Important information for all immigration applicants

Canadian citizens (only) who wish to visit South Africa for tourism and holiday or business conference purposes only, for the period of 90 days or less are exempted from visa requirements. Engaging in any other activities without a valid visa endorsement will be regarded as unlawful.

PLEASE NOTE: Processing time is 5 working days if all the requirements are met. You are advised NOT to purchase your air-ticket to visit South Africa until you have received your passport with visa. The South African Consulate-General DOES NOT take responsibility for applicants purchasing tickets prior to obtaining their visas. For visa processing we require ONLY your flight itinerary.

PLEASE NOTE: Proof of status in Canada such as copy of a permanent resident card, work permit or study permit is a BASIC requirement for Visa application.

Two unused blank visa pages are required when a person reports to a port of entry. Non-compliance will result in refusal of admission to South Africa.

The passport holder must be in possession of a return air ticket or onward going ticket. The passport must be valid for a period of at least 30 days after the planned departure from South Africa.

Visa applications must be submitted in person only, irrespective of where you live. This is not negotiable. Appointment is necessary. Visas are not issued the same day and you are required to bring an Express post Canada Post envelope for the return of your passport.

Payment: Payment options are money order or certified cheque payable to South African High Commission or South African Consulate-General depending on where you submit your visa application. These should be for the exact amount of the visa fee.

Hand written extensions or handwritten passports will no longer be accepted in South Africa. Only machine-readable passports will be accepted.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Please note that, as from 07 February 2022, all applications for immigration documents (Visa and Permits) should be lodged at the South African Consulate General in Toronto. The South African High Commission in Ottawa will no longer accept applications.

REMINDER TO ALL APPLICANTS:
Whenever it appears to the Director-General that a visa or permanent residence permit was acquired through error, misrepresentation or fraud, he or she shall withdraw the visa or permanent residence permit and, where applicable, cause criminal charges to be laid against all parties implicated in the misrepresentation or fraud. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO ENTER SOUTH AFRICA UNDER FALSE PRETENSE.

For guidance on selecting the appropriate visa to apply for, visit Where to Start?