Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for South Africa, Cricket World Cup 2027
South Africa grants visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for short stays of up to 30 or 90 days depending on nationality. However, nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and several other countries require a visa before travelling. Passport requirements — at least 2 blank pages and valid for 30 days beyond departure — apply to everyone. Always confirm current rules with the South African Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African mission before booking.
Last reviewed · July 2026
Who travels without a visa
Visa-free entry
Citizens of the following countries can visit South Africa for tourism without a visa for stays within the applicable duration limit. These exemptions apply to ordinary or national passports. Diplomatic and official passport holders may have different arrangements. Check the DIRCO visa exemption schedules at dirco.gov.za for the current schedule for your specific passport.
Europe
UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and most EU/EEA countries. Check DIRCO schedules for your specific passport.
Americas
USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina. Most stays are permitted up to 90 days for tourism.
Asia-Pacific
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia.
Middle East & Africa
UAE, several Commonwealth countries. Duration limits vary — check the DIRCO schedule for your nationality.
Visa-free does not mean documentation-free
Who needs to apply
Nationalities that require a visa
Citizens of these countries must apply for and be granted a South African visa before travelling. Apply well in advance — do not book non-refundable travel until your visa has been issued.
India
- How to apply
- Apply at a VFS Global visa application centre or directly through the South African High Commission in New Delhi or consulate in your city. The South African Department of Home Affairs has also introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system (eta.dha.gov.za) that eligible Indian holders may be able to use — check current eligibility on the portal.
- Processing time
- Varies. Allow at least 15 working days. Processing times can extend during major events.
- Fee
- The South African consular visa fee is gratis for most applicants. The VFS service fee applies separately — check vfsglobal.com for the current figure.
Pakistan
- How to apply
- Apply at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. An eVisa option may also be available through the South African Department of Home Affairs portal.
- Processing time
- Varies. Allow at least 15 working days. Check with VFS or the South African mission for current times.
- Fee
- Check the VFS Global website for current fees applicable in Pakistan.
Bangladesh
- How to apply
- There is no South African embassy or high commission in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi nationals must apply through a South African mission abroad — the most commonly used is the South African Visa Application Centre operated through VFS in New Delhi, India. Confirm the correct mission for your application before travelling.
- Processing time
- Varies. Allow significant lead time given the need to apply abroad.
- Fee
- Check VFS Global for current fees.
Sri Lanka
- How to apply
- Apply at the South African High Commission in Colombo or through a VFS Global centre.
- Processing time
- Typically 10–15 working days. Confirm with the High Commission before booking travel.
- Fee
- Check the South African High Commission Colombo or VFS for current fees.
Fees and processing times change
Apply for your visa through Atlys
CricketVision has partnered with Atlys for visa applications. Check requirements and apply online. A 15% discount on the Atlys service fee is applied when you use our official partner link.
Apply for a VisaDiscount applies to the Atlys service fee only. Government visa fees are not discounted.
Before you apply
Documents typically required
Requirements vary by nationality and visa category. The following list covers documents commonly required for a short-stay tourist visa. Always confirm the full document checklist with the South African mission or VFS Global centre handling your application.
- Valid passport — must be machine-readable, with at least 2 blank pages and valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure from South Africa
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs (check specifications for your application centre)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or letter from host)
- Confirmed return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements)
- Travel itinerary
- Travel insurance (check whether required for your nationality)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country
- CWC 2027 match tickets or booking confirmation (not mandatory, but supports your stated purpose of travel)
Things worth knowing
Before you apply
Apply early
Start your application at least 2–3 months before you travel. Processing times can extend during major international events.
Use refundable bookings where possible
If your visa application requires proof of accommodation, use refundable hotel bookings in case dates change before the visa is issued.
Confirm the application centre for your country
South Africa does not have embassies or consulates in every country. Check the DIRCO website or the South African Department of Home Affairs to find the correct mission for your nationality.
Verify requirements before booking
Visa rules change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the South African Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African mission before booking travel.
Multi-country travel
Visiting Zimbabwe and Namibia
CWC 2027 is hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. If you plan to watch matches in more than one country, you need to check the entry requirements for each separately — holding a South African visa does not grant entry to Zimbabwe or Namibia.
- Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe operates an eVisa system (evisa.gov.zw). Nationals of many countries — including the UK, USA and Australia — can also obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Fees vary by nationality. Check the official Zimbabwe immigration portal at zimimmigration.gov.zw for your category before travelling.
- Namibia
- Many nationalities are granted visa-free entry to Namibia for tourism. Check requirements for your specific passport with the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration (mhai.gov.na) before booking.
KAZA UniVisa — limited coverage
Visa questions
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. Holders of ordinary Indian national passports require a visa or travel authorisation to enter South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for eligible Indian nationals (eta.dha.gov.za). Apply through VFS Global or the South African High Commission. Always confirm current requirements before booking travel.
Which nationalities do not need a visa for South Africa?
Citizens of many countries — including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, France and most EU countries — do not require a visa for short stays for tourism. These exemptions apply to ordinary/national passports. Duration limits are typically 30 or 90 days depending on nationality. Check the DIRCO visa exemption schedules at dirco.gov.za for your specific passport.
Will there be special visas for Cricket World Cup 2027?
The ICC and the South African government have not announced any dedicated visa category for CWC 2027. Travellers should apply through the standard visitor visa process for their nationality. Check official government websites for the latest information.
How long does a South Africa visa take to process?
Processing times vary by nationality and application centre. Allow at least 15 working days and apply well in advance of your travel date. Processing times can extend during major events. Confirm current times with VFS Global or the South African mission handling your application.
What passport requirements apply to all visitors?
All visitors to South Africa must hold a machine-readable passport with at least 2 blank pages. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. These requirements apply to visa-free and visa-required travellers alike.
Related guides
Continue planning
Review our South Africa safety guide and trip cost breakdown as part of your planning. Secure your match tickets before you apply for a visa — the booking confirmation can support your application.