South Africa is an ideal destination for travellers from all over the world, and particularly from Kenya. The country offers travellers top-notch wildlife viewing experiences at Kruger National Park, stunning landscapes such as Table Mountain, and unique experiences such as wine tasting at Cape Winelands. Additionally, South Africa also offers high-value opportunities for business people, students, or people travelling for specialized purposes such as meetings or conferences, among others.
For most travellers wanting to go to South Africa, a visa is a major requirement for them to enter the country. However, South Africa visa requirements vary by nationality. A major question to ask is: Do Kenyans need a visa to South Africa? This guide delves into South Africa visa requirements for Kenyans. As such, the guide is aimed at providing essential information to Kenyans looking to travel to South Africa from Kenya. Understanding the various visa types, the specific South Africa visa requirements, and the need for accurate documentation is necessary for a seamless South Africa visa application process. Let’s dive in!
Do Kenyans Need a Visa to South Africa?
Kenya and South Africa enjoy robust and cordial cultural and economic ties. As such, the two countries signed a mutual agreement as of January 1, 2023, resulting in a visa-free entry to South Africa for stays up to 90 days for Kenyans. The bilateral agreement was aimed at improving economic relations between the two countries, following a visit by President Ramaphosa to Kenya to address previous immigration challenges.
Consequently, Kenyans with a valid passport who are travelling as tourists or for business are not required to have a port of entry visa for a period not exceeding 90 days per calendar year, owing to a visa-free entry agreement between the countries.
South Africa visa requirements that should be strictly adhered to include:
- A passport or travel document valid for no less than 60 days after the expiry of your intended visit.
- The passport must have at least two full unused visa pages for entry or departure stamping. Please note that endorsement pages of the passport are not considered free pages.
- Two coloured passport-size photos (45 mm×35 mm), taken within the last 12 months. The background of the photo should be plain, with no shadows or a white lining. In addition, only the head and shoulders of the applicant should be included in the photo. Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons. If you wear glasses, the photo should show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses. The photo must be taken with you looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression and with your mouth closed.
- A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required (10 days of maturity).
- A visa application form (B1-84) duly completed and signed by the applicant (should be filled in black ink only).
- In case you have children (minors) travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you must provide additional documents, which include (a) proof of guardianship or custody, such as birth certificates, and (b) consent from the guardian if the minor is unaccompanied.
- Sufficient funds to pay for your daily expenses during your stay in South Africa. You must provide recent three months’ bank statements
- A confirmed hotel booking or signed invitation letter from a host or sponsor with their ID or passport attached.
- A valid return or onward ticket is a must-have.
- An itinerary showing your day-to-day activities during your stay in South Africa to verify your duration of stay and planned movements while in the country.
- A guest may be randomly subjected to immigration interviews at the airport of entry.
When Do Kenyans Require a Visa to South Africa?
- For longer stays (exceeding 90 days) or specific purposes such as work or study, an appropriate visa may be required. The visa fee (inclusive of VAT) for a short-term stay in South Africa that is longer than 90 days is KShs 4,800, and a VFS service fee of KShs 5,840. The visa fee is subject to change without change. Visa fees and service charges should be paid via M-Pesa. The visa fee and service charge are non-refundable, even when the visa application is not approved.
- Business people and students are eligible for multiple-entry visas to South Africa, lasting up to 10 years.
- Road transit may need a visa, depending on the transit country. It is therefore necessary to check for the specific South Africa visa requirements for your type of visit or mode of transport with the South African High Commission.
- The minimum processing time for a visa for a Kenyan to South Africa is about 5-7 working days.
Specific South Africa Visa from Kenya
There are diverse types of South Africa visas from Kenya, which include:
- Tourist Visa: Designed for individuals travelling for leisure and typically allows stays up to 90 days.
- Work Visa: Available for individuals who have job offers in South Africa. Work visas include skilled and temporary work visas. Eligibility usually requires sponsorship from a South African employer and adherence to a specific skills criterion, as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Student Visa: For individuals who want to study in South Africa and require an acceptance letter from a South African educational institution.
- Relatives Visa: Allows relatives of South African citizens or permanent residents to join them. However, applicants must provide proof of family relationship and the South African’s residence status.
- Business Visa: Allowed for individuals who want to invest or conduct business in the country. Applicants are required to submit a business plan and proof of funds.
- Transit Visa: Allows travellers to pass through South Africa while en route to another destination.
A Step-by-Step Guide for a Successful South Africa Visa Application Process
For a successful South Africa visa application process, here are the important steps to follow:
- Determine your visa type.
- Gather all the required documents.
- Ensure to get your documents, such as the passport, birth certificate, and bank statements, certified.
- Submit your application with the help of an expert Adequate Safaris tour consultant.
- Attend the visa interview and wait patiently for the visa decision.
Adequate Safaris tour consultants are at your beck and call, ready to assist you throughout the visa application process. Contact us at de***@*************is.com today!
Final Thoughts
South Africa is an ideal destination for travellers from all over the globe, including Kenyans. While travellers from other countries may require a visa to South Africa, Kenyans do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, following a bilateral agreement between Kenya and South Africa. If you are looking to visit South Africa for more than 90 days as a tourist, for business, or for other specialized purposes, a visa for Kenyans to South Africa is still mandatory.
How do we at Adequate Safaris come in? We are committed to celebrating the success of your journey by ensuring you have all the requirements in check. Our expert tour consultants ensure to give you the necessary advice regarding South Africa visa requirements, depending on your desired duration of stay. With their vast knowledge and experience on South Africa visa applications, Adequate Safaris tour consultants will help you apply for a visa to South Africa (if your intended visit exceeds 90 days), ensuring a high visa approval rate. For the best advice on South Africa visa requirements and application assistance, contact us at de***@*************is.com.
