United States visa for South African citizens
Visa required
🇿🇦 South African passport → 🇺🇸 United States: yes — a visa arranged in advance.
How it works
You'll need a visa arranged in advance through the embassy or consulate (or an authorised visa centre): application form, passport photos, fee, and often proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel. Start early — processing can take weeks.
Heads-up: United States commonly asks for proof of onward travel (airline check-in (Visa Waiver / ESTA)).
Before the airport: run the "Will I board?" checklist for this route →
Beyond United States: the South Africa passport
The 🇿🇦 South Africa passport ranks #96 of 199 worldwide, entering 98 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (see the world ranking).
Also visa-free on the South Africa passport: 🇧🇷 Brazil (90 days), 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (180 days), 🇧🇧 Barbados (180 days) — all 98 open destinations.
Going the other way? American citizens visiting South Africa need no visa — visa-free for up to 90 days.
Never get caught out
Visa rules change with little notice. Get one email when United States changes its entry rules for South African passports.
Capital Washington D.C. · Currency United States dollar ($) · Dialling +1
Before you travel
Sorting your United States trip on the South Africa passport:
See the whole picture
Every destination for the South Africa passport, and everyone who can enter United States.
South African passport: all destinations Who can enter United States Plan the trip