--- title: South Africa visa for citizens of Suriname description: "Citizens of Suriname need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: ZAR 43. Processing: 5–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/south-africa/suriname lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # South Africa visa for citizens of Suriname Citizens of Suriname 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 · Schengen Visa (South Africa operates its own visa system; for Suriname passport holders, a visa is required) - **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:** 5–15 days - **Government fee:** ZAR 43 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the stay ## How to apply 1. **Prepare the required documents** — Gather all documents listed above, ensuring they meet South African visa requirements. 2. **Book an appointment at VFS Global** — Visit VFS Global South Africa website for Suriname (or nearest center) and schedule a biometric appointment. 3. **Complete visa application form** — Fill out Form BI-84 online or manually, print and sign it. 4. **Pay the visa fee** — Pay the prescribed fee (ZAR 430) at the time of appointment; payment is handled by VFS Global. 5. **Attend biometric appointment** — Go to the VFS centre in person to submit fingerprints and photograph, and hand over your passport and documents. 6. **Track application** — Use the VFS tracking service to monitor your application status. 7. **Collect passport** — Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS centre or opt for courier delivery (if available). 8. **Travel to South Africa** — Ensure you have valid visa, passport, and supporting documents for entry. ## Documents checklist - **Valid Suriname passport** (Travel): At least two blank pages and valid for six months beyond intended stay - **Completed visa application form (Form BI-84)** (Supporting): Signed by applicant; obtain from VFS Global or South African embassy website - **Two recent passport-size photographs** (Supporting): White background, 35mm x 45mm, not older than six months - **Flight itinerary (return or onward ticket)** (Travel): Confirmed round-trip flight reservations - **Proof of accommodation in South Africa** (Travel): Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host - **Bank statements for the last three months** (Financial): Original stamped by bank or official online statements; show sufficient funds - **Proof of employment or study** (Employment): Letter from employer or school stating purpose and duration of visit - **Travel medical insurance** (Supporting): Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation - **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Supporting): Required if traveling from or through a yellow fever endemic country - **Proof of visa fee payment** (Supporting): Receipt from VFS Global or embassy - **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially if you have traveled to South Africa before - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): Optional but recommended to clarify itinerary ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Equivalent to ZAR 3,000 per month of stay (or as proof of sufficient funds) - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Pay slips - Sponsor letter if someone else funds the trip Self-employed applicants may provide business registration and tax returns. ## Good to know - Processing times can be longer if additional checks are needed; apply at least 15 days before travel. - Failure to provide correct passport validity (6 months) will result in rejection. - Incomplete applications or missing documents cause delays or refusal. - Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if traveling from or through an endemic country. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds documented** — Provide clear bank statements with a minimum balance as required, and include proof of income. - **Passport validity less than six months beyond stay** — Renew your passport before applying if necessary. - **Inconsistent or incomplete travel itinerary** — Submit confirmed flight bookings and accommodation details matching your stated purpose. - **Criminal record or previous visa violation** — Declare any previous issues honestly; provide explanation if required. - **Failure to attend biometric appointment** — Book and attend the appointment as scheduled; reschedule if needed. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Suriname need a visa for South Africa? Citizens of Suriname need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (South Africa operates its own visa system; for Suriname passport holders, a visa is required). ### How long can citizens of Suriname stay in South Africa? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Suriname? Government fee: ZAR 43. ### How long does South Africa visa processing take? Typically 5–15 days. ### What documents do citizens of Suriname need for South Africa? Valid Suriname passport; Completed visa application form (Form BI-84); Two recent passport-size photographs; Flight itinerary (return or onward ticket); Proof of accommodation in South Africa; Bank statements for the last three months; and 6 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for South Africa? At least 6 months. ## More - [South Africa visa for every passport](/visa/south-africa) - [Every destination for Suriname passport holders](/visa/passport/suriname)