South Africa visa requirements for Ethiopians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Ethiopians visiting South Africa

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a South African Visa.

  • An original Ethiopian passport with no less than 30 days validity beyond your departure date from South Africa.
  • Your passport must have at least 2 unused pages in your passport for entry and departure endorsements.
  • 2 coloured passport-size photographs.
  • An international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever.
  • A return ticket to Ethiopia or an onward flight ticket to your next destination.
  • Letter of invitation stating the purpose of visit and duration of stay.
  • Proof of financial means for the entire duration of stay in South Africa.
  • Travel medical insurance.
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee.

South Africa Visa for Ethiopians

Facts about South Africa

South Africa is popular for its natural landscape, game reserves, and cultural heritage. Tourists interested in natural history would have a good time visiting the country. A wide range of species can be found in various nature parks around the country. The most popular national parks are the Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, other smaller parks are Addo National Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. There are also beaches which offer activities like surfing and kayaking. In addition to its numerous natural attractions, South Africa also boasts a large number of attractions of cultural significance. They include caves forming part of the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, the ruins of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe in northern Limpopo, the wine routes of the Western Cape amongst others.
 
The tourism industry is one of the most important industries of the South African economy. In 2012, the country was responsible for directly contributing ZAR 102 billion of South African GDP and supports 10.3% of jobs in the country. In 2014, over 9 million tourists visited South Africa which was a 0.1% increase from the number of visitors recorded the previous year.
 
Foreigners visiting South Africa are not allowed to enter the country with more than ZAR25,000 but can enter the country with unlimited foreign currency. No Kruger coin is allowed. On exit from the country, you cannot be in possession of more than ZAR25,000 but can leave with unlimited foreign currency if the amount was declared on entry. Foreigners can leave the country with up to 15 Kruger coins if there is proof it was purchased with foreign currency.
 
Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malta, Portugal, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, etc can gain entry visa-free for a stay of 90 days. Nationals of Angola, Antigua, and Barbuda, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Hungary, Jordan, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, etc do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less.

Types of South Africa Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Visitor Visa 10 working days 90 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days
Student visa 10 working days Depends on duration of study
Work visa 10 working days Up to 5 years

General Requirements for South Africa Visa

  • An original Ethiopian passport with no less than 30 days validity beyond your departure date from South Africa.
  • Your passport must have at least 2 unused pages in your passport for entry and departure endorsements.
  • 2 coloured passport-size photographs.
  • An international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever.
  • A return ticket to Ethiopia or an onward flight ticket to your next destination.
  • Letter of invitation stating the purpose of visit and duration of stay.
  • Proof of financial means for the entire duration of stay in South Africa.
  • Travel medical insurance.
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee.
South Africa Visitor Visa South Africa Business visa South Africa Student visa South Africa Work visa

South Africa Visitor Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The South African visitor visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism, vacation, recreational and leisure activities.
  • The visitor visa also permits its holder to visit friends and relatives residing in South Africa.
  • The Ethiopian passport used for the visa application must be original and valid for no less than 30 days beyond your departure from South Africa with at least two blank visa pages.
  • You are required to complete a visa application form and signed in black ink. Incomplete visa application forms may delay visa processing.
  • You must submit 2 coloured passport-size photographs fitting the South African photo specification(s) for visa application.
  • You are required to provide an international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever.
  • You are also required to provide a letter of invitation from your host in South Africa if you are visiting friends or relatives. This letter should clearly show the address and phone number of your host.
  • As proof that you can cater to all your financial needs while in South Africa, you are required to submit your bank account statements of the latest 3 months. You can also submit your recent payslips in the place of your bank statements.
  • Travel medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in South Africa in case of any medical emergency should also be submitted.
  • To show that you intend to leave South Africa once your visa expires, you must provide a copy of your return ticket to Ethiopia or an onward ticket to your next destination.
  • You are to provide proof of private or hotel accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in South Africa.
  • If you are travelling with minors, you are to provide original copies of their birth certificate and a signed letter of consent from the other parent (if only one parent is travelling with the minor).
  • When a minor is travelling unaccompanied, they are to provide a signed letter of consent from the guardians or parents.
  • Employed applicants should provide proof of their employment, such as an employment contract, and leave permission from their employer.
  • The visitor visa does not permit its holder to enrol in any institution in South Africa or to take up paid employment.
  • You must provide proof of payment of visa fee.

South Africa Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Ethiopians who want to travel to South Africa to engage in business activities such as business conferences, meetings, training or seminars must apply for the South African business visa.
  • Your Ethiopian passport must be original and have a minimum validity of 30 days beyond the expiry of your intended visit.
  • You must submit a fully completed and signed visa application form for your application. You should note that incomplete application forms will not be accepted.
  • You are required to submit 2 colour passport-size photographs with your visa application form. The photos must fit the South African visa application photo specification(s).
  • An international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever must be submitted by the applicant.
  • A signed business letter by your employer stating the purpose of your visit and the duration of your intended stay in South Africa must also be submitted.
  • As proof that you intend to leave South Africa once your visa expires, you are to provide a copy of your return flight ticket to your country of origin.
  • A letter of invitation from a partner company in South Africa confirming the nature of the business that will be undertaken should also be presented.
  • Proof of financial means for the entire duration of your stay in South Africa is required. This could be a guarantee letter on from your company or a letter of support from the partner company, stating that they will be taking responsibility for your financial needs for the entire duration of your stay.
  • If there exist previous business relations with the partner company in South Africa, you are required to provide proof of this. This could be in the form of payment receipts for goods received, bills of lading, or other such documents.
  • This business visa does not permit you to receive payment for any services rendered while in South Africa. If you intend to take up paid employment, you are required to obtain a work permit.
  • If you intend to start a business or invest in a business in South Africa, you need to obtain a business permit.
  • You must provide proof of payment of the visa fee before your application can be processed.

South Africa Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The South African student visa allows foreign students to study in any educational institution in the country.
  • To apply for this visa you must have received an admission offer from a South African school otherwise your visa application will not be processed.
  • You are to submit an official letter of acceptance from the educational institution where you intend to study, confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course.
  • Your Ethiopian passport must be original and have a minimum validity of 30 days beyond your departure date. There must be at least two unused visa pages left in your passport.
  • A duly completed and signed visa application form must be submitted as incomplete or unsigned forms will not be accepted.
  • You are required to provide proof of financial sufficiency for the entire duration of your stay in South Africa including paying for the tuition fees. This could be in the form of your bank account statements or those of your sponsor if someone else will be sponsoring your studies.
  • You must also provide proof of medical cover for the entire duration of your stay in the country such as a travel medical insurance.
  • As proof that you intend to return to your country of origin once you are through with your studies, you are required to provide a copy of your return flight ticket or the cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket.
  • If the government of your country will be sponsoring your studies, you must submit a signed undertaking from the relevant government to take full responsibility for you while in South Africa.
  • Applicants above 18 years must submit a police clearance certificate with their visa application. If you have a pending police case, it might delay the processing of your visa application.
  • If you are a minor, you must present your original birth certificate and a letter of guardianship from a resident in South Africa who will act as your guardian for the duration of your stay. This letter must clearly show their contact details.
  • As a minor you are also required to provide a signed letter of consent from both your parents or guardians in your country, approving your travel to South Africa. If one parent has sole custody, then consent letter from only one parent is required along with proof of sole custody.

South Africa Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Ethiopians who intend to take up paid employment in South Africa can apply for the South African work visa.
  • The work visa is only issued to foreign nationals where South African citizens with the relevant skills are not available for appointment.
  • An Ethiopian passport with at least 30 days validity beyond the expiry of your intended stay is needed for your visa application.
  • You are to submit your medical and radiology reports for your visa application to be processed.
  • You are required to present a police clearance certificate with your visa application. If you have a pending police case, it might delay the processing of your visa application.
  • You are required to provide proof of financial means for the entire duration of your stay in South Africa. This should be in the form of your latest bank account statements, cash, or traveller's cheque.
  • A signed undertaking written by your employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to your deportation and that of your dependent family members, should it become necessary must be submitted.
  • To apply for the South African visa, Ethiopians are required to provide a certificate from the Department of Labour granting them permission to work as employees in South Africa.
  • You are also required to submit copies of your educational qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic of South Africa.
  • An employment contract signed by both you and your employer must also be submitted.
  • Proof of your employer's legitimacy such as business address and proof of registration with the Registrar of Companies must be submitted by the applicant.
  • If your spouse and/or children will be travelling with you, you are required to submit all required documents on their behalf.
  • Your employer must sign an undertaking to inform the Director-General once you are no longer an employee of the company or your role changes within the company.

South Africa Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Visitor Visa

45.00 (USD)

Business visa

45.00 (USD)

Student visa

45.00 (USD)

Work visa

45.00 (USD)

South Africa Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Ethiopia

Location

Address

Addis Ababa

Nifasilk Lafto, House No. 731, Subcity Kebele 03 (Old Airport Area), South Africa Avenue, P.O. Box 1091, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

www.southafricanembassyethiopia.com

bilateral.addis@dirco.gov.za; multilateral.addis@dirco.gov.za

(+251) 11 371 1002; (+251) 11 371 1017

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Africa safe to visit?
South Africa is a relatively safe place to visit although it has its fair share of crime like any other country and perhaps a bit more. Tourists are advised to be security-conscious and take good care of their belongings. 
Can I extend my tourist visa?

South African short-stay visas can be extended for up to 90 days provided you give a compelling reason for seeking so. The extension process usually takes about 30 to 40 days so you are advised to start the process at least 60 days before the expiration of your visa. 

Can I work in South Africa with a student visa?

Foreign nationals with a student visa in South Africa can work on a part-time basis for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week. However, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during your stay in South Africa asides from what you will be paid for working.

What is the official currency of South Africa?

The official currency of South Africa is the Rand (R). Visitors will find ATMs linked to all major international networks throughout the country.