South Africa visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting South Africa

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

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 cm).
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical Insurance to cover duration of entire stay. 
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

South Africa Visa for Kenyans

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
Tourist visa 10 working days 90 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days
Work visa 10 working days 5 years
Student visa 10 working days More than 90 days
Medical visa 10 working days 90 days

General Requirements for South Africa Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 cm).
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical Insurance to cover duration of entire stay. 
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
South Africa Tourist visa South Africa Business visa South Africa Work visa South Africa Student visa South Africa Medical visa

South Africa Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • The South African tourist visa is for Kenyans who have permanent residence outside South Africa and wish to visit the country temporarily for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less
      • The South African visa can also be granted to Kenyans for the following:
        • Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes
        • Business purposes.
        • Spouses to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit.
        • Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits.
        • Fiancée/ fiancé to join his or her partner with the intention of marrying within 90 days.
        • Study purposes (max stay 3-months).
        • Charitable or voluntary activities.
        • Research.
        • Conferences.
        • To work in the production of a movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry
        • For medical purposes (max stay 3-months).
        • Sports events.
      • The visa will allow you to travel to a South African port of entry where an immigration official will then determine if you are allowed to enter South Africa and for how long you can stay for that particular visit.
      • South African visa requirements include:
      • A valid and acceptable passport visa and travel document for your intended stay.
      • At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements.
      • Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay.
      • An onward and return ticket.
      • Yellow fever certificate is required if the applicant is passing through the yellow fever belt area before entering South Africa.
      • Proof of legal status for Kenya must be provided. For example, certified/notarized copy of a green card, H1B, F1, J1, etc.
      • Currency brought into or taken from South Africa is monitored by law. Should you have South African currency exceeding R25 000 or any foreign currency, this must be declared.
      • South Africa tourist visa fee is 45 USD.
      • If you are a journalist or sportsman and are bringing goods into the country with you, such as photographic or sports equipment, you should declare them in the Customs red channel after arriving in South Africa.
      • Travelers may import their personal medicament provided it is for not more than three (3) months’ use. This must be accompanied by a prescription issued by a medical doctor.
      • The tobacco and alcohol allowance is not applicable to persons under the age of 18 years.

      South Africa Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • The South African visa allows a Kenyans to reside and establish or invest in different South African businesses.
      • This visa permits Kenyans to also start up business in South African.
      • Starting a business in South Africa can be easy if you follow certain guidelines.
      • These are some tips on how to start up business in South African:
        • A large part of how to qualify for a business visa in South Africa is how much money you have to invest into your new South African business. A minimum investment is required to be made into the business within a 2 year period of time.
        • Your application will be scrutinized for the employment positions it creates. 60% of your employees need to be either South African citizens or permanent residency holders.
        • When courting foreign investment, regulations also pay attention to attracting the right sort of businesses to South Africa. There are specific sectors such as tourism and manufacturing that are deemed priority industries.
        • Building a business plan is necessary, a business plan is a blueprint to the success of the business. Further, the business plan will also identify the business’s chances of succeeding and the applicant’s own business ability.
        • An agreement to register with The South African Revenue Service, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Compensation Fund, Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, and a relevant professional body or council, where applicable, as recognized by the SAQA must be provided.
        • Police clearance certificates from the country in which you stayed from the age of 18 years, including South Africa is required.
        • A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry that assessed the feasibility of your business and why the contribution would be beneficial and of interest to the Republic.
      • Before starting up a business, you need to research for business ideas in South Africa.
      • A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’ve traveled or you’re planning to travel in a risk area, as well as your radiology reports.
      • If the applicant is traveling to South Africa for a business meeting, the following are required:
        • A valid passport expiring no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit.
        • A return flight booking.
        • A letter of invitation from the business or confirmation from the organization confirming the activity/business they will undertake.
        • Proof of funds to support visit or support from sponsoring company.

      South Africa Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • This visa is for Kenyans whose purpose of traveling to South Africa is to take up paid employment.
      • The visa application form of applicants should be accompanied with proof of acknowledgment from the Department of Labor.
      • A letter of employment from your future employer should be provided. The letter should state the address of the company and your job position.
      • The contract of employment, that determines the conditions of employment and is signed by both the employer and employee. This document should be in line with the labor norms in South Africa.
      • Your employer should prove that you will not be paid lower than the average salary and benefits of citizens that have the same job in the country.
      • Before you are offered this job, you must have proof that you have the required qualifications and experience that suits the job.
      • Your future employer must provide a document showing proof that there was no South African willing and available to take up the job.
      • Proof of skills evaluated by SAQA and translated by a denominated translator into one of the official languages of South Africa.
      • Proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC) of your future employer.
      • Your family members are allowed to come visit you, but they are required to apply for a South African relative visa.
      • This visa is valid for a minimum period of 24 months and may be extended.
      • For applicants 18 years and older, a police clearance certificate is required.
      • A medical and radiological report of applicants is required.

      South Africa Exchange Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • This visa allows applicants to take part in a programme administered or organized by a learning institution in South Africa in conjunction with a learning institution of a foreign state.
      • Applicants who do not meet any of the entry requirements will not be allowed entry to South Africa.
      • Kenyans who apply for this visa are eligible to take part in cultural, economic, and social exchange programmes.
      • A document from the Department of Basic Education or Higher Education and Training or a learning institution in the country confirming that it is responsible for organizing or administering the existence of the programme should be submitted.
      • A document from the foreign state institution or education and training institution confirming the particulars of the applicant, the applicant’s enrolment with the foreign education and training institution, and the date on which the programme shall commence.
      • The foreign education and training institution confirming the enrolment of the applicant or the foreign state institution conducting the programme.
      • Police clearance from Kenya.
      • Medical and radiological report.
      • Proof of medical cover for the duration of the exchange period with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Scheme Act.

      South Africa Critical Skills Eligibility & Requirements

      • This visa is issued for a period not exceeding five years.
      • A proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category should accompany the visa application.
      • Proof of employment within 12 months after obtaining Critical Skills work visa in the form of an employment contract specifying the occupation and capacity in which you are employed.
      • A spouse and dependent children of the holder of this visa shall be issued with an appropriate visa valid for a period of validity of the applicant’s critical skills work visa.
      • Applicants are not required to have an employment contract for this visa.
      • Police clearance is required.
      • Kenyans are expected to provide a medical and radiological report.
      • Proof of payment of visa application fee.

      South Africa Treaty Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • A Treaty Visa is an official document that gives permission to applicants to enter South Africa to participate in programs that have been agreed upon by South Africa and Kenya.
      • Applicants with incomplete applications will not be granted this visa.
      • A letter from the relevant organ of state attesting to the nature of the programme and the treaty under which it is conducted should be submitted.
      • If you are 18 years and over, you are required to submit a police clearance.
      • A medical and radiological report a physician in Kenya is required.
      • Foreigners are advised to be vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling to the country. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is a necessary document during the visa application process.
      • If you are traveling with a minor, the original copy of the minor’s birth certificate is required.
      • Proof of payment of paid visa application fee is required.

      South Africa Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • The student visa is issued to students who intend to study in one of the academic institutions in South Africa.
      • Studying in South Africa is easy for foreigners.  it will usually take three years of full-time study to complete a bachelor's degree, and one or two years to complete a master's degree.
      • A letter of acceptance from the institution you have applied is required. The letter should be written on the company’s letterhead and state the course and duration of the study.
      • An undertaking by the registrar of the chosen educational institution to grant proof of registration as contemplated in the relevant legislation within 60 days of registration.
      • Students are required to provide proof of sufficient funds. A student is required to have at least  R2,714 per month to cover financial needs.
      • If you are over the age of 18 years, you are required to submit a police clearance certificate not older than 6 months.
      • For applicants under the age of 18 years, an unabridged original copy of your birth certificate is required.
      • A certificate of yellow fever vaccination should be provided.
      • International students are allowed to work part-time as long as it does not interfere with your study.
      • Certificates and transcripts from previously attended school should be submitted during the application process.

      South Africa Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • Kenyans who apply for the medical visa wish to visit South Africa in order to undergo specific medical treatment.
      • Signed referral letter from a doctor in South Africa specifying the nature of health problem and the reason the treatment will be best gotten in South Africa.
      • Signed letter from the doctor in South Africa stating that he/she will take up the treatment. The physical address of the hospital should be stated in the letter, as well as, the telephone number.
      • A letter from your employer in Kenya stating awareness and allowance of your leave. Your job position and duration of your employment should be stated in the letter.
      • If the applicant is under the age of 18, the original copy of the child’s birth certificate is required. A letter of consent signed by both parents of the minor should also be submitted.
      • A copy of Yellow Fever Card with signature and cover page which shows validity dates is mandatory. The yellow fever vaccination card should be valid for 10 years.
      • There is no visa fee charged for Kenyan passport holders for stays that are less than 30 days.
      • Proof that you have the incentive of returning to your country at the expiry of your visa.
      • Receipt of the paid visa application form.

      South Africa Visa Fees

      Visa Type

      Sub Types

      Visa Fees

      Tourist visa

      45.00 (USD)

      Business visa

      45.00 (USD)

      Work visa

      Exchange Visa

      Critical Skills

      Treaty Visa

      45.00 (USD)

      160.00 (USD)

      45.00 (USD)

      Student visa

      45.00 (USD)

      Medical visa

      45.00 (USD)

      South Africa Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

      Location

      Address

      Nairobi

      3rd Floor, Roshanmaer Place, Lenana Road, Nairobi, Kenya.

      sahc@africaonline.co.ke

      +254 70 912 7000

      Nairobi

      5th Floor, Park Field Building, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House, Westlands.

      http://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/kenya/

      info.nbo@vfshelpline.com

      +254 20 514 7903

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Can foreigners drive in South Africa?

      Yes, foreigners can South Africa. To drive a  vehicle in South Africa, it requires a valid international driving license and the valid driving license from your country must also be carried.

      Is South Africa safe for tourists?

      South Africa is relatively safe for tourists. A few basic safety precautions and some common sense will help you avoid most incidents of crime. To minimise the risk, simply avoid the most dangerous areas, and take the time to research some safety tips for tourists before your trip.

      Which is the safest city in South Africa?
      The safest city in South Africa is Cape Town. The city leaders have made concerted efforts to great effects to keep the city both safe and clean, and the centre of Cape Town has become one of the safest places to both live, visit and do business in.
      How much time does South Africa visa take?

      The processing time for the South Africa visa is 7 working days.

      How long does it take to get a visa after interview?

      The South African visa is issued within 2 – 3 working days after the interview.

      Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for South Africa?

      You need to apply for visa to South Africa. ... A valid passport is required for all Kenya citizens entering South Africa. You can apply for your Kenyan passport online at Department of Immigration Services