Somalia passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Somalia

Embassy / VFSVisa · Tourist / Business

Citizens of Somalia 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 · Tourist / Business
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	10–30 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
Determine visa type and prepare documents
Check if tourist or business visa is needed based on purpose of visit
2
Complete application form BI-84
Fill neatly in black ink or type
3
Book an appointment
Contact or visit the nearest South African embassy or consulate for an appointment
4
Submit application in person
Attend appointment with all original documents and copies
5
Pay visa fee
Fee is payable at time of submission, amount varies by nationality and type
6
Provide biometrics
Fingerprints and photograph taken during appointment
7
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 10 to 30 working days
8
Collect visa
Return to embassy or arrange courier to receive passport with visa

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form (Form BI-84)
Signed and dated
Two recent passport-size photographs
Against white background, 35x45mm
Valid visa or residence permit for country of application (if not passport country)
For applicants applying outside home country

Travel

Proof of travel itinerary or return flight booking
Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation

Financial

Bank statements for the last 3 months
Must show sufficient funds for stay

Employment

Proof of employment or leave letter
For employed applicants

Supporting

Yellow fever vaccination certificate
If traveling from an endemic country
Invitation letter (if applicable)
Optional
For business or family visits

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of at least $300 per day of stay

Bank statements
Pay slips
Sponsor letter

Sufficient funds must be demonstrable for the entire stay

Good to know

Visa application must be submitted at least 30 days before travel
Incomplete applications will be rejected
Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from an endemic area

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide bank statements showing consistent balance and explain source of funds

Invalid passport (expiry too soon or less than 2 blank pages)

Ensure passport valid for at least 30 days after intended departure and has 2 blank pages

Failure to demonstrate intention to return home

Provide strong ties to home country (employment letter, property ownership, family)

FAQ

Do citizens of Somalia need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Somalia need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa · Tourist / Business.

How long can citizens of Somalia stay in South Africa?

Up to 30 days.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 10–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Somalia need for South Africa?

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages; Completed visa application form (Form BI-84); Two recent passport-size photographs; Proof of travel itinerary or return flight booking; 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.

Where do I apply?

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

Sources

dha.gov.za

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