VISA PROCESS

South Africa requires either a business or tourist visa for entry into the country. Some countries are exempt and do not require a visa for entry.  Follow this link to see if you are exempt from having to apply for a visa.

Visa processing times can be slow. Please ensure that you apply at least 3 months in advance to ensure that there is sufficient time for your visa to be processed. Visas can take an average of 6 weeks to issue. 

The e-visa online system is currently reserved for some countries https://evisa-southafrica.com/all-eligible-country-for-south-africa-visa/. The online e-visa system may experience technical issues in its pilot phase. You will need to apply at your nearest consulate in person.

You will need the following documents:

• A notarised invitation from the ISPSO AM 2023 organising committee; and
• Proof of your hotel booking. 

Please contact Calum McComb calum@peoplesense.co.za for these documents. 

You will need to complete Form BI-84 as part of your application process and submit this to your nearest South African Consulate together with other required documents as follows:

Documents required to apply for a visa

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• Your passport must have at least TWO unused pages for entry/departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
• Payment of the prescribed fee
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two colour passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are traveling by air
• If you have children (minors) traveling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents:
  - Proof of guardianship or custody or
  - Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:

Bank statements, Salary advances, Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa, Bursary, Medical cover or Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)

Requirements for entering South Africa

• A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay
• At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements
• A valid visa, if required
• Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay
• A return or onward ticket
• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Vaccinations 

If you are vaccinated for covid-19 you will need to produce a vaccination certificate on departure and on arrival. If you are not vaccinated, you will need to obtain a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure and provide evidence of your negative test. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza. The shot lasts 2 years.

Useful link:   

• Department of Home Affairs