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🇿🇦 Does a South African need a visa for the United States 🇺🇸?

What this means for your trip

You apply at an embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre of the destination, usually with an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.

Processing takes days to weeks, and some embassies require an interview; start the application well before your trip.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Where to apply in South Africa

If you live in South Africa, visas for the United States are issued by its missions there. Many of them use an outsourced visa application centre: the mission's website says where to apply and which office covers your region.

• Embassy of the United States, Pretoria · 877 Pretorius Street · za.usembassy.gov
• Consulate General of the United States in Cape Town · 2 Reddam Ave Westlake 7945 · za.usembassy.gov
• Consulate General of the United States, Durban · za.usembassy.gov
• Consulate General of the United States, Johannesburg · za.usembassy.gov

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

United States at a glance

Capital: Washington D.C. · Currency: United States dollar (USD, $) · Official languages: English · Calling code: +1

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: the United States uses plug types A, B, South Africa uses C, D, M, N. Mains voltage differs (the United States: 120 V; South Africa: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering the United States →

Your embassy in the United States

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United States, contact the embassy of South Africa:

• Embassy of South Africa, Washington, D.C. · saembassy.org

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near the United States for South African passport holders

• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇦🇷 Argentina — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇧 Barbados — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇧🇿 Belize — Visa-free
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇷 Brazil — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇨🇱 Chile — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇺🇸 American passport holders visiting South Africa: American passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

The South African passport at a glance

All destinations for South Africa passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the United States →

Questions