Nigeria to South Africa tourist visa
Complete South Africa Visitor Visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Nigerian citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- South Africa Tourist Visa
- Fee
- NGN 10400
- Processing time
- 15+ working days
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your current passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure from South Africa
- Visa Application Form (BI-84) — Complete the Form BI-84 for short-term visitor visa applications
- Passport Photographs — Two recent colour passport-sized photographs meeting South African specifications
- Bank Statements — Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Africa
- Employment Evidence — Documentation proving your employment status and income in Nigeria
- Cover Letter — A self-introduction letter explaining the purpose of your visit
- Flight Reservation — Evidence of your travel arrangements to and from South Africa
- Proof of Accommodation — Confirmed accommodation arrangements for your entire stay
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate — Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travellers from Nigeria
How to apply
- Genuine intention to visit for — Genuine intention to visit for tourism and leave before your visa expires 1
- Sufficient funds to cover all — Sufficient funds to cover all costs including accommodation, transport, and daily expenses 1
- Confirmed accommodation for your entire — Confirmed accommodation for your entire stay in South Africa 1
- Return travel arrangements showing you — Return travel arrangements showing you will depart South Africa 1
- Strong ties to Nigeria that — Strong ties to Nigeria that will compel you to return after your visit 1
- Completeness of your application — Completeness of your application
Common questions
- How long can I stay in South Africa on a tourist visa?
- The Visitor’s Visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days per visit. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension or a different visa category. You cannot switch visa types from within South Africa.
- How long does South Africa visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Standard processing takes a minimum of 15 working days, but can take longer depending on individual circumstances. Each application is assessed individually, so plan your application well in advance of your travel dates.
- What is the South Africa tourist visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
- The visa fee is ₦10,400. Additionally, VFS Global charges a service fee of ₦29,400 for applications in Lagos and Abuja, or ₦49,400 for Port Harcourt. All fees are non-refundable and payable via POS at VFS centres.
- Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for South Africa?
- Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for Nigerian citizens travelling to South Africa. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before your travel date. The International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) must be presented at the airport.
- Can I apply for a South Africa visa online?
- South Africa has introduced an eVisa system through the Department of Home Affairs portal (ehome.dha.gov.za). However, for Nigerian applicants, the primary method remains through VFS Global visa application centres in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
- Where can I submit my South Africa visa application in Nigeria?
- VFS Global operates visa application centres in Lagos (Lekki Phase I), Abuja (Central Business District), and Port Harcourt. You can book an appointment online through the VFS Global website after preparing your documents.