SERVICES

HOLIDAYS OBSERVED

Please check the Missions' list of holidays that will observed this year.

Write your email address on the upper right hand corner of your application form to receive updates on the status of your application. 

southafrica.info

    

 

SOUTH AFRICAN MISSIONS
IN THE UNITED STATES:

For residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming including the US Territory of Guam:

The South African Consulate General
in Los Angeles, CA
6300 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel. (323) 651-0902
Emergency: (323) 244-0360
Email
Website:

For residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont West Virginia, British Virgin Islands, St Martins, Bermuda and Cayman:

The South African Consulate General
in New York City
 845 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 692-2401
Cell: (917) 200-8396
Emergency: (929) 698-0052
 Email
Website


For residents of Alabama, Arkansas, District of Colombia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma,Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Wisconsin:

The South African Embassy in Washington, DC
 3051 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 232-4400
Emergency: (202) 413-1953
Email
Website


Exchange Visa

This permit issued to applicants under the age of 25 years and valid for one year.

Exchange visa may be issued to foreigners who are not older than 25 years of age and wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programs administered by an organ of the State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state.

Visits to our offices for civic services are strictly by appointment only.
Applicants are reminded to kindly ensure they make an appointment before presenting at the Embassy/Consulate General.

PLEASE NOTE:
IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH REGULATION 2(1) (A) OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 2014, ONLY MACHINE READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (MRTDs) WILL BE ACCEPTED ON SUBMISSION OF VISA APPLICATIONS AND AT PORT OF ENTRY. THEREFORE, NO EXTENDED PASSPORTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Checklist of Documents to be Submitted:

  • A duly completed application form (DHA-1738) signed by applicant
  • Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. Passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa.

    PLEASE NOTE: In order to comply with Regulation 2(1) (A) of the Immigration Act of 2014, only machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will be accepted on submission of visa applications and at Port of Entry. Therefore, no extended passports will be accepted.
  • Two (2) passport photos
  • Proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
  • Medical report on prescribed form (physical)
  • Original FBI certificate (full criminal background check report) and original police clearance certificate from each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years (for the last 5 years) in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission
  • Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host with proof of address (relative or friend) in South Africa
  • $36.00 money order for processing
  • Proof of U.S. legal status (copy of green card,) if applicant not U.S. citizen
  • Stamped statement from the prospective employer certifying that:
  • The position exists.
  • The organ of state or foreign education and training confirming the
      existence of the exchange programme
  • The remuneration of the foreigner complies with labor requirements
  • The employer will provide for the welfare and needs of the foreigner
      whilst in his employ
  • Will inform Home Affairs if the foreigner does not comply with the terms
      and conditions of his/her permit or leaves RSA
  • The applicant will leave when his/her permit expires.
  • A stamped letter from the Department of Education or a public higher educational institution in South Africa, confirming that it is responsible for organizing/administering the programme, outlining the activities and duration thereof, as well as confirming that it will take full responsibility for the student whilst he/she is in the country.
  • A stamped letter from an organ of the foreign state, confirming the particulars of the student, including confirmation of the student’s registration with a tertiary educational institution abroad, as well as the date on which study will commence.
  • A report from a South African organ of state or learning institution prescribed in regulation 19(3)
  • Proof of financial means to cover your living expenses during your stay in the Republic in the form of stamped bank statements
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person traveled or intends traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area
  • Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only USPS self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
  • Attention Washington, DC Applicants:  With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
  • Processing time for long visas exceeding 90 days may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.

 

Rev. Tuesday, 17-Oct-2023