South Africa Transit Visa
A South Africa Transit Visa allows a foreign national to pass through South Africa on the way to a third country, using Form DHA-84 for the application. It is intended strictly for travellers whose journey requires a stopover in South Africa before continuing to their final destination, and it does not permit the holder to leave the airport or port area beyond what is necessary for the transit itself, or to undertake tourism, business, or any other activity.
Foreign nationals who hold valid long-term status — such as a work permit or permanent residence — in a neighbouring country, and who are transiting the Republic to return to their employment or residence there, are generally exempt from the transit visa requirement, provided they carry proof of that status. All other travellers requiring a stopover, whose nationality is not visa-exempt for South Africa, must obtain a Transit Visa before travel.
Approval of a South Africa Transit Visa is determined solely by the South African Department of Home Affairs or the relevant South African mission processing the application, based on the traveller’s onward travel documentation and eligibility.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have confirmed onward travel to a third country, with South Africa serving only as a stopover.
- Applicant must hold a passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended visit, with sufficient blank pages.
- Applicant must provide proof of visa, permit, or residency status for the destination country, where required.
- Applicant must not intend to leave the transit area for purposes beyond the transit itself.
- Travellers with valid long-term status in a neighbouring country, transiting to return to their employment or residence there, may be exempt, subject to proof of status.
- Deportees in transit require additional supporting documentation, including an undertaking from the host country’s government regarding responsibility for the deportee.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (ZAR) |
| Transit Visa Fee | Dependent on nationality; confirmed at application |
Transit Visa fees depend on the nationality of the passport held and are confirmed at the point of application through the relevant South African mission or VFS centre. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so confirm the current INR equivalent before payment.
South Africa Transit Visa Processing Time
Processing time for a South Africa Transit Visa is generally shorter than for long-term residence categories, since the application is limited to confirming onward travel and basic eligibility. Some South African missions have cited a standard processing window of around ten working days from receipt of a complete application, though this can vary by mission and is not necessarily uniform across every South African embassy or consulate worldwide.
As with other categories, processing can be affected by the completeness of the submitted documents, particularly proof of onward travel and destination-country visa status where required. DHA has acknowledged historic backlogs across visa categories generally, so applicants should not assume automatic fast-track handling. The passport is returned via the same application centre or mission once a decision is made. Given the short timeframes typically involved in transit journeys, applicants should apply as early as possible and avoid finalising connecting travel until the visa is confirmed. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
South Africa Transit Visa Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
A South Africa Transit Visa application often has to be completed on a tight timeline tied to onward flight connections, which makes accuracy and speed equally important. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to confirm whether you need a Transit Visa or qualify for an exemption.
We provide Application Review, Personalized Guidance, and a Transparent Process so your onward travel documentation is complete before submission. With End-to-End Assistance, we help you avoid the kind of missing document that can jeopardise a connecting flight. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Department of Home Affairs.