Permits & Visas for South Africa
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Can you see them already? Those breathtaking views from the top of majestic Table Mountain and the endless sun-soaked sunsets from Cape of Good Hope? Well, before you start packing your favorite hiking boots to get that pic, let’s make sure you can enter South Africa with the proper documentation.
While this may be the first time you apply for any student visa, we have climbed that mountain many times. Every year our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in South Africa to have the proper documents to enter the country. Let's get started!
South African student visa processes and requirements are determined by the consulates of South Africa, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official, information can be found on South African government and consulate websites. This page was last updated September 6, 2019.
What are South African study permits and visitor's visas?
Study permits and visitor's visas for South Africa are legal documents adhered to one of the inside pages of a passport. If required to have one or the other, you must receive it before entering South Africa. The permit or visa serves as approval from the South African government for you to legally remain in Cape Town for the duration of your study abroad program. Both study permits and visitor's visas are a form of "long term" visas meaning you plan to be in South Africa for more than 90 days.
Do You Need a Study Permit or Visitor's Visa for South Africa?
Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a study permit or visitor's visa to study abroad in South Africa. We’ve outlined citizenship and program options below to help you learn more about your permit or visa requirements.
If you are a U.S. citizen...
...on our Health, Culture & Development Program — you will need to apply for a visitor's visa.
...on our University of Cape Town Program — you will need to apply for a study permit.
...on a summer study abroad or internship program — you do not need a visa or permit before you arrive. You will need to bring a few documents to show when you arrive and receive a tourist stamp. Learn more in your myIESabroad account.
...on a Customized & Faculty-Led Program — you may need a student visa depending on the length and nature of your program. Learn more in your myIESabroad account.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen...
Your visa application process may look a bit different. Please reach out to your IES Abroad Advisor for details.
Applying for a Study Permit or Visitor's Visa for South Africa
Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a South African study permit or visitor's visa in your myIESabroad account. For now, read below for a bit of information about these processes.
HOW
After being admitted to your program, you will need to obtain an FBI background clearance/check, also known as Identity History Summary Check.
Then you will use these FBI documents and other supplemental documents, including a biometrics and medical scan and your passport, to apply for a study permit or visitor's visa at an in-person appointment.
WHEN
Obtaining your FBI background check and other supporting documents may take several weeks.
After collecting all of your application materials, you can apply for your permit or visa at an in-person appointment. Most consulates do not require you to schedule your appointment in advance.
We suggest you apply for your permit or visa at least 4 weeks before you leave for South Africa and no more than 90 days before the official program start date. Once you've applied, processing may take 2-6 weeks.
WHERE
In the United States, there are three South African consulates and an embassy in Washington DC. Each consulate serves a specific geographic region called a "jurisdiction". The consulate that serves the jurisdiction of your home address is where you will apply for your South Africa permit or visa. Refer to the South African Consular General website to determine which consulate you will apply to.
COST
The South African study permit or visitor's visa fee for U.S. citizens changes quarterly depending on the current conversion rate and is typically $36. This is a price determined by the consulate and paid directly to the consulate that serves your jurisdiction.
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
