South Africa Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Icon Web
Electronic Travel Authorization Available
See More Details

Nigerian passport holders traveling to South Africa are required to gain prior authorization to enter the country. South Africa visa requirements for Nigerian citizens differ depending on a traveler’s reason for entering the country and the planned duration of their stay.

In all cases, Nigerian travelers to South Africa currently need to obtain a visa from a South African embassy or consulate in their country of residence, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.

However, for short-term tourism and business trips, Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply for a visa online via the South Africa eVisa scheme.

What Is a South Africa eVisa for Nigerian Citizens and What Does It Do?

The South African Department of Home Affairs began piloting the South Africa eVisa scheme in 2019, with the aim of improving the visa application process for visitors to the country.

The South Africa eVisa for Nigerian nationals  allows successful applicants to enter the country for short-term trips, without having to get a visa from an embassy or consulate.

Ahead of their tourism or business visit to South Africa, Nigerian applicants can easily obtain an eVisa via an online application portal.

Short-term travel to South Africa from Nigeria has become much easier for Nigerians as they no longer have to apply for a consular visa.

Instead, they can apply for the eVisa on any internet-enabled computer from the comfort of their own home or office in a matter of minutes.

The online visa for South Africa is valid for a single entry or multiple entries for varying lengths of stay, depending on the requirements of the traveler.

What Is The Application Process for The South Africa eVisa?

The application process for the South Africa e-Visa is quick and easy. Applicants simply need to fill in and submit an online application form, which can be done in just a few minutes.

On the form, travelers must include personal and passport information, and details of their planned trip to South Africa. They are also required to answer health and security-related questions and supply some supporting documents to submit the application.

The validity period of the South Africa eVisa is confirmed once it has been approved, along with the date by which the applicant must arrive in South Africa.

Once approved, the eVisa is linked automatically to the applicant’s passport, which must be presented when the traveler arrives in South Africa.

Documents Required for the South Africa eVisa

The visa policy of South Africa states that Nigerian travelers must have the following:

  • Nigerian passport
  • Email address
  • Debit or credit card

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of arrival.

The payment card is to pay the visa processing fee.

When applying for South Africa eVisa from Nigeria, it is also expected that travelers will need to provide the following documents:

  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover for expenses during the visit
  • Confirmation of a return or onward travel ticket
  • Yellow fever certificate

The yellow fever certificate is only necessary for those who have passed through the yellow fever belt of Africa, or South America on the way to South Africa.

How will I receive my South Africa eVisa?

Once approved, an eVisa for South Africa is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, the same one used to complete the online application.

Holders of a South African eVisa for Nigerian citizens will be authorized to enter South Africa at either Lanseria or Ortia airports. It is expected that border control officers at these two ports of entry will be able to confirm an eVisa by scanning the holder’s passport.

If an applicant’s Nigerian passport or travel dates change before they arrive in the country, they will need to apply for a new eVisa.

Do Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa To Live In South Africa?

Nigerians require a residence permit in order to live in South Africa and therefore must gain the relevant visa in order to enter the country.

A Nigerian citizen who wishes to reside in South Africa for the purposes of work or study must contact their nearest South African embassy or consulate for further information.

Application Steps

STEP 1
Complete online application
STEP 2
Confirm Payment
STEP 3
Receive approved Visa
Apply Online

Country policy

South Africa Visa Policy

>

Familiarize yourself with the South Africa visa policy and find out the travel requirements for your nationality.

Apply Online

Visa requirements checker

Nigeria
South Africa

Disclaimer
Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.