USA
South African citizens travelling to the USA require a valid Non Immigrant US visa. If you have a valid visa in an expired passport – your visa is still valid, travel with both passports. To obtain a new visa here is a summary of what is required of you. Please see the US consulate website for more details.
(http://pretoria.usembassy.gov/wwwhvisas.html)
Non-South African Passport Holders - Visa Waiver
If you are travelling on a non-South African passport check to see if it falls under the visa waiver programme. UK, EU, Australian and New Zealand passports are included in this category.
How ESTA Works:
Travellers from VWP countries must log onto the ESTA web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and complete an online application. The web-based system will prompt applicants to provide basic biographical and VWP eligibility information typically requested on a paper I-94 form. Travellers may apply for authorization at any time prior to travel to the U.S., but are encouraged to do so at least 72 hours before travelling. In most cases they will receive a determination of eligibility within seconds.
All visa waiver travellers must have a machine-readable passport (MRP), to enter the United States without a visa. If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country and do not have an MRP, you must obtain a visa to present at the port of entry to enter the U.S. Your passport is machine readable if the bio page is typed and there are letters, numbers, and symbols across the bottom of the page.
South African Passport Holders
Book an appointment.
This must be done by calling their Visa Information Telephone Service – (011) 461 6332. In order to talk to them, you must first obtain a PIN No. This can be purchased over the phone (have your credit card handy). Cost is R86 and allows you to talk to them for 9 minutes, ask questions and to book an appointment. You’ll need your passport number and name to book the appointment. Consulates are in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Visa Information Service (to schedule your interview)
$10 for Visa Information Internet Service to schedule your appointment on line, (using a credit card through http://www.usvisa-southafrica.com/)
Complete the Application Form(s).
The use of downloaded and printed electronic forms is mandatory. All applicants must fill in a D 156. Males between the ages of 16 and 45 years must fill in a D157 as well. Students must fill in a D 158 as well.
Required Documentation.
Valid Passport (valid until at least 6 months after return date). Must have blank pages.
A letter from your employer on original letterhead stating how long you have been employed, you position, your basic monthly salary and how long you will be away from work.
Bank Account Holders – An itemised bank or investment statement going back at least 2 months. No Credit card statements please. The consulate require original statements – no internet statements please.
Self-employed applicants – A statement on your own letterhead in addition to independent evidence of self employment (letter from you auditor or bank). Letters should specify your company’s name, when your account was opened, the recent balance, and your approximate annual turnover.
Farmers – Evidence of ownership of your farm (eg. Copy of the deed or a bank letter)
Students and Scholars – A letter from your college or school stating your level of study, period of accepted travel and demonstrated intent to return and complete your studies.
Property Owners – Evidence of ownership, such as rates slip and/or bond payment receipt/statement, water and electricity account.
Pensioners – Evidence of pension and/or property ownership.
Unemployed Spouses – a letter from your husband/wife employer as above. Note that this requirement also applies to casually employed spouses.
Children under 18 – Certified (by commissioner of Oaths) letter from both parents authorising travel, along with copy of birth certificate and copies of both parent’s passport’s or identity documents
All Applicants – Travel itinerary (will be supplied by AAT)
Cash deposit slip for visa application and R66 cash for courier service (JHB & CT consulates).
Paying for your Visa
The visa fee ($130) is fixed on a monthly basis (aprox R1 300). Pay at any First National Bank (no account no. required), cash only. The bank have account details for US consulate. You will need this bank deposit slip when submitting your application. Make sure it is stamped by bank!
Johannesburg and Cape Town consulates will return your passport to you via DHL (mandatory). Cost of this service is R66. Pay at consulate.
Photographs.
Applicants must submit a recent coloured photo. The size must be 51 x 51 mm (special size). There are specific requirements for this photo – ask your photographer or check the website for details.
Your visit to the consulate.
Ensure you have all required documentation as well as your booking confirmation hard copy. Get there early. You will be required to appear in person. If they like you, your visa will usually be issued on the same day.
Please note! The above is a summary of requirements, please check the website for more information or call Neil 084 674 5674.
French (Shengen) Visa
If you are on Tour A or plan to stop over in Europe, you’ll need a Shengen Visa (SA passport holders).
What you will need..
RSA passport valid until at least 3 months after return date. Must have blank pages.
Filled in and signed application form, available on internet (http://www.consulfrance-jhb.org/).
2 Recent coloured passport photo’s
Round trip air ticket original and copy
Letter from employer stating position in company, leave granted etc
Visa for final destination (USA)
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in France (R700 if you have no accommodation, R400 if you have accommodation already organised and pre paid). Banks normally have a standard letter for visa application purposes.
Travel Insurance. Applicants must present medical travel insurance policy
Visa application fee €60. Must be in cash - SA Rands.
Certified parental consent for children under 18. If child is travelling with one parent, other parent must give notarised/certified consent (letter, copy of ID etc certified by commissioner of oaths).
If you are staying in France for more than one day, proof of accommodation.
Visas take 48 hours to process.
Please note! If you live in
Gauteng , Free-State, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Province applications go to the Johannesburg consulate.
If you live in Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape your visa application must go to the Cape Town consulate. Please contact your nearest travel agent or visa service for assistance if you are not able to go in in person. Under certain circumstances we may be able to apply for your Shengen visa for you. Please contact Neil at 084 674 5674.
