South Africa
United States
United States visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires South African citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- 4 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at za.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in South Africa
- Embassy of the United States in Pretoria
Pretorius Street 877, 0083 Arcadia
- Consulate General of the United States in Johannesburg
Sandton Drive 1, 2146 Johannesburg
- Consulate General of the United States in Durban
Doctor Pixley Kaseme Street 303, 4001 Durban
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All missions of the United States in South Africa
The United States has 4 missions in South Africa, with its embassy in Pretoria. Consulates: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
US visas issued to citizens of South Africa
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 45,999 | 33,856 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,450 | 1,221 |
| Exchange (J) | 3,532 | 2,892 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 19,934 | 20,767 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 4,649 | 4,102 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 660 | 709 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 169 | 82 |
| Total | 76,393 | 63,629 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 10.7% | 11.7% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 63,629 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of South Africa, the 24th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 53%, work and treaty visas 33% and transit and crew visas 6%. That is 17% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (76,393).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of South Africa received 22,503, 17% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 11.7% for citizens of South Africa in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 10.7%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of South Africa anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in South Africa.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to South Africa
United StatesSouth Africa Visa-free, 90 days South Africa visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
South African citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in the United States
How long South African citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How South African citizens apply
In South Africa, applications go to the US embassy in Pretoria and the consulates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for South African citizens
Canada and Mexico require South African citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to South Africa
No visa is needed by US citizens for South Africa, for stays of up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires South African citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Where is the US embassy in South Africa?
The US embassy in South Africa is in Pretoria; there are also consulates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No visa is needed by US citizens for South Africa, for stays of up to 90 days.
Can South African citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; South African citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.