ItalySouth Africa

Italian Embassy & Consulates in South Africa

  • 2 embassies
  • 1 consulate general
  • 1 consulate
  • 3 honorary consulates

In South Africa, Italy has an embassy in Pretoria, a consulate general in Johannesburg, a consulate in Cape Town, 3 honorary consulates in Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban and 1 other office. Italy requires South African citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.

Map: Italy’s 7 missions in South Africa

Map: Italy’s 7 missions in South Africa

Italian Embassy in Pretoria

At George Avenue 796, Pretoria, the Italian embassy represents Italy towards South Africa. The head of mission on record is Vecchi Alberto. Its phone number and website are on its page.

Italian consulates in South Africa

Italy also has a consulate general in Johannesburg and a consulate in Cape Town; its work is consular: passports and documents for its own citizens and, often, visas for visitors.

Italian honorary consulates in South Africa

Italy has 3 honorary consulates in South Africa, in Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban; honorary consulates handle emergencies and simple certifications rather than visas or passports.

Italy visa for South African citizens

South AfricaItaly Visa required Italy visa for citizens of South Africa

ItalySouth Africa Visa-free, 90 days South Africa visa for citizens of Italy

Italy visa requirements for citizens of South Africa

  • Schengen visa (type C) – tourism, and tourism to visit family or friends
  • National visa (type D) – study, work, family, elective residence, digital nomads
  • Schengen short-stay visa (type C) – business
  • Schengen short-stay visa (type C) – visiting family or friends
  • Fee: €90
  • 21 required documents

checked 22 October 2026

See the full checklist

South African citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Italy. Applicants in South Africa turn to the Italian embassy in Pretoria or one of the consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town; many countries also use an outsourced visa centre.

South Africa’s missions in Italy

Missions of South Africa in Italy (9)

In return, South Africa has 9 missions in Italy, including its embassy in Rome.

Good to know

Italy in South Africa

Worldwide, Italy has 580 missions in 172 countries; 7 of them are in South Africa.

Travel to South Africa for Italian citizens

No visa is needed by Italian citizens for South Africa, for stays of up to 90 days. In South Africa, Italian citizens can turn to the Italian embassy for passports and emergency help.

When Italian missions in South Africa are closed

Italian missions in South Africa close on South Africa’s public holidays, the next being Day of Reconciliation on Wednesday 16 December 2026, Christmas Day on Friday 25 December 2026 and Day of Goodwill (St. Stephen's Day) on Saturday 26 December 2026, and usually on some holidays of Italy, such as Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione) on Tuesday 8 December 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Italian embassy in South Africa?

The Italian embassy is in Pretoria, at George Avenue 796, Pretoria.

Does Italy have consulates in South Africa?

Yes, Italy has a consulate general in Johannesburg and a consulate in Cape Town. Italy also has 3 honorary consulates in Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban.

Do South African citizens need a visa for Italy?

Italy requires South African citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.

Do Italian citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Italian citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.

Does South Africa have an embassy in Italy?

Yes, South Africa has its embassy in Rome, along with 8 other missions in Italy.