USA

South African citizens traveling 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)

Book an appointment.
This must be done by calling their Call Centre – (011) 275 6300. 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) or at a Pick ‘n Pay. Cost is R80 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.

Complete the Application Form(s).
These are available on line, from a travel agent or contact us. 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

Paying for your Visa
The visa fee ($100) is fixed on a monthly basis (aprox R800). 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!

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 your flight is routed through Paris, we recommend you obtain a Shengen Visa as well as we have a full day in Paris on the way home. The Shengen visa is a lot easier to obtain than the USA visa as you don’t have to appear in person. An AAT representative will be submitting Shengen visa applications for the group 2 weeks before the departure date – make sure your documentation is at our offices in time if you want to take advantage of this service!

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. Banks normally have a standard letter for visa application purposes.
• Travel Insurance. Applicants must present insurance policy
• Visa application fee (aprox.R300). Must be in cash.
• Certified parental consent for children under 18. If child is traveling 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, we need proof of accommodation.