Vanuatu passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Vanuatu

Embassy / VFSVisitor's Visa (Tourist) - Single Entry

Citizens of Vanuatu 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's Visa (Tourist) - Single Entry
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	5–15 days
Government fee	$36 + $30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	At least $300 per month of stay (or bank statements showing sufficient funds)

How to apply

1
Determine Visa Type & Gather Documents
Confirm that you need a Visitor's Visa (Tourist) for travel to South Africa.
2
Complete Application Form
Fill out the DHA-84 form accurately and print it.
3
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the nearest South African Embassy or VFS Global visa application centre.
4
Pay Visa and Service Fees
Pay the visa fee (USD 36) and VFS service fee (USD 30) as per the instructions on the appointment confirmation.
5
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Visit the centre in person to submit the application, provide biometrics (fingerprints & photo), and submit original documents.
6
Track Application Status
Use the VFS tracking number to monitor your visa processing online.
7
Collect Passport with Visa Decision
Collect your passport in person from the visa centre or opt for courier service (if available).
8
Verify Visa Details
Check the visa label for correct dates, validity, and entry type before travel.
9
Prepare for Travel
Ensure you have required documents (passport, visa, proof of funds, onward ticket) ready for immigration.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with 2 blank pages)
Must be original
Completed and signed visa application form (DHA-84)
Available on DHA website or at VFS centre
Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45mm, white background)
Must meet South African specifications
Valid visa or residency for the country of application (if not a citizen of that country)
Optional
For third-country nationals applying abroad
Marriage certificate / birth certificate (for minors traveling with one parent or alone)
Optional
Required only for minors
Minors: consent letter from both parents / guardians (if traveling alone or with one parent)
Optional
Must be notarized if applicable

Travel

Proof of travel: flight itinerary (return/onward ticket)
Confirmed round-trip booking
Proof of accommodation: hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental contract
For entire stay

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds: bank statements (last 3 months), payslips, or sponsor letter
At least $300 per month of stay
Proof of payment of visa fee
VFS service fee and visa fee receipt

Employment

Proof of employment or study: letter from employer/school (if applicable)
Optional
Not required for all applicants

Supporting

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from or through an endemic country)
Optional
Needed only if applicable
Travel insurance covering medical and repatriation
Minimum coverage of €30,000
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and duration
Detailed and signed

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: $300 per month of stay

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Payslips
Sponsor letter with sponsor's bank statements
Credit card statements

Must demonstrate ability to cover expenses during stay without working.

Good to know

Visa applications must be submitted in person – no online or postal submissions allowed.
Processing may take longer than 15 days during peak seasons; apply well in advance.
Yellow Fever vaccination required if travelling from/through an endemic area – carry the certificate.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering South Africa.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form or documentation

Double-check all entries on the DHA-84 form and ensure all required documents are provided.

Insufficient proof of funds

Provide bank statements showing sufficient balance for your entire stay, plus proof of income.

Invalid passport (less than 6 months validity or insufficient blank pages)

Renew your passport before applying – it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Criminal record or previous immigration violations

Declare any prior issues honestly; provide relevant court documents if necessary; consult an immigration lawyer.

Failure to attend the scheduled appointment

Make sure you attend the exact appointment date and time; reschedule if needed before the date.

FAQ

Do citizens of Vanuatu need a visa for South Africa?

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

How long can citizens of Vanuatu stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Vanuatu?

Government fee: $36 + $30 service fee.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 5–15 days.

What documents do citizens of Vanuatu need for South Africa?

Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with 2 blank pages); Completed and signed visa application form (DHA-84); Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45mm, white background); Proof of travel: flight itinerary (return/onward ticket); Proof of accommodation: hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental contract; Proof of sufficient funds: bank statements (last 3 months), payslips, or sponsor letter; and 8 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/index.php/immigration-services/visas/port-of-entry-visas

Sources

dha.gov.za

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