufficient funds to cover the trip

Employment

Proof of employment or student status
Letter from employer or school, stating leave approval

Supporting

Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Required if traveling from or through an endemic area
Police clearance certificate
Optional
May be requested for certain nationals or longer stays

Proof of funds

Bank statements

Statements should show consistent income and sufficient funds for the duration of stay

Good to know

North Korean passport holders may face additional scrutiny and longer processing times.
Verify current requirements with the nearest South African embassy or VFS Global before applying.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Double-check the checklist and ensure all required documents are provided

Insufficient funds

Provide clear bank statements showing adequate financial means

FAQ

Do citizens of North Korea need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of North Korea need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (Visitor's Visa).

How long can citizens of North Korea stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 10–15 days.

What documents do citizens of North Korea need for South Africa?

Passport (original and copy); Completed visa application form (DHA-84); Two recent passport-size photographs; Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation; Bank statements for the last 3 months; and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to South Africa

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