Applying for a South African Visa in Nigeria

[Update: 21 May 2021]

Dreaming of journeying to South Africa to experience its incredible nightlife, wine farms and game parks? Now you can make this dream possible with informed guidance on how to obtain your South African visa. Nigerian passport holders require a visitor visa to enter South Africa. You will need to apply at a VFS Global Centre branch in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. Always apply for your South African visitor visa at least four weeks before you travel to allow for ample processing time. Please check your eligibility before beginning the application process. Once you have your visa, all that’s left to do is pack your bags!

Please note this process is applicable to Nigerian passport holders.

South African visa application

Types of Visas

  • Visitors Visa – The visitors’ visa is primarily used for visiting family or vacationing for a short period of time. It is valid for temporary stays of up to 90 days.
  • Long Stay Visitor Visa – Best suited for foreign nationals to stay in South Africa for a period between 3 months and 3 years.

Processing Time

Processing a South African visa can take a minimum of six working days. The time may vary as each application has to undergo an individual assessment.

Collection

You can collect your visa at the respective VFS Global Centre. The visa application centre is open from Monday to Friday, except on public holidays and over weekends. Bring along the receipt which you received on the day you submitted your application. You will be notified via SMS when your application has been sent to the South African Embassy on the submission day. You can track your South African visa application online.

Visa Costs

South African visa fee

Visa Fee in Naira (Inclusive of VAT) Service Fee in Naira (Inclusive of VAT)
Short Term: Holiday Visa ₦8,600 ₦25,470
Long Term: Business Visa ₦30,600 ₦25,470

Stay updated with the courier service fees on the VFS website.

The South African visa fee is subject to change without notice. It is based on the current exchange rate.

Applicants are to pay in cash at Bank Implant inside VFS Centre. Be sure to have a copy of the first page of your passport when paying the service and visa fee at the bank.

Visa Requirements

You will require the following documents for a visitor visa:

  • A valid passport (validity of at least 30 days after the intended stay).
  • Two identical passport size (45x45mm) photographs on white background showing your complete face.
  • Application Form (BI84), fully completed in black ink only.
  • Copy of passport data page as well as copies of existing visa and previously issued visas.
  • Self-introduction letter with a physical address and phone number.
  • Introduction/Recommendation letter from an employer, where applicable, signed with contact details.
  • Verifiable hotel reservation/bookings – must be done directly with the hotels and not through third parties.
  • Copy of international vaccination card (yellow fever card), fully completed by a health practitioner.
  • Proof of financial status (six months recent bank statements) or financial support letter from employer with six months bank statements in a case where the employer is sponsoring the trip.
  • Birth certificate for minors/children travelling with parents. 
  • Marriage certificate where applicable and if the intended stay will be for more than 90 days.
  • Flight booking.
  • Non-refundable visa fee of ₦8,600, excluding service fee.
  • See the full checklist to ensure you have all the required documents. 

Documents required for a business visa can be viewed on the VFS website.

Where to Apply

You can apply for your South African visa at VFS Global in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt. All applicants must submit their applications in person at the application centres.

VFS Application Centre – Lagos

Address: Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate

Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos

Contact: +234 815 018 8800
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 15:00

VFS Application Centre – Abuja

Address: No. 38, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
Contact: +234 81 5018 8800
Submission Timings: Monday to Friday – 08:00 – 15:00

VFS Application Centre – Port Harcourt

Address: Vineyard Shopping Centre, 88 Woji Road, GRA, Port Harcourt
Contact: +234 81 5018 8800
Submission Times: Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 15:00

How to Book an Appointment

South African visa application

Each application centre accepts a set amount of application entries per day.. It is advised to get to the application centre as early as 7 am in order to hand in your application in good time and avoid long queues.

To be sure you got everything you need, take advantage of the South African visa requirement checklist.

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.

Travelstart does not provide advice or assist with processing visas. The content of this article is listed as recommended by research and the South African embassy. Kindly check the embassy’s website BEFORE applying for your visa.

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506 thoughts on “Applying for a South African Visa in Nigeria

  1. Thank you very much for educating us,I personally,I appreciate

    • You are welcome. For more exciting travel news always visit travel start blogs and remember to always book your flight tickets either through your phone or other device through http://www.travelstart.com

  2. How caan I process a student visa to canada or usa?

    • You should first seek admission in any of the Universities of your choice and after you have gotten your admission letter and other supporting documents from the school, then attach it with other documents required for Visa for study purpose.

  3. My first question before applying for a visa is that, someone most have a passport before applying. So pls if someone lost his/her passport, for like aw many days can it be re issue back and aw much is it

    • Well this depends on the passport issuing authority here in Nigeria. But it does not take up to 2 weeks before a new passport is re issued if you provide all the necessary documents they request.

    • please can someone help me i have submitted my application @ the vfs center\ in lagos since on 13 march 2014 and expected to travel on 20 april 2014 for renewal of my visa to south African up till now i have not see my passport from the vfs center . i want to ask will i get my passport back

    • You can track your application online. They normally send text messages whenever your passport is ready, maybe you missed the sms.

    • You can track your application online.

  4. Pls i understand one can’t get direct flight to Zimbabwe from Nigeria. If one wants to go to Zimbabwe from Nigeria what are the procedures if u know, thanks

    • Well you might not be able to get a direct flight but if you book your flights through http://www.Travelstart.com.ng you will get list of airlines that travels Lagos to Harare(Zimbabwe). And some of these flights include Ethiopian airlines with a stop over in Ethiopia and even South African Airways too.
      So book now with Travelstart.com.ng

  5. it like the link.

  6. A southafrican friend of mine has been disturbing me of visiting her since, do i need any document from her to process my visa? I am a Nigerian, 42yrs .

    • All you need from the person includes
      The person must be able to provide you with
      1.Letter of invitation from a person living in South Africa with physical address and phone number
      2. Certified copies of the host/invitee’s identity document, if he/she is a Foreign National in South Africa, copy of the passport and the Permit legalising him/her to stay in the Republic MUST be attached
      3. Six months Bank Statement(signed and Stamped by the Bank) of the host/invitee
      After check-listing the valid requirements you can then apply for the Visa

  7. I need south African working visa how much will it coast me and how many month visa they will give to me

    • First you need to secure an employment with a south African company who will be inviting you over to take up the employment and as such they will provide you also with some documents with which you will use for your Visa application

  8. How could your company be of help, am planning on a Easter holiday trip to south Africa.

    • Well that’s fantastic!
      This post will guide you as to know which documents are required and after getting them, please visit VFS either in Lagos or in Abuja for the Visa application.
      And remember with http://www.Travelstart.com.ng you will get the cheapest travel tickets to South Africa for your Easter Holiday.

  9. i want my wife to go and deliver our baby in south Africa. Pls, can u help? 08074456332

  10. Hello,please I want you to enlighten me on the process very well bcos I wish to apply for the SA visa and I av no knowlege of travelling out b4.pls email me for better discusion.tanx in anticipation.

    • Well its cool if you want to travel to South Africa either for Visit or for study or for other things like tourism.
      So please see this post and checklist the required documents for your Visa application to SA
      All the best

  11. Pls,i want 2 continue my education in SA.i av HND in animal production.pls can u put me through any school that have courses related to that.tanks

    • There are lots of Universities in SA, so i will advice that you check the websites of schools in SA, see what schools offer your chosen course and then you can apply first for the admission and after you secure the admission, you can then proceed for the Visa application for the purpose of study
      Travelstart wishes you the very best!

  12. I am a graduate in nigeria and want to work abroad but I prefer south africa but am afraid pls take me through on how it would be successful. Pls I will be grateful if you can help with full support. Thanks olawale

    • Well you dont need to be afraid. Working in SA can be very interesting. So see if you could secure an employment first,then get all the documents needed from your employer and then proceed for your Visa application.

  13. Bout the requirements for visa process,i don’t get in some area;Copy of passport data page as well as copies of existing visa and previously issued visas. 4,,what if im applying for it for the very first time,like i havent try out of this country..secondly Introduction/Recommendation letter from an Employer,im a student how can i get that??then,*Verifiable hotel reservation/bookings
    *.Copy of international vaccination card (yellow fever card)..please explain

    • Hi,
      you need documents that applies to you.
      If you have not gotten any visa before then you need not worry about already existing Visa.
      Also you if are traveling for study then you need not also worry about getting any letter from your employer, rather you should get your admission letter in the case of study.
      You should also get your yellow card from the appropriate authority here in Nigeria before you travel

  14. I want to apply for study visa. I intend to pursue my masters in environmental engineering in capetown university of technology. Please grant my application by directing me on the necessary steps and actions towards securing admission and an imminent visa. Thank you.

    • For study Visa, you must have secured your admission from the said university and other corresponding/supporting Study documents from the school. Then from the home front you should get other documents to support your application. See the required documents in this post and checklist the ones applicable for study
      Travelstart wishes you all the best with your studies!!

  15. am interested and satisfied with information

    • Thank you.
      You should always visit this blog for more exciting travel stories, guides and informations.

  16. i need a Long Term Visa. and what are the good reason i can give for long term stay, and how many years will the long time stay be?

    • Well depending on the reason you are traveling. People travel for different reason. So the question is what are you reasons for travel?
      Besides if you will need a good reason for a long stay in SA, it could be work or marriage and the number of years issued is always at the discretion of the South African Embassy to decide

  17. i need a Long Term Visa. i am pregnant and i want my baby to be a south African, can i give this a a reason for applying for a long stay visa

  18. i want 2 apply 4 a long term visa, aw long wil it b?

    • The first thing is that we need to know the purpose of your visit to South Africa. There are various reasons which could be marriage, medical, visit, tourist, work etc So depending on the purpose, you just need to checklist the required box and your visa will be granted.

  19. i want 2 apply 4 a long term visa, aw do i go abt it?

    • The first thing is that we need to know the purpose of your visit to South Africa. There are various reasons which could be marriage, medical, visit, tourist, work etc So depending on the purpose, you just need to checklist the required box and your visa will be granted.

  20. Before anybody can apply wt are d requiremnt. Thnk

  21. I want know Travelling fees and also if the visa fees do change?…thanks

    • By travelling fee, I presume you meant the Visa fees. Well. the Visa fee is 8600 Naira and the service charge is 9000 Naira. But the Application centre always ask for a round figure of 18, 000 Naira. That’s all you need to pay. And also as for now, the fees are constant but we will inform you if the fees changes.

    • Hi Peter, The Visa fee is constant at the moment. The Visa fee is 8600 Naira and the service charge is 9000 Naira. But the Application centre always ask for a round figure of 18, 000 Naira.

  22. I really appreciate your visa info,can you please send it in detail to my mail?what are the things that can cause a denial at the embarssy?(Thanks).

    • Okay i will do just that.

  23. please can I get the actual cost and requirements of procuring the south african visa?

    • Well, Visa fee is 8600 Naira and the service charge is 9000 Naira. But the Application centre always ask for a round figure of 18, 000 Naira. That’s all you need to pay. The documents required and procedure is in this post.

  24. my girlfriend is a south African girl who want me to come over there to arrange for our marriage by November 2014 .how do I go about it. I told her to come to Nigeria she refused. give me Info on how to go over and the cost via my Email. thanks

  25. Thanks, my quiz is , how much the total cost, and it’s N18k is all,
    other quiz ,is what are your company plan for peoples went 2 go SA,
    last , pls , did you have any plan for Canada working visa, thanks , it’s pleasure 4 me,

    • 1. The total money you need to pay to for your Visa through listed banks in VFS are
      Visa fee = 8600
      Service fee= 9000
      2. Travelstart assist you with all the information and guide you need for a successful application and also give you an opportunity to compare flight tickets and make sure you get the cheapest flight ticket price on offer to SA

  26. Please I need a visiting visa, how will I apply for it.

    • If you need a visiting Visa, First someone must be inviting you to Visit.
      The person must be able to provide you with
      1.Letter of invitation from a person living in South Africa with physical address and phone number
      2. Certified copies of the host/invitee’s identity document, if he/she is a Foreign National in South Africa, copy of the passport and the Permit legalising him/her to stay in the Republic MUST be attached
      3. Six months Bank Statement(signed and Stamped by the Bank) of the host/invitee
      After check-listing the valid requirements you can then apply for the Visa

  27. I will like to live and work in S.A .wht are the procedure pls?

    • Is any company inviting you to take up a job in SA? if yes, then its cool as all you just need to do is get a compilations of all the necessary documentation and apply for the Visa at VFS South African section in Lagos or either in Abuja. And after your Visa is Issued then proceed to book your flights through Travelstart.com.ng.
      Wish you the best

    • Then consider a trip to South Africa. Its a really beautiful place to visit!

  28. I want a 2weeks Visa 4 my honeymoon hw much will it cost us?

    • All you just need to do is to get a checklist of the required documents needed for the visa, pay the Visa fee of 8600 Naira and a service charge fee of 9000 Naira at specified banks inside the VFS application center either in Lagos or in Abuja but the Application centre always ask for a round figure of 18, 000 Naira. and if your application is successful, your Visa will be issued.Then afterwards, you can visit Travelstart.com.ng for the cheapest flight tickets

  29. Thanks , pls , did u have any information about canada , pls i need it

  30. How much is the cheapest fight to South Africa??

    • Hi Tope
      There is no fixed price for flight tickets to South Africa.
      Prices can vary due to availability and dates
      But to get the cheapest price anytime, always book through http://www.Travelstart.com.ng

  31. please, i Would like to know if visitors visa can be granted to a Nigerian, without an invitation letter that want to meet up with a friend in SA. How can I go about it. Thanks

    • No Mary, You should have – an invitation letter from your friend in SA, plus other required documents before you can be a visa can be issued on your passport.

    • Hi Cody, This information is for Nigerians who want to visit South Africa. Which country do you reside?

  32. Hi, can I apply for study visa at your office

    • Hi Bola, You can’t submit your application to us. The only thing we can do is to help you with your documents and check if they meet all the requirements. You are to apply directly to Vfs Global Office.

  33. I want to study in south africa.I contacted a friend in abuja , who told me south africa student visa has been stopped for now. I want to know if he is right becos am kind of confused

  34. Can someone help me collect a processed visa?
    And what does the person need if he is to collect on my behalf.
    thanks

  35. Pls I want to get my documents to ur office to check if they are correct b4 taking them to SA visa office. Send me ur lagos address thanks

  36. Pls I will need you to tell me the possible reasons why one can be denied a South African Visa. Pls e-mail me the details. Thanks….

  37. Does an sa visa fees change according to the duration u are applying for? And pls I only want to go to SA in search of any white woman to get married to, what should I do.

  38. Good day, please is it true that the SA high commission at V.I, Lagos is not currently accepting study permit applications? if yes, please when are they going to start receiving them again?

    Also, is South African Qualification Authority(SAQA) evaluation needed for your B.Sc degree as a Masters studies requirement for prospective students when applying for the study permit?

    Thank you.

  39. I was at the South African visa application office today n I was told to go n certify some documents at the South African high commission in Lagos before I could get a South African visa, my question is what day(s) can I go there to do this because I heard that certification of documents are done only on designated week day(s)? I will be glad if I can get an answer.

  40. Sir. Please mail me your contact and email. I need assistance. I want to travel before may ending for Visit to SA

  41. How long will i be giving on a visit to south african,

  42. Dear Sir,
    My fiancé is a SA lady, we are planning for our marriage soon in SA. We are boot planning for me to relocate to SA for our marriage. What do the mechanisms needed to apply for a long term visa for the purpose of marriage to a SA lady, please kindly hint me up. this is my num 07034329643.

  43. I want to travel to angola bt they say i hv to pass through s/a,hw true is that n hw do i go abt it? Do i need d 2countries visas? I dnt hv anybody in any of d countries o, i just want to travel out of this country to see if i can survive elsewhere. So what do i tell them at d embassy? And pls can u tell me d best country to travel to, work n make money? Again, pls send me all d requirements through my e-mail……thanks.

  44. Pls sir,with sincerity of heart.I beg u to pls list the necessary document my husband need to send to invite me and our two kids for a short visit of 3 weeks.and secondly how do we apply for d VIP visa.thirdly,how long will it take to re-apply after been denied twice.and what are the reasons of denial and lastly how can one avoid be denied the third time.thanks in anticipation.

    • Detailed information has been sent to your email. Thanks.

    • please, how much is south african visa in Nigeria and how can i get it.

      thanks, will be wait for your reply.

      Glory.

    • Hi Glory, The South African Visa Fee is N18, 000 and you can get it at the Vfs Global Application Centre at 3rd Floor, 16 Billings Way
      Oregun Industrial Area, Ikeja, Lagos

  45. good day to you. you are doing a wonderful job. i must commend you. a colleague of mine got an admission to a study a programme in a an institute in SA.but unfortunately the embassy at Lagos placed a notice confirming that all application of any kind of study permit has cease till Nov 2014. he is meant to be their (for the programme before July 17. pls how does he go about it?thanks in anticipation.

    • How long is it going to take to finish his study? Is it a short term course or Is it going to take more than 6 months?

  46. I have a sister who is South African and lives in Nigeria now because she’s married to a Nigerian. Things aren’t going well for them financially so she would like to come back home but does not have the means and resources to do so.

    Is it possible that she can get financial help from the Nigerian embassy to come back home?

    • Hi Rosinah, Your sister should contact the South Africa High Commission in Lagos or Abuja. They’ll probably be of help.
      Lagos Address: 24 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
      Abuja Address: 71 Usuma Street, Maitama, Abuja.

  47. Do I need an invitation to get a tourist visa in SA.

    • Hi Dave, You don’t need any invitation to get a tourist visa.

    • HI Dave,

      No, you don’t need an invitation for a tourist visa, but you need to provide all the documents required including financial proof and letter from your employer.

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