If you’re one of those people who wants it all, your trip could start with one of the world’s most spectacular mountain hikes, then deliver you into penguin-strewn beaches, before transporting you through A-list vineyards, and finally depositing you at the most Southwestern part of the African continent..
An adventure that’ll really knock your socks off.
While this is one of those experiences most people would certainly love to embrace at one point in their lives, Kenyans still need a visa to visit South Africa.
This post answers questions such as:
how long does it take to process a south African visa in Kenya?
where do I find a South Africa visa application form download?
Is there a South Africa High Commission website?
Is there a South African embassy in Mombasa Kenya?
What's Covered in This Article
Visa Requirements for Kenyan Citizens Visiting South Africa in 2021
In 3 easy steps, I show you how to make your South Africa visa application in Kenya as smooth as how you picture it in your dreams.
When and where to get the tourist visa for South Africa
According to the South African High Commission in Kenya, it takes a minimum of 7 working days, beginning from the day of submission.
However, processing time may vary from one person to another depending on the type of Visa they have applied for and of course, their personal circumstances at time of application.
I therefore recommend that you start your South Africa visa application process at least 4 weeks in advance of your trip.
Please do not bother going to the South Africa Embassy in Kenya for your visa application!
The visa application, documents submission, and biometrics is done through VFS Global, South Africa Visa Application Centre, 5th floor, Park Field Building, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House, Westlands.
Required documents in applying for a South Africa Tourist Visa
Required documents are those documents that you MUST present to the VFS Global office. Without them, VFS Global will not receive your application.
- Kenyan passport. Valid for at least 30 days after your intended arrival/departure date from South Africa. The passport must also have at least three blank pages.
- Copies of your passport’s bio-data page.
- 1 Passport Size Photos (45*35mm). Taken within the last 30 days;
- Your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- A copy of the cover page and middle page (page with your signature)of your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
- Duly Filled Out South Africa visa Application Form (DHA-84).
- Fill form in black ink and block letters.
- Remember to sign the visa application form.
- The signature must match the signature on your passport.
- Proof of a regular income.
- Certified copy of your personal bank statements for the last 3 months.
- If you’re employed
- Submit proof of earnings such as a letter from your employer on company letterhead, confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, length of employment, and company contact details),
- 3 Months pay slips.
- If you own a business
- Attach your business registration certificate and KRA Tax Return certificate/acknowledgement
- For Digital Nomads/Freelancers
- Submit your business registration certificate – If you are paid for your freelance work via Payoneer debit card, M-Pesa, or Paypal, submit these account statements.
- You can also include screenshots of the freelancing websites that you work on (e.g. Upwork account), to back up the online statements.
- As The South Africa High Commission in Kenya does not recognize online bank statements in support of your application, it may be wise to regularly transfer funds from Paypal into your bank account or M-Pesa account, especially on months leading to your application date..
- If you’re a student
- attach a letter of introduction from your institution.
- Visa application cover Letter. Please check out this post on details you need to include in the letter as well as for a sample letter.
Read More: My guide on how to SHOW MONEY for visa application in Kenya
- Travel details.
- Confirmed hotel reservation details
- If a South African national will be hosting you, submit a Letter of Invitation duly signed by him/her.
- Confirmed round trip flight reservation. If going by road, submit a detailed itinerary
- Confirmed hotel reservation details
DO NOT PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHTS JUST YET. Only do so after you receive your visa.
Read More: Our guide on how to get Refundable Flight Reservation for visa application in Kenya
Step by step procedure on how to apply for a South African visa in Kenya
STEP 1: Legibly fill out South Africa visa Application Form (DHA-84) and assemble all required documents as outlined above.
STEP 2: Personally submit your South Africa visa application documents to VFS Global, South Africa Visa Application Center, 5th floor, Park Field Building, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House, Westlands.
- You can submit documents Monday-Friday any time between 8 AM to 3 PM except on holidays recognized by the South African High Commission and Government of Kenya).
STEP 3: Pay the VFS Global visa service fee at the bank teller counter at the Visa Application Centre. VFS Service Fee (KShs 4,800), Courier (KShs. 350 within Nairobi and KShs.750 outside Nairobi – this is optional) and wait for the release of your passport.
- You will be given a system-generated receipt which you need to bring, alongside and a copy of your passport when you return to pick up your passport and visa.
South Africa Visa fees in Kenya
- As a Kenyan citizen, you will have to pay a total of KShs. 4,950 (i.e. KShs 4,800 for the South Africa visa, and KShs 150 for the VFS Global visa processing fee).
- There is also an option to pay an additional KShs 50 to be able to track your visa application via SMS.
- You can also track your application online via this LINK. If you’d like your passport to be couriered, you will pay an additional KShs. 350 within Nairobi and KShs.750 upcountry. Otherwise just pick it up yourself.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on applying for South Africa visa in Kenya
1) Do I need to have to ‘show money’?
Yes. That is why they ask for 3 months bank statement. Since, they do not give the exact amount of money that should be in your account, just make sure you have enough to cover your accommodation, flight and living expenses while in South Africa.
2) What if my visa gets denied?
Cést la vie!
Simply re-apply when the particular circumstances that led to your visa being denied have since changed/improved.
3) Can someone pick-up the passport on my behalf?
Yes!
As long as they bring the official system-generated receipt, a copy of your ID, a letter signed by you authorizing them to pick up your passport, and original ID of whoever is picking up your passport.
4) I have a valid U.S. Visa. Do I still need to apply for a Visitor Visa to South Africa?
Yes! Unfortunately.
Check this link for countries that Kenyans can visit visa – free with a US visa.
5) I forgot to submit a required document with my application. Is there a way that I can send it after I have already submitted my application?
You can only send additional documents if the embassy or VFS Global office asks you to.
Please click here for the complete South Africa Visa Requirements check-list from the VFS Global.
6) Can I apply for a Multiple Entry Visa?
Yes. But you must provide details of full travel itinerary and a convincing cover letter justifying why you need one.
7) Is the issuance of a Multiple Entry Visa guaranteed?
No. Issuance of visas is at the sole discretion of the Embassy of South Africa.
8) Is there any other case where I can apply for a Multiple Entry Visa?
Yes. As long as you have proof of why you need the long term visa.
9) How much money do you suggest I have for my trip to South Africa?
A budget of about KShs 5,000 (excluding flight, hotels, and excursions) should be sufficient.
10) Do I need to have a travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not a compulsory when submitting your South Africa visa application. But for your own peace of mind, I highly recommend that you get cover from World Nomads🙂
For more information on South Africa visa requirements in Kenya, please visit the website of VFS Global or contact them through their helpline at +254 205147903 or email address at info.nbo@vfshelpline.com 🙂
11) Can I apply for a South African e-visa as a Kenyan passport holder?
Yes. Online e-permit applications are open for citizens of Kenya, Cameroon, Iran, Egypt and Philippines who plan to land at OR Tambo airport. Click here to apply.
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