Visa Application process for Members Only
Applicants are requested to read the following steps carefully before submitting their application at the South Africa visa application centre. Do note: Only 100 applications are received daily. So please ensure you get there early.
STEPS: See guidelines below
Visa Application for Normal Passport (Nigeria):
Bearers of normal passports may apply for South African visas through the VFS Global offices at:
Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,
Opposite Treasure Garden Estate,
Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I,
Lagos, Nigeria.
South African High Commission
Plot 371, Diplomatic Zone
Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria
You may also contact South African High Embassy for Lagos on 01-4612067 or 01-4612050 for Abuja please contact South African High Embassy on +234-9-462-4200-1
Applications for visas may be submitted as follows at VFS Global:
Monday – Friday from 08h00 to 15h00
Visitor’s Visa Requirements
- Application Form BI-84 fully completed in black ink only. Please click here to download the form.
- Two (2) passport size photographs.
- A valid passport (validity of at least 30 days after the intended stay). Passport must have at least two free pages in it for stamping
- Copy of passport data page as well as a copy of existing visa or previously issued visas.
- Self-introduction letter stating your business in South Africa with a physical address and phone number.
- Introduction letter from an employer, signed with contact details (physical address and landline/mobile numbers).
- Verifiable hotel reservation/booking.
- Original and copy of vaccination certificate (Yellow fever card) issued after October 1, 2013.
- Original yellow health cards can be gotten from Port Health Authority Offices (e.g. Muritala Mohammed International Airport Port Health Authority Office in Lagos)
- Proof of financial status (six (6) months bank statements) or financial support letter from employer with six (6) months bank statements.
- Birth certificate and letter of consent from parents for minors/children traveling.
- Marriage Certificate where applicable and if the intended stay will be for more than 90 days.
- Verifiable flight booking.
- Non-refundable Visa Fee of N8,600.00.
- A non-refundable service fee of N9,000.00.
When your employer is sending you to South Africa, the following must be included:
Letter of invitation from a South African company with contact details (physical address and landline number are compulsory).
When you are visiting a friend or family member, the following must be included:
- Letter of invitation from a person living in South Africa, with a physical address and contact landline/mobile number.
- Proof of his/her residence in South Africa in the form of a utility bill (Water and electricity bill).
- Certified copies of the host/invitee’s identity document.
- If the host/invitee is a Foreigner in South Africa, a copy of the passport and the permit legalizing him/her to stay in South Africa must also be attached.
When you are going for medical attention (less than 90 days) the following must be included:
Referral letter from a Nigerian medical doctor, specifying the nature of the health problem, and why the referral is needed.
Appointment letter from a South African medical doctor, with a landline number at the hospital, as well as a physical address.
NOTE: Patients going for more than 90 days, must present their application to the South African High Commission, as it will be treated as a Permit and not a Visa.
Transit Visa:
- Transit Visa applications must include the Visa of the neighboring country where the applicant will be transiting to, e.g. Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.
- Application Form BI-84 fully completed in black ink only.
- Two (2) passport size photographs.
- A valid passport (validity of at least 30 days after the intended stay).
- Copy of passport data page as well as copies of existing visa and previously issued visas.
- Self introduction letter with physical address and phone number.
- Introduction letter from an employer, signed with contact details (physical address and landline/mobile numbers).
- Verifiable hotel reservation/booking.
- Copy of vaccination certificate (Yellow fever card) duly completed by a hospital/doctor.
- Proof of financial status (six (6) months bank statements) or financial support letter from employer with six (6) months bank statements.
- Verifiable flight booking.
- Non-refundable Visa Fee of N8,600.00.
- Non-refundable service fee of N9,000.00.
NOTE: only neighbouring countries as mentioned above require Transit Visas and not countries that are not sharing a border with South Africa.
Holders of Diplomatic / Official Passports do not require visas for South Africa.
You can avail yourself of VIP Service with an additional N10,000.00.
Track your South African visa application online
If you have already submitted an application for a visa at the visa application centre you can track your application. You can track your application by entering your Passport Number and your Date of Birth. To track your application click here.
South Africans coming to Nigeria either for business assignments or tourism should adhere to the following:
- Should endeavour to stay in a good hotel where there is adequate security and safety.
- Rely on host Company to provide means of transportations such as cars, he /she should not go out to hire car on his/her own.
- Whatever assignment he/she wants to do as regards visiting other areas outside the primary schedule, the host companies should be contacted or carry along.
- Do not go out for changing of currency.
- You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including a provision for medical evacuation, before travelling. You should check and exclusions, that your insurance company provides a personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
- Don’t just engage yourself in any business transaction unless adequate background information is conducted on the identity of the company/individual you want to enter into the business deal with.
As a Nigerian travelling/visiting South Africa either for business assignments or tourism should adhere to the following:
- Stay clear of the central business areas of major cities at night and should you wish to go somewhere, please get the hotel/guesthouse to order you a taxi.
- In general, there is a great deal of goodwill to foreigner visitors as most South Africans realise the importance of tourism to the country’s development.
- Never leave your luggage unattended, even if you are on a guided tour.
- Hand the keys in at the desk whenever you leave the hotel.
- Carry your passport and/or travel documents only if you have to, alternatively carry certified copies.
- Keep your room locked at all times. If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
- Store all valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box, including large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or cameras. Be observant when entering parking areas.
- A camera around the neck identifies you as a tourist. Rather carry it in a large shoulder bag.
- It’s definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around.
- Whenever possible, do not walk alone. It’s better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
- At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas.
- A police or traffic officer will gladly direct you if you get lost.
- If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.
- When walking in the street be observant and guard against snatchers, pickpockets and other criminals.
- Carry your bag close to your body.
- Keep your change in your purse or wallet, and credit cards and notes in an inside pocket – never in the back pocket of your trousers.
- Don’t be fooled by confidence tricksters or strangers offering you the chance of making extra money.
- Don’t just engage yourself in any business transaction unless adequate background information is conducted on the identity of the company/individual you want to enter into the business deal with.