HOW TO APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICA VISA IF YOU'RE A FILIPINO

From the majestic landscapes of Table Mountain to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Cape Town, South Africa has a diverse allure for travel enthusiasts. However, before most travelers can revel in the wonders of this picturesque country, there's a crucial step to complete: obtaining the South African visa.

If you're eager to explore the iconic wildlife and delve into the rich history, see below for a guide to securing that much-desired visa for Philippine passport holders.

How long is the validity of a South Africa tourist visa?

Tourists can apply for a visitor visa if their stay is for less than three months or 90 days. This also covers the following: 

• Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes

• Business purposes

• Spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit

• Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits

• Fiancée/ fiancé to join his or her partner with the intention of marrying within 90 days

• Study purposes (max stay 3-months)

• Research

• Conferences

• To work in the production of a movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry)

• For medical purposes (max stay 3-months)

• Sport events

What are the basic requirements for a South Africa visitor visa?

All documents should be printed in A4 paper.

1. Passport - valid for at least 30 days after the intended stay/departure date from South Africa with at least two unused or blank visa pages

2. Two recent (not older than 30 days/one month) passport size (35mm x 45m) photographs

3. Fully completed visa application form-11 (DHA-84) – Must be completed in black ink and block letters.

4. Vaccination certificate for yellow fever - If the applicant will travel through or stay in the yellow fever belt. 

5. Proof of financial means -  Three months bank statement, certified by bank and not older than seven days from the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

6. Round trip airline ticket reservation - No fixed flight arrangements should be made until the visa has been attained, and there must be 15 working days before the proposed flight itinerary.

7. Proof of hotel booking or accommodation

8. If applicable, invitation letter from host in South Africa -  must be signed with certified proof of billing, ID etc.

9. If applicable, original marriage certificate and photocopies

10. Copies of passport bio-data pages

11. Original covering letter signed by the applicant stating the name, passport number of applicant(s) and duration of visit. 

• Letter must have the physical address, as well as contact details of authorized signature’s name, designation and signature (should clearly mention who will bear the expenses of the trip), outlining the purpose and duration of visit. Letter must be certified/notarized.

13. For foreign passport holders, copy of work visa/residence permit in Philippines (valid Philippine visa).

For Minor Dependent Children:

14. Copy of curriculum vitae of the visa applicant

• Documents such as Parental Consent Affidavit form for which the link is below, passport copy of parents as well as child + Unabridged Birth Certificate of child must be carried for Parental Consent Affidavit procedure. In case of death of either parents, a death certificate has to be produced. In case of death of both parents, the procedure has to be carried out by a legal guardian and death certificates are mandatory for both parents. In case of divorce, the legal divorce documents have to be produced.

• Affidavit less than three months old as part of the application -  Originals should be kept for their records while traveling. Minors who apply for a South African visa at VFS service-point shall be required to submit the attested copy of Parental Consent to South Africa.

How do I book an appointment?

Got your basic documents ready? To arrange your visa application appointment, visit VFS Global’s official website and head to the "Book an Appointment" section. Register for an account on their database, and verify it using the confirmation link they’ll send to your email. Fill out the pertinent information needed, and choose your desired appointment schedule.

How much is the visa fee?

Visitors staying for one to 29 days don’t have to pay a visa fee. However, for those staying for 30 to 90 days, the visa fee costs P2,525 as of writing.

What are the other fees I have to pay?

The third-party service provider VFS Global has a service fee of P2,180. They also provide other paid services meant to ease the visa application process, including:

• Photocopy - P5 per page
• Courier service - P370
• SMS tracking updates - P120
• Courier Assurance - P870 - This service offers enhanced compensation in case of damage or loss in transit.

• Photograph - P170

Where should I submit my application?

South Africa visa applications should be submitted at the VFS Global Center in Manila. Submission hours are from Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a 12 noon to 1 p.m. lunch break. Don’t forget to follow your appointment schedule!

Visa Application Centre 

Mezzanine Flr Ecoplaza Bldg.

2305 Don Chino Roces Ave Ext Makati Metro, Manila, 1231 

Philippines

What should I know before entering the visa application center?

1. Your biometrics will be taken at the center. Avoid wearing light-colored clothing and opt for bright-colored items instead. 

2. Make sure that fingertips are free from decoration, such as mehndi, cuts, abrasions, or any other markings that may affect the finger scans.

3. Fair warning: You can’t wear sunglasses, tinted spectacles, or a head covering, unless it’s for a religious or ethical reason. 

4. Be at the visa center 15 minutes before your appointment.

5. Bring a printed copy of your visa application, two copies of your 2D barcoded sheets, two copies of your passport bio page, including your valid passport with at least two pages that are blank on both sides.

6. If you haven’t paid your visa fee online, you can pay at the center–but don’t forget to bring cash!

7. Children under 18 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.

8. If you miss your appointment, you’ll need to book a new appointment after 24 hours from your original schedule.

I’ve submitted my application and already paid! How long should I wait for my passport?

Now it’s the waiting game! With visitor visas valid for less than three months, expect at least seven business days from the day of submission before you get the awaited result.

How do I track my application?

Applicants will receive email updates when their passport has been returned to the visa application center. Those who opted for the SMS tracking services will be able to receive through text as well. However, there’s also an option to track your visa application online through VFS Global’s website–just enter the reference number on your invoice or receipt. 

I opted for pick-up. When should I go to the center?

Once you receive the notification through email or text, head to the visa center with your receipt and a government ID to claim your passport during the passport collection hours (Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Good luck!

2024-07-04T04:08:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd