Palestine passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Palestine

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Tourist, up to 90 days)

Citizens of Palestine 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 · Visitor Visa (Tourist, up to 90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple 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 last 3 months

How to apply

1
Complete visa application form
Fill out the BI-84 form online or manually.
2
Gather required documents
Collect all documents as per checklist.
3
Schedule an appointment
Book appointment at the South African embassy or VFS Global centre.
4
Attend appointment and submit biometrics
Submit application, provide fingerprints and photograph.
5
Pay visa fee
Pay the applicable fee at the centre or via bank transfer.
6
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 10-15 business days.
7
Collect passport or receive by courier
Passport with visa will be returned as per chosen method.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Completed visa application form (BI-84)
Form must be signed and dated.
Two recent passport-sized photographs
White background, 35x45mm.

Travel

Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings)
Round-trip or onward ticket.
Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
For entire stay.
Travel insurance covering medical expenses
Optional
Recommended, minimum coverage €30,000.

Financial

Bank statements for last 3 months
Must show sufficient funds for stay.
Proof of payment of visa fee
Receipt from embassy or VFS.

Employment

Proof of employment or leave approval
Letter from employer stating position, salary, and leave dates.

Supporting

Proof of accommodation (if staying with host)
Optional
Invitation letter and host's ID/passport copy.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
Briefly describe travel plans and itinerary.
Copy of previous visas (if any)
Optional
Especially for travel to Schengen, US, UK.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Optional
Required if traveling from an endemic country.
Self-addressed return envelope (if applying by mail)
Optional
Only if allowed by embassy.

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Pay slips
Sponsorship letter

Sufficient funds to cover stay, typically at least $50 per day.

Good to know

Visa application must be submitted in person; no online submission available.
Processing times may vary; apply well in advance of travel.
Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Double-check all required documents and forms.

Insufficient financial means

Provide clear proof of adequate funds.

Unclear travel purpose or itinerary

Submit a detailed cover letter and confirmed bookings.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Disclose any past issues and provide explanation.

FAQ

Do citizens of Palestine need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Palestine need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Tourist, up to 90 days).

How long can citizens of Palestine 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 Palestine need for South Africa?

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages; Completed visa application form (BI-84); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings); Hotel reservation or accommodation proof; Bank statements for last 3 months; and 8 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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