Treaty Visa
This is a kind of a visa issued to a foreigner conducting activities in South Africa in terms of an international agreement to which South Africa is a party.
Documents to be submitted:
- 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. No extended passports will be accepted.
- A duly completed application form (DHA-1738) signed by applicant
- Fee payable to the appropriate South African representative office
- Certified/notarized copy of bio page of the applicant's passport
- Two (2) passport photos with white or light background
- Proof of legal status for non-U.S. citizens (Certified/notarized copy of greencard, H1B, F1, J1, etc.)
- Proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
- Proof of sufficient fund (in the form of three months recent bank statements stamped by bank) for own maintenance for the duration of stay
- Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host (relative or friend) in South Africa
- Proof of host’s legal status in South Africa (copy of I.D. Book/ passport if South African citizen) or copy of passport and a copy of visa or residence status in South Africa, certified by the South African Police Service.
- Yellow fever certificate is required if applicant is passing through yellow fever belt area before entering South Africa.
- Non-refundable US$36.00 processing fee in money order.
- Medical report on prescribed form (physical). The certificate must not be older than six (6) months at the time the applicant submits an application.
- 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.
- Stamped letter from Fulbright (organ of state) attesting to the purpose and duration
- Stamped letter from the institution in South Africa confirming applicant’s assignment.
- 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 US Postal Service 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.
- Where to submit your application
Rev. Tuesday, 17-Oct-2023