South Africa, with its stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich wildlife, is a dream destination for many travelers. If you’re a Filipino passport holder looking to explore this beautiful country, you’ll need a South African visa. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply for a South African visa from the Philippines in 2024.
Determine the Type of Visa You Need
The first step is to determine the type of visa that suits your travel purpose. South Africa offers various visa types, including tourist visas, business visas, study visas, work visas, and family reunion visas. Each has specific requirements and documentation. Since I am only going there for a vacation, I have chosen the Visitors Visa for Less Than Three (3) Months.
You may also check VFS South Africa for Visa Type: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/southafrica/philippines/english/
Gather the Required Documents
If you are applying for a tourist visa, start gathering the necessary documents for your visa application. Typical documents include:
Remember that the Letter of Invitation is a must and MUST be signed by the South African Commissioner in South Africa. Click here for the link of the Application Form: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/southafrica/philippines/english/
Schedule an Appointment with VFS Global
In most cases, South Africa outsources the visa application process to VFS Global, a visa facilitation service provider. Visit the VFS Global website or phone them first to verify if they are going to be open on your visit or not.
Booking for an appointment is not really necessary for South Africa compared to other countries at VFS. I went in during office hours and there was no problem. Β Just make sure to bring all your complete documents with you.
The officer will check the documents
On your appointment day, visit the Visa Application Center with your documents. They will review your application, and check whether they are complete or there are missing documents in the application.
No Visa Fee for tourists visiting South Africa in less than a month. However, there is a VFS processing fee once all the documents are checked and ready for dispatch.
Visa Processing Time
After submitting your application, the Visa Application Center will forward it to the South African Embassy or Consulate for processing. The processing time varies based on the type of visa and other factors, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
For a tourist visa, it will only take 7 business days for your visa to be processed.Β Once your visa is processed or approved, you will receive a notification from the Visa Application Center. You can then collect your visa in person or opt for a courier service to have it delivered to your address. Ensure you have your visa in hand before making any travel plans.
Travel to South Africa
With your South African visa secured, you are ready to embark on your adventure to this vibrant and diverse nation. Enjoy your journey and explore all that South Africa has to offer.
Applying for a South African visa from the Philippines may seem like a complex process, but with proper preparation and adherence to the visa requirements, it can be a smooth experience. Always consult the official South African Department of Home Affairs and VFS Global websites for the most up-to-date information and requirements. Remember to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles, and soon, you’ll be experiencing the wonders of South Africa.
VFS Phone Number
63 2 85282517Β between 07:00 and 16:00, from Monday to Friday
VFS Website [South Africa]
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/zaf/
Very informative information for Philipinos whom going to travel to south africa..
Indeed! Thank you so much! It is very affordable to travel to South Africa.. The only problem is how to obtain the tourist visa. π
thanks for the info. this is such a thrilling adventure for u for sure.
Pleasure always Lee! Getting a visa I think was more adventurous! But in the end South Africa is a beautiful country!
very comprehensive post. Which is very helpful for all travelers. I will visit these places π
Thank you so much! The moment I got these info I can't wait to post them and help others who are wanting to know the requirements. It saves a lot of time too.
Thank you for putting this list together. It's very helpful and informative, especially for fellow Filipinos planning to travel to South Africa. I heard South Africa's a beautiful country with lots of adventures to do.
That is so true Russ. I really want to share this information to all the Fiipinos who want's to go there as a tourist and also going on a transit from South Africa to other African countries like Lesotho. THey will never run out of adventure and it's so different from Asia and that I enjoyed a lot! Happy New Year Russ!
We're not planning to visit South Africa for now as we plan to explore Asian countries first. But definitely these details on the list are helpful.
Yes that's my plan too. I am just lucky I have a very special friend who sponsored me to visit his country. π
Wow! Love to visit this place, what hinders me now is that my kids are still young. But this list will probably help me prepare things needed for my travel soon.
South Africa will always be waiting for you and your family! π
A very detailed info, thanks for providing them, very helpful for Pinoys planning to explore South Africa. An Asian tour is on my list pa eh.
Thank you for the information. Ill keep this in mind
Pleasure always! Thank you too!
Why do you say it is affordable to travel to South Africa? What airline goes there from Manila? I hope I can go there with my wife one day.
Hi Fred, Cathay Pacific offers the cheapest rates Johannesburg. December is the best time to come since its their summer time. Oh, before the exchange rate was 7pesos to a 1 Rand. Now it is 4Pesos. So when you convert things to pesos in South Africa, they are almost the same price here in the Philippines. Specially the food! π Happy New Year Fred!
Thank you so much! I would suggest apply 2 months before your flight and be very patient as getting visa could be hectic. But once you are in South Africa, it's worth everything!
Thanks for the infos and tips. South Africa is an awesome place. I wish I can go there in the near future.
That is so true! You will love South African in so many ways! Happy New year!
thanks for the information, i wish to visit South Africa when i have enough savings
Pleasure always Kelly!
Thanks for the information. Have a good 2015 ahead!
Thank you and it's always a pleasure!
Great informative post here. Bet all your countrymen will find it useful.
Indeed Elana! Thank you so much! π
I plan to consider your tips before going to South Africa. You offer a detailed list and providing all the necessary documents is a must. Happy New 2015! Wish you many new journeys!
You will definitely have a great time in South Africa! π
This is a very helpful and informative post for those who are planning to go to South Africa. I want to go there as well when I saw that Metro Magazine had their shoot there. It looks like a very adventurous place to visit.
I'm always amazed when I see that some countries want proof of bank statements… I guess they want to be sure people will go home. Great tips.
Thanks for the post! Do you have any idea how to get 9g visa?
I would suggest to phone the embassy for that concern James. Thanks
WOW WOW WOW CARAMBA! You've already flew all the way to South Africa? And yey, free of charge pala pag <29 days ang visit. I thought it's as expensive as USA or Australian Visa. Thanks for this informative post, South Africa is part of my bucketlist. π
You have to go to South Africa! It's a beautiful country and rich culturally!
South Africa is really beautiful especially the safari. It would really be nice to visit the country.
Thank you for this information.. I bet our kababayan who would like to visit South Africa will find this very useful. thanks for sharing
South Africa is one of those in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing this information.
Useful information! I would really love to see South Africa with my boys one day!
Thank you so much Angelo! Always wanted to go to South Africa but I don't know where to start! ^_^
hi angelo!
first time ko mag tatravel going to south africa, and i dont know if my bank account is enough to accomodate myself there? how much is the show money? ano yung mga possible reason para di ma approve visa for first timer? thanks need some help
Hi there is no show money involved, do you have a sponsor? If not just provide them a certified copy of your bank statement. I am not sure but once they approve your visa, they may ask you for a bond of Php 30k but you can have it back when you return to the Philippines. Madaming dahilan for the the visa not to be approved but only they can tell.
Hi so the 30k bond only implies if you do not have a sponsor?
it is for all even if you have or you dont have sponsors
I was just about to ask about the 30k thing that I've heard from a friend. So totoo pala sya. I was really decided to go to South Africa this year I almost book my tickets! But got turned-off right away about that bond which I think is unnecessary. Do you mind sharing the logic behind it? Thanks! π
Hi Lizzie, to be honest I really don't have the exact answer to your question. It really is a big amount for a bond. Pero makukuha naman sya when you come back. Siguro its just to make sure that the person is coming back in the Phils.? I am sure someone would be able to read our conversation and give us another explanation as to why.As a tourist, I used my pocket money to pay for the bond, kaya wala na masyadong pang shopping. hehe
Sorry Lizzie π