US passport · South Africa
Do US citizens need a visa for South Africa?
In brief
No. US passport holders can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days.
South Africa visa-free stay for US citizens: up to 90 days. Official rule. Source: Department of Home Affairs, South Africa, checked .
South Africa visa fee for US citizens: none for visa-free entry.
The attached Schedule outlines national passport holders from countries who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements, the category of passport holders who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements and the period for which such visa exemption applies.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa
Checked 6 Nov 2026Source: Department of Home Affairs, South AfricaVisas only at eta.dha.gov.zaReport a change
Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.
ContentsIn brief
At a glance
| Access | Visa-free · 90 days |
|---|---|
| Stay | Up to 90 days |
| Validity and entries | Not stated by the official source |
| Official fee | None for visa-free entry |
| Official processing | Nothing to apply for |
| Where to apply | Nothing to apply for to visit visa-freeOfficial site: eta.dha.gov.za |
Do US citizens need a visa for South Africa?
The Department of Home Affairs, South Africa lists the US among the countries whose nationals can visit without a visa. Stay: 90 days.
“The attached Schedule outlines national passport holders from countries who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements, the category of passport holders who are exempt from port of entry visa requirements and the period for which such visa exemption applies.”
Conditions and exceptions
US citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Issued on 09 December 2025 ... Diplomatic Official Service Ordinary Special ... United States of America 90 Days 90 Days 90 Days 90 Days 90 Days No
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026Travellers admitted for up to 90 days can apply online through the ETA to extend their stay by up to 90 more days.
the capability for legitimate travellers who enter South Africa for up to 90 days, to apply through the ETA to extend their stay for up to a further 90 days, as stipulated by the Immigration Act.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked · read from an archived copy of 14 Sep 2026
Fee
Visa-free entry costs nothing.
Processing time
Nothing to apply for to visit visa-free for up to 90 days. For visas, the official sources we read state no processing time.
Documents and entry checks
What changed
- South Africa launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on 12 August 2026; it is to become compulsory for visa-required countries, while visa-exempt travellers such as US citizens may use it voluntarily for a faster arrival queue or to extend their stay. Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked · read from an archived copy of 14 Sep 2026
- Checked against the official sources on this page: the rule above still holds.
FAQ
Is South Africa visa-free for US citizens now?
Yes: visa-free for up to 90 days. Checked on 6 Nov 2026 against the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.
How much does a South Africa visa cost for US citizens?
Visa-free entry costs nothing.
Can I get a South Africa visa in 7 days?
There is nothing to apply for to visit visa-free for up to 90 days. The official sources we read state no processing time.
Other trips on a US passport
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: entry rule and entry conditions
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (Minister of Home Affairs, ETA launch address): entry conditions, changes and documents
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (ePermit portal FAQ): documents
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: documents