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.  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. 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 85282517 between 07:00 and 16:00, from Monday to Friday

VFS Website [South Africa]

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/zaf/