South Africa passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of South Africa

Embassy / VFSB-2 Tourist Visa

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the United States 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 · B-2 Tourist Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	3–21 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Evidence of sufficient funds to cover intended stay

How to apply

1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form on the Consular Electronic Application Center website
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) through the designated payment system
3
Schedule a visa interview appointment
Book an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in South Africa for biometrics and interview
4
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the visa application center to provide fingerprints and photograph
5
Attend visa interview
Go to the U.S. embassy/consulate for the scheduled interview with a consular officer
6
Wait for visa processing
After interview, the visa is processed (typically 3-21 business days)
7
Receive passport with visa
Passport with visa will be returned via courier or collection
8
Travel to the United States
Present visa and passport at U.S. port of entry for admission (max stay up to 180 days per visit)

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form confirmation
Photo
Recent passport-style photo meeting U.S. visa specifications

Travel

Travel itinerary
Details of planned travel, including flight bookings and accommodation

Financial

Visa application fee receipt
Proof of payment of MRV fee (currently $185)
Bank statements
Last 3-6 months bank statements to show sufficient funds

Employment

Employment letter
Letter from employer confirming position, salary, and leave approval

Supporting

Appointment confirmation
Printout of visa interview appointment at U.S. embassy/consulate
Evidence of ties to South Africa
Documents showing employment, family, property in home country
Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
Optional, but helpful if staying with U.S. residents

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Pay slips
Tax returns

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover entire stay and return travel

Good to know

Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision made by CBP officer at port of entry
Overstaying may result in future visa ineligibility

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to South Africa

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, family commitments

Criminal record or prior visa violation

Disclose all relevant history truthfully; consult an attorney if needed

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-2 Tourist Visa.

How long can citizens of South Africa stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

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

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–21 days.

What documents do citizens of South Africa need for the United States?

Valid passport; DS-160 confirmation page; Photo; Visa application fee receipt; Appointment confirmation; Travel itinerary; and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/nonimmigrant-visa.html

Sources

travel.state.gov

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