---
title: United States visa for citizens of South Africa
description: "Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–21 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/south-africa
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United States visa for citizens of South Africa

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.*

Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/nonimmigrant-visa.html

## 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

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Online nonimmigrant visa application form confirmation
- **Photo** (Identity): Recent passport-style photo meeting U.S. visa specifications
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Proof of payment of MRV fee (currently $185)
- **Appointment confirmation** (Supporting): Printout of visa interview appointment at U.S. embassy/consulate
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Details of planned travel, including flight bookings and accommodation
- **Evidence of ties to South Africa** (Supporting): Documents showing employment, family, property in home country
- **Bank statements** (Financial): Last 3-6 months bank statements to show sufficient funds
- **Employment letter** (Employment): Letter from employer confirming position, salary, and leave approval
- **Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, 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

## FAQs

### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/nonimmigrant-visa.html)

## More

- [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states)
- [Every destination for South Africa passport holders](/visa/passport/south-africa)