Planning an international trip? Before you go through the arduous task of applying for a regular visa, check if your destination accepts an electronic visa (eVisa), which you can apply for online entirely. Before you get excited, note that eVisas are usually for short-term stays (tourism, business, transit), not for working or settling permanently.
The process is almost identical no matter where you’re going. Here’s the quick recipe:
- Check eligibility: Confirm the country offers an eVisa for South Africans.
- Use the official site. Steer clear from any fake sites.
- Fill out the form: Basic personal details, passport number, travel dates. Every traveller, including infants and minors, needs their own eVisa.
- Upload documents: Passport scan, ID photo, proof of flights and hotels.
- Pay online: Usually via credit or debit card.
- Wait for approval: This can take anywhere from a few hours to five working days. Apply at least a week before travel. If it is denied, you have to apply for a regular visa through the embassy.
- Receive your eVisa: Print it and save a digital copy. Remember to check your eVisa to make sure all the information is correct. Even small mistakes can invalidate it. Contact support or reapply immediately.
For more information, visit Travelstart.
