Travel blog

Your visa questions, answered...

Did you know? South Africans can travel visa-free to 106 countries and territories, including Costa Rica, Saint Lucia, Israel and Brazil, as well as many African countries, such as Namibia, Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania.

However, you’ll need a visa to visit various other popular destinations like the UK, the USA, Australia or anywhere in the European Union.

But how do you apply for a visa? What is the visa cost? And what happens if your visa is rejected? We answer these questions, and many more, below.

2min read

Published 25 May 2023

Flight Centre

However, you’ll need a visa to visit various other popular destinations like the UK, the USA, Australia or anywhere in the European Union.

But how do you apply for a visa? What is the visa cost? And what happens if your visa is rejected? We answer these questions, and many more, below.

How do I know if I need a visa?

Visit the embassy website of the country in question or head to www.iatatravelcentre.com to obtain guidance and which visa you may require. Alternatively, book your holiday through Flight Centre. Our travel experts are well-versed in the visa requirements for every possible destination.

Where can I apply for a visa?

Usually, you’ll need to fill in and submit your visa application online via the embassy’s website. From there, you’ll set an appointment to visit the embassy and/or consulate for an interview and biometric capturing in person. You might have to travel to another city for a visa appointment if there is no embassy or visa processing centre in your area.

Some countries, like Mozambique, have an online portal which requires travellers to process their visa online and pay for it upon arrival at the airport – no in-person embassy visits required.

I’m a dual passport holder – which passport do I travel on?

Ensure you always travel with both valid passports. The passport you use when departing South Africa depends on where you’re headed. If you’re off to somewhere in Africa, your South African passport is the better option. If you’re visiting another continent, your non-South African passport might grant you visa-free travel.

Note that you must show your South African passport to clear customs when returning home.

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What documents are required to apply for a visa?

You’ll usually need your passport, passport photos, information regarding your travel purpose, proof of accommodation, proof of return etc.

Requirements will vary according to your destination, so be sure to download the checklist via the embassy website leading up to your appointment.

How long does it take to get a visa?

If everything runs smoothly, you’ll be able to collect your visa in 15 – 30 days. Delays are possible when applying during peak periods, though. Always give yourself at least six weeks between your visa application appointment and your departure date to be on the safe side.

How much does a visa cost?

An application fee depends on the exchange rate and your destination, but you’re usually looking at fees ranging between R1,500 and R3,200. Visa application fees to a few popular destinations looked like this at the time of writing:

Schengen visa: €80 (equivalent to R1,582)
UK visa: £104 (equivalent to R2,536)
US visa: $160 (equivalent to R3,164)
Australian visa: AUD150 (equivalent to R1,932)

**Rate of exchange based on date of publish

For how long is a visa valid?

Short-stay tourist visas are usually valid for three to six months.

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What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

You can choose to dispute the decision. The embassy will include contact details for filing a dispute, along with the reason for the visa refusal, in the email they send you. Common reasons for visa refusal include missing travel documents and an incomplete application form.

Will I get a refund if the embassy rejects my visa application?

No. The visa application fee is non-refundable.

Which Schengen visa must I apply for if visiting more than one Schengen state?

The type of Schengen visa for which you should apply when embarking on a multi-destination trip depends on the country of your longest stay. If visiting Germany, France and Spain, but spending a week in Germany as opposed to three days in Spain and France, you’d need to apply for a German Schengen visa. If staying in each country for an equal amount of time, you’d need to apply for a Schengen visa for the first country on your itinerary.

What’s the difference between an airside and a landside transit?

Airside transit refers to the movement of passengers connecting from one flight to another without leaving the international transit area. Landside transit refers to passengers who must go through immigration and customs to get to their connecting flight.

Some countries (such as the UK) require visas for both airside and landside transits, whereas others only require visas for landside transits.

What is travel ‘double dipping’, and why is it best avoided?

‘Double dipping’ is when you transit twice while heading to your destination. While travel inclusive of ‘double dipping’ might seem cheaper, it can work out significantly more expensive – and more inconvenient than expected – in the long run. That’s because travellers will usually require a visa for both transits.

Ready to enjoy happy, stress-free travel without concerns surrounding getting your visa(s) sorted? Contact a Flight Centre Expert for assistance now!

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Disclaimer: The information provided is true and correct on the date of publication (26 May 2023) and may change at any time.