Skip the visa application. Prepare for your trip.
Start with your passport and entry documents, then check the arrival formalities.
Before you travel
Check the passport and supporting documents listed below. Keep copies accessible during your journey.
When you arrive
Prepare South African Customs online traveller declaration and keep your travel documents to hand.
During your visit
Check the permission you receive and leave before your authorised stay ends.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
South African Customs online traveller declaration
From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving by air, land, sea or rail must submit a declaration. For an inbound trip, submit it no more than 24 hours before departure from your origin country, or before the final leg directly to South Africa. Each traveller, including a child, needs a declaration; an adult may submit for a minor. Air or sea transit passengers who stay in the designated transit area are exempt. This is a Customs declaration, separate from a visa or ETA. If you cannot submit online, SARS says port staff or a kiosk can assist; missing the online step alone does not deny entry.
Open South African Customs online traveller declarationDetails that can change your plans
Children can need additional travel documents
South African rules list extra evidence for children applying for a visa and for unaccompanied minors; documents depend on the child’s nationality and who is travelling with them. Check the current official rules for the child’s circumstances.
Official guidancePractical tips for South Africa
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Check yellow-fever certificate rules for your route
South Africa requires a yellow-fever vaccination certificate from travellers arriving from or travelling through an endemic area, except for direct transit. Check whether your itinerary triggers the rule before departure.
South Africa at a glance
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Currency
- ZAR
- Calling code
- +27
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from United Arab Emirates need a visa for South Africa?
Travelers visiting South Africa for tourism with an ordinary passport from United Arab Emirates do not need a visa for up to 90 days per visit. Entry conditions still apply.
How long can I stay in South Africa?
The short-visit limit is 90 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 30 days after planned departure. At least 2 blank pages.
Do I need to complete South African Customs online traveller declaration?
Required for this route. From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving by air, land, sea or rail must submit a declaration. For an inbound trip, submit it no more than 24 hours before departure from your origin country, or before the final leg directly to South Africa. Each traveller, including a child, needs a declaration; an adult may submit for a minor. Air or sea transit passengers who stay in the designated transit area are exempt. This is a Customs declaration, separate from a visa or ETA. If you cannot submit online, SARS says port staff or a kiosk can assist; missing the online step alone does not deny entry. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open South African Customs online traveller declaration
Check South Africa’s current visa exemptions
The Home Affairs list separates ordinary and other passport types and may change without notice. Check the ordinary-passport column and stay period for your passport before booking.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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