Visa guide · Nepali passport holders

South Africa Visa for Nepali Citizens

Visa requiredLast reviewed May 4, 2026

Nepali passport holders visiting South Africa as tourists use the Visitor Visa -- Tourist. Visa fee: ZAR 425 (~USD 22) DHA fee + INR ~1,400 VFS service fee. Processing time: 5-15 working days standard. Apply through VFS Global South Africa India -- New Delhi. The sources and the date this record was last reviewed are listed at the end of the page.

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Tourist visa: Visitor Visa -- Tourist (Section 11)Stay: Up to 90 days per entry
Visa fee: ZAR 425 (~USD 22) DHA fee + INR ~1,400 VFS service fee.
Processing time: 5-15 working days standard
Where to apply: VFS Global South Africa India -- New Delhi

At a glance

At a glance — South Africa Visitor Visa -- Tourist (Section 11)

Visa fee: ZAR 425 (~USD 22) DHA fee + INR ~1,400 VFS service fee.
Processing time: 5-15 working days standard; can extend during peak season (Dec-Feb summer + Jun-Aug game-viewing).
Stay duration: Up to 90 days per entry; extendable once in-country for additional 90 days.
Visa validity: Single, double, or multiple-entry; validity 90 days to 3 years.
Entries: Single or Multiple.
Bank balance / financial proof: USD 50 per day of stay minimum -- NPR-equivalent in bank statements covering last 3 months. Plus property / business / employment ties demonstrating intent to return to Nepal.
Where to apply: Lodge at VFS Global South Africa Delhi (Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place). Online appointment booking via visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha. Biometrics captured at Delhi centre. Application sent to South African High Commission New Delhi for adjudication.

Visa types

Visa categories available

Tourist — Visitor Visa -- Tourist (Section 11)
Tourism, sightseeing, holiday, leisure travel within South Africa.
Stay
Up to 90 days per entry; extendable once in-country for additional 90 days.
Processing
5-15 working days standard; can extend during peak season (Dec-Feb summer + Jun-Aug game-viewing).
Fee
ZAR 425 (~USD 22) DHA fee + INR ~1,400 VFS service fee.
Business — Visitor Visa -- Business (Section 11(1)(b))
Business meetings, negotiations, conferences, exhibitions -- no employment in South Africa.
Stay
Up to 90 days per entry; extendable once.
Processing
5-15 working days.
Fee
ZAR 425 + VFS service fee.
Transit — Transit Visa
Transit through O.R. Tambo (JNB) / Cape Town (CPT) airports en route to a third country.
Stay
Up to 24 hours airside.
Processing
5-10 working days.
Fee
ZAR 425.
Medical — Visitor Visa -- Medical Treatment (Section 11(1)(b)(iv))
Receive medical treatment / consultation in South Africa. South Africa is a regional medical-tourism hub for Sub-Saharan Africa with high-quality private hospitals in Johannesburg / Cape Town.
Stay
Up to 6 months for treatment; renewable inside South Africa for ongoing treatment.
Processing
Variable; urgent cases expedited (5-10 days); non-urgent 15-30 days.
Fee
ZAR 425 + VFS service fee.
Family Visit — Visitor Visa -- Relatives Visit (Section 11(2))
Visit relatives or friends resident in South Africa (typically Indian-origin SA citizens / SA Permanent Residents).
Stay
Up to 90 days per visit, extendable once.
Processing
5-15 working days.
Fee
ZAR 425.
Student — Study Visa (Section 13)
Full-time study at a South African accredited educational institution -- primary, secondary, or tertiary (university, technikon, FET college).
Stay
Course duration + 30 days. Renewable annually.
Processing
6-12 weeks (apply at least 6 weeks before course start).
Fee
ZAR 425 + VFS service fee.
Work — General Work Visa (Section 19(1))
Employment in South Africa for occupations NOT on the Critical Skills List. Requires Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) certification that no SA citizen / Permanent Resident is available for the role.
Stay
Up to 5 years per grant; renewable.
Processing
8-12 weeks (DEL certification adds 4-8 weeks before visa lodgement).
Fee
ZAR 1,520 (~USD 80) + VFS service fee.
Other route — Critical Skills Work Visa (Section 19(4))
Employment in South Africa for occupations on the Critical Skills List (revised 2022) -- ICT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals, agricultural scientists, etc. Faster than General Work Visa.
Stay
Up to 5 years per grant; renewable.
Processing
4-8 weeks (NO DEL Certificate needed; faster than GWV).
Fee
ZAR 1,520 + VFS service fee.
Religious — Intra-Company Transfer Visa (Section 19(5))
Transfer of an employee from a foreign branch of a multinational company to its South African branch. Common for Indian-origin IT companies + global consulting firms.
Stay
Up to 4 years (NON-renewable -- one-time deployment).
Processing
6-10 weeks.
Fee
ZAR 1,520.
Retirement — Retired Person's Visa (Section 20)
Live in South Africa as a retired person on passive income (pension / dividends / annuities / rental). Suitable for Nepali retirees with steady passive income.
Stay
Up to 4 years per grant; renewable indefinitely.
Processing
8-12 weeks.
Fee
ZAR 1,520.
Diplomatic — Spousal Visa (Section 11(6)) + Business Visa (Section 15)
Spousal: live with a SA-citizen / SA-Permanent-Resident spouse. Business: establish or invest in a business in South Africa (minimum capital + job-creation requirements).
Stay
Spousal: 2-3 years initial, renewable. Business: 3 years per grant, renewable.
Processing
8-12 weeks.
Fee
ZAR 1,520 (Spousal) / ZAR 1,520 (Business).

Checklist

Required documents — South Africa tourist visa

24 required · 8 conditional — tick them off as you build your file.

Nepali passport bio-page (30 days validity beyond intended departure + 2 blank pages)
Required
Recent passport-size photo (35x45 mm, white background)
Required
DHA-84 Visitor Visa application form + VFS Delhi appointment confirmation
Required
Bank statements (last 3 months, USD 50/day equivalent)
Required
Confirmed return ticket
Required
Hotel booking confirmation OR South African licensed-tour-operator voucher
Required
Travel medical insurance (recommended, USD 30,000+ medical cover)
Conditional
Cover letter explaining purpose + day-by-day itinerary
Required
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory if travelling from / through yellow-fever endemic country in last 6 days; not required for direct Kathmandu-Doha-Johannesburg routes)
Conditional
Travel from Nepal to VFS Delhi for biometric capture
Required
ANY ONE income bundle -- Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)
Required
Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)
Required
Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
1. Business Income
Conditional
Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
PAN Certificate
Required
Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Business Registration Certificate
Required
Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)
Conditional
Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
Latest Audit Report
Required
Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
Tax Clearance Certificate
Required
Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
2. Salary-Based Income
Conditional
Applicants who are employed must provide:
Salary Certificate / Salary Letter
Required
On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
Leave Approval Letter
Required
Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
Required
Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements
Required
Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
3. Pension Income
Conditional
Applicants receiving pension must submit:
Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)
Required
Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
Company ID Card (if available)
Conditional
Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
Recent Pension Bank Statement
Required
Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank
Required
On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
4. Rental Income
Conditional
Applicants earning rental income must provide:
Land Ownership Certificate
Required
Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
Building Completion Certificate
Required
Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate
Required
Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

Where to apply

Where Nepali citizens apply for a South Africa visa

Mission: High Commission of the Republic of South Africa -- New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives)
Address: B-18, Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057, India
Phone: +91 11 2614 9411, +91 11 2614 9412
Email: general.newdelhi@dirco.gov.za, visa.newdelhi@dirco.gov.za
Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00; consular section by appointment only via VFS Global India.
Application centre: VFS Global South Africa India -- New Delhi — VFS Global South Africa Visa Application Centre, Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place, New Delhi (alternate centres at Mumbai / Chennai / Bengaluru / Kolkata / Hyderabad). Submission + biometrics in person; application sent to South African High Commission New Delhi for adjudication; passport returned via courier. There is no South African visa application centre or VFS partner in Kathmandu -- Nepal applicants must travel to India for biometric capture.
Online portal: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha/visa-type

Notes

Important notes

Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Where this page's destination notes ask for an apostille or a specific translator, follow those notes; otherwise a translation notarised by a Notary Public is the usual standard.
Income proof for South African visas: ANY ONE of the four Nepal-side income bundles is sufficient (Business OR Salary OR Pension OR Rental) -- no need to submit all four. Pick the bundle that matches your active income source.
Nepali ordinary passport holders MUST apply for a South African visa BEFORE travel -- Nepal is on the visa-required list. There is NO visa-on-arrival, NO visa-waiver agreement.
Nepal is NOT on South Africa's e-Visa eligible list (the e-Visa system, launched 2022, currently covers ~14 countries -- Nepal NOT included). ALL Nepali applicants must apply for a paper-sticker visa via VFS Global India + South African High Commission New Delhi.
There is NO South African embassy, consulate, or VFS centre in Kathmandu. ALL Nepali applicants must travel to VFS Global Delhi (Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place) for biometric capture and visa intake.
South Africa is NOT in the EU or Schengen -- South African visas do NOT confer Schengen entry, and Schengen visas do not provide visa-free access to South Africa.
South African visas governed by the Immigration Act 13/2002 (consolidated 2024 amendments) + Immigration Regulations 2014 + 2024 amendments. Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the issuing authority; Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) handles foreign-mission services.
South African visa categories split into Visitor (90-day short-stay) and Long-Stay Temporary Residence (90+ days, requiring DHA pre-approval + biometrics). Visitor visas can be extended once for up to 90 days while in South Africa.
Standard visa fees (consolidated 2024 Schedule): Visitor Visa ZAR 425 (~USD 22) / Study Visa ZAR 425 / Work / Critical Skills / Business Visa ZAR 1,520 (~USD 80) / Spousal / Retired Person Visa ZAR 1,520. VFS service fee additionally INR 1,400-2,800 depending on category.
Common Nepali sectors in South Africa: hospitality (Cape Town / Johannesburg / Durban hotels -- ZAR 8,000-15,000/month / ~USD 420-790), domestic / care work (urban centres -- ZAR 6,000-10,000/month), business operations (Indian-owned businesses + spice trade in Durban Indian Quarter -- ZAR 10,000-25,000/month).
Always disclose prior visa refusals (any country) -- non-disclosure under the Immigration Act 13/2002 is grounds for refusal + future-application bar.
South Africa joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 30 April 1995. Nepal joined on 14 March 2024. Documents apostilled by Nepal MoFA on/after 14 March 2024 are accepted by South African authorities WITHOUT further consular legalisation -- significant simplification vs. previous chain.
South African Critical Skills List (revised 2022) covers high-priority occupations -- ICT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals (nursing on the list as of 2024). Nepali applicants meeting CSWV criteria benefit from accelerated processing + lower-threshold approval.
South African working week: Mon-Fri (standard). VFS Delhi follows Indian Mon-Fri schedule.

Machine-readable version: /visa/south-africa/markdown

Guides

South Africa visa guides

FAQ

South Africa visa for Nepali citizens — frequently asked questions

Common questions Nepali citizens ask before applying for a South Africa visa — answered from the official sources listed below.

Which visa do Nepali citizens use to visit South Africa as tourists?

Nepali passport holders visiting South Africa for tourism use the Visitor Visa -- Tourist (Section 11), which allows a stay of up to 90 days per entry; extendable once in-country for additional 90 days.

How much is the South Africa tourist visa fee for Nepali citizens?

ZAR 425 (~USD 22) DHA fee + INR ~1,400 VFS service fee. Fees change, so confirm the current amount at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha/visa-type before paying (last reviewed 2026-05-04).

How long does a South Africa tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?

5-15 working days standard; can extend during peak season (Dec-Feb summer + Jun-Aug game-viewing).

What bank balance is required for a South Africa visa?

USD 50 per day of stay minimum -- NPR-equivalent in bank statements covering last 3 months. Plus property / business / employment ties demonstrating intent to return to Nepal.

How many days can Nepali citizens stay in South Africa on a tourist visa?

Up to 90 days per entry; extendable once in-country for additional 90 days (Visitor Visa -- Tourist (Section 11)).

Where do Nepali citizens apply for a South Africa tourist visa?

Lodge at VFS Global South Africa Delhi (Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place). Online appointment booking via visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha. Biometrics captured at Delhi centre. Application sent to South African High Commission New Delhi for adjudication.

What documents are required for a South Africa tourist visa from Nepal?

Required documents include: Nepali passport bio-page (30 days validity beyond intended departure + 2 blank pages); Recent passport-size photo (35x45 mm, white background); DHA-84 Visitor Visa application form + VFS Delhi appointment confirmation; Bank statements (last 3 months, USD 50/day equivalent); Confirmed return ticket; Hotel booking confirmation OR South African licensed-tour-operator voucher; Cover letter explaining purpose + day-by-day itinerary; Travel from Nepal to VFS Delhi for biometric capture.

Which South Africa mission handles visa applications from Nepal?

High Commission of the Republic of South Africa -- New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives), B-18, Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057, India. Phone: +91 11 2614 9411. Applications are lodged at VFS Global South Africa India -- New Delhi, VFS Global South Africa Visa Application Centre, Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place, New Delhi (alternate centres at Mumbai / Chennai / Bengaluru / Kolkata / Hyderabad). Submission + biometrics in person; application sent to South African High Commission New Delhi for adjudication; passport returned via courier. There is no South African visa application centre or VFS partner in Kathmandu -- Nepal applicants must travel to India for biometric capture.

Can Nepali citizens apply for a South Africa business visa?

Yes — Visitor Visa -- Business (Section 11(1)(b)). Business meetings, negotiations, conferences, exhibitions -- no employment in South Africa. Processing: 5-15 working days.

Is there an official online portal for the South Africa visa?

Yes. The official starting point is https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha/visa-type.

How is the South Africa visa fee paid?

Visa fee in INR Demand Draft (drawn at VFS Delhi -- payable to "Department of Home Affairs Republic of South Africa"). VFS service fee in INR cash / card. Inside South Africa, ZAR (South African rand) cash / card at DHA offices for residence-permit fees.

Can Yatra For Fun help with a South Africa visa application?

Yes — Yatra For Fun's visa desk can help you prepare your South Africa visa file over WhatsApp (the embassy or visa centre makes the decision), and you can order reservation documents for your file: a dummy flight ticket (NPR 999) and a dummy hotel booking (NPR 499). The reference number is a Yatra For Fun document number, not an airline PNR, so it will not appear on an airline's Manage Booking page.

Sources

Sources & last updated

Last reviewed: May 4, 2026

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha/visa-type -- VFS Global South Africa global portal (Indian centres handle Nepal applicants)
https://www.dha.gov.za -- South African Department of Home Affairs visa-policy hub
https://www.dirco.gov.za/india -- South African High Commission New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal)
https://ehome.dha.gov.za -- DHA in-country online services
South African Immigration Act 13/2002 (consolidated 2024 amendments) -- primary domestic legislation
South African Immigration Regulations 2014 + 2024 amendments
South African Critical Skills List (revised 2022) -- ICT / engineering / healthcare / etc.
South African Retired Person's Visa: ZAR 37,000/month minimum passive income (~USD 1,950, 2026)
South African Business Visa: ZAR 5M minimum investment + 60% local-employment requirement
South Africa is NOT in the EU or Schengen -- independent visa regime
South African e-Visa system (launched 2022) covers ~14 countries -- Nepal NOT on the eligible list
South Africa joined the Hague Apostille Convention 30 April 1995; Nepal joined 14 March 2024 -- Nepal-MoFA-apostilled documents accepted directly by South African authorities
Nepal joined the Hague Apostille Convention 14 March 2024

Fees and rules change — confirm on the official source before you pay or apply.

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South Africa visa requirements for Nepali passport holders — documents, fees, processing time, and embassy contact

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Last reviewed

May 4, 2026

Author

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