Last Updated on November 26, 2023 by Ray Roman
Do Canadians Need a Visa for South Africa? Yes, Canadian citizens (only) traveling to South Africa and intending to stay longer than 90 days will need a visa.
However, if your stay in South Africa is less than 90 days, you are exempt from visa requirements assuming your visit is only for tourism, business conference, or holiday.
Remember that you will still need your Canadian passport for the 90 days or less stay.
Tips for Getting Your South African Visa
- When arriving at a port of entry, make sure your visa has two blank pages for their use. You will be refused entry if you don’t have two blank pages.
- You must submit your visa application to the South African High Commission in Ottawa, Canada. There are no exceptions to this rule.
- You must provide a Canadian Post Expresspost self-addressed envelope with a “signature on the delivery sticker.” They will use this to return your passport to you.
- Payment is the exact amount via cash, money -order, or a certified check.
- If you don’t fully complete your application it will be rejected.
South Africa Online Visa System
To continue our “Do Canadians Need a Visa for South Africa? Let’s discuss South Africa’s online process for Canadians to get a visa via the web. South Africa has implemented an online visa application submittal system.
The South Africa eVisa system will allow individuals from various countries to submit their visa applications online. However, this article was not yet available to Canadians when it was published. The eVisa system is available in 14 countries at this time.
When the eVisa system becomes available for Canadian citizens, it’s most likely you will need a few things to apply online. Here is a list of the most important things you’ll need:
- A valid email address (you will probably be sent a verification email to use it)
- A valid passport
- A debit or credit card to pay online.
The list of requirements above for Canadians to get a South African eVisa will be updated on their website when more information becomes available.
The process is fairly simple once implemented. It involves completing a simple application, paying your fee, and submitting the completed applications. You’ll receive a confirmation email that indicates you submitted the visa application.
Once you receive your eVisa, you must print it so it can be presented at the border when you arrive in South Africa.
Until the eVisa for Canadian goes live, you can still submit a visa application in person at one of the two South African embassies in Canada.
South African High Commission in Ottawa
15 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario. K1M 1M8.
Phone: (613) 744 0330
Fax: (613) 741 1639
South Africa Consulate-General in Toronto
110 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario. M2N 6Y8.
Phone: (416) 944 8825
Fax: (416) 944 0925
South Africa is a great destination for many travelers. It has many diverse areas that are excellent destinations for vacation and exploring. There are many activities for visitors to enjoy, and it is a gateway to wild nature and exotic marine life.
Final Thoughts on Do Canadians Need a Visa for South Africa?
Essentially, if you are a Canadian and intend to stay in South Africa for a longer period than 90 days, you will need a visa. Right now, the only way to get one is to apply in person at any of the two South African embassies listed above.
Once the South Africa eVisa system goes live for Canadians, it will be a much easier and faster process to get your visa. If you have questions about the visa process, you can contact either embassy above for help.
I hope this article has answered the question, “Do Canadians Need a Visa for South Africa?
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