---
title: South Africa visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates
description: Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/south-africa/united-arab-emirates
lastModified: 2026-08-16
---

# South Africa visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

*Verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Visa-Free · Tourist (90 days)
- **How to apply:** No visa needed — just go
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days
- **Government fee:** No visa fee
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Not required
- **Appointment:** Not required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Recommended: bank statement showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day or credit card

## How to apply

1. **Prepare documents before departure** — Check passport validity (6+ months from entry), book return/onward ticket, arrange first-night accommodation, and save confirmations as screenshots.
2. **Arrive at a South African airport** — Land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban) and follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration queues.
3. **Present your passport and documents** — Hand over passport; officer may ask for return ticket or accommodation proof. Answer questions clearly about purpose and length of stay.
4. **Get your entry stamp** — Officer stamps passport with entry date and allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
5. **Collect luggage and proceed to customs** — After immigration, collect bags from carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare).

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date and have at least two blank pages.
- **Return or onward ticket** (Travel): Proof of departure from South Africa.
- **Proof of accommodation** (Travel, optional): Hotel booking or host invitation letter; recommended but not always required.
- **Proof of funds** (Financial, optional): Bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds; recommended.

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** 3,000 ZAR per day
- Bank statement
- Credit card

No fixed minimum amount, but having at least 3,000 ZAR per day or a credit card with sufficient limit is recommended.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient funds** — Carry a bank statement or credit card showing adequate funds for your stay.
- **No return ticket** — Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket printed or on your phone.
- **Unconvincing travel purpose** — Be prepared to clearly explain the purpose of your visit and length of stay.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Visa type: Visa-Free · Tourist (90 days).

### How long can citizens of the United Arab Emirates stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days without a visa.

### What documents do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need for South Africa?

Valid passport; Return or onward ticket; Proof of accommodation; Proof of funds.

### How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

## Sources

- South Africa Visa for Emirati Citizens 2026 — Visa-Free Entry ... (entry.com, third-party site)
- South Africa Entry Requirements for United Arab Emirates Holders 2026 ... (entrybrief.com, third-party site)
- South Africa Visa for United Arab Emirates Citizens (eammu.com, third-party site)

## More

- [South Africa visa for every passport](/visa/south-africa)
- [Every destination for United Arab Emirates passport holders](/visa/passport/united-arab-emirates)