South African Visa From Nigeria (2022) How To Apply

While many African countries are still struggling in some crucial ways, South Africa seems to be in a class of its own, excelling in several important ways. Indeed, the country is a beautiful one filled with many things that attract different categories of people from different places in the world. While some folks are heading to South Africa to enjoy the thrills of its game parks, some are interested in doing some shopping, while others, to work or study.

In this article, we will be concerned with how any qualified person from Nigeria can get a South African visa from Nigeria without experiencing avoidable headaches. We will be shedding light on important stuff such as the requirements you must satisfy before you can be handed a South African visa, as well as how to even apply for one. Let’s get started:

How To Apply For South African Visa From Nigeria

Applicants in Nigeria have to apply for their South African visa at VFS Global in Lagos, or their offices in Abuja or Port Harcourt (you are mandated to submit your applications in person at any of these application centres). Here are their addresses and phone numbers:

VFS Application Centre – Lagos

Physical Address:Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos

Telephone Number: +234 815 018 8800

(Their office is opened every Monday to Friday, from 08:00 – 15:00)

VFS Application Centre – Abuja

Physical Address: No. 38, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja

Telephone Number: +234 81 5018 8800

(Their office is opened every Monday to Friday, from 08:00 – 15:00)

VFS Application Centre – Port Harcourt

Physical Address: Vineyard Shopping Centre, 88 Woji Road, GRA, Port Harcourt

Telephone Number: +234 81 5018 8800

(Their office is opened every Monday to Friday, from 08:00 – 15:00)

South Africa Visa Requirements For Nigeria Citizens

It is necessary to pay great attention to these Visa Requirements before taking any step. Before you can get your South African visitor visa as a Nigerian (without which you won’t be allowed into the country), you must fulfill certain important requirements as stipulated by appropriate authorities. You must present these documents at the visa office:

1. A valid passport belonging to you. Kindly note that your Passport has to be valid for at least 30 days after the intended stay
2. Two recent passport-size photographs of yours with white background. Kindly note that your complete face must be captured in the passport photograph. 45x45mm is recommended
3. An Application Form (BI84). Applicants must fill the form complete with the right details only, in black ink too.
4. Copy of the data page of your passport and also copies of existing visas and previously issued visas. 
5. Self-introduction letter that comes with your physical address as well as your phone number.
6. Introduction/Recommendation letter from an employer, where applicable. Note that whosoever is issueing the recommendation letter should get it signed with their own contact details.
7. Verifiable hotel reservations/bookings. It is important to note that you are expected to book your hotel reservation directly with the hotels and not via third parties.
8. Copy of international vaccination card (yellow fever card), fully done by a qualified health practitioner.
9. Proof of financial status that shows your capacity to take care of yourself during the trip and while in the country. Hence, applicants can submit six months of recent bank statements. If your employer is the one sponsoring your trip, you can also submit a financial support letter from them with six months bank statements 
10. If a minor is travelling with their parent, they must present a birth certificate too.
11. Where applicable, a marriage certificate will be demanded. If you are staying in the country for more than 90 days in particular, your marriage certificate will be pivotal.
12. Flight booking 
13. Payment receipt for the visa fee. Kindly note that the visa fee is a non-refundable visa 

It is necessary to ensure that you have all the required documents before going ahead with your visa application.

Do Nigerians Need Visa To Go To South Africa

Yes, Nigerian passport holders require a visitor visa to visit South Africa. Nigeria currently is not part of the countries exempted from having a visa before entering South Africa. For instance, UK or USA passport holders don’t need a visa before they can travel to South Africa for tourism or business purposes. Nevertheless, Nigerians must have one before they can be allowed into the country. 

There are two major types of South African visa granted to Nigerians. The most common one is the Visitors Visa. This one is basically useful for visiting family or folks going on vacation for a short while in South Africa. Holders of this passport shouldn’t exceed 90 days in South Africa. Also, there is the Long Stay Visitor Visa. If you intend using more than 3 months in South Africa, you can apply for this type of visa. However, you will have to prove that you really need this before it will be granted you.

How Long Does It Take To Get A South African Visa In Nigeria

The Processing Time for your South African visa actually depends on different factors. However, you will wait for a minimum of six working days before you can expect anything from them. Always have it in mind that since each application has to pass through individual assessment (and they receive tons of applications every now and then), then the time may actually vary.

For the collection of one’s visa, successful applicants can get it at the respective VFS Global Centre, which is usually opened from Monday to Friday (except on public holidays in the country). To collect your prepared South African visa at the Center, ensure you come with the receipt given to you when you submitted your application. 

Applicants will be notified through SMS when their application has been sent to the South African Embassy on the submission day (which is why you should ensure you use your own personal telephone number accessible to you). Applicants can track their South African visa application online with ease.

How Much Is Ticket From Nigeria To South Africa

The price of a flight ticket from Nigeria to South Africa actually varies, depending on several factors. Nevertheless, you can get a cheap economy flight for around N180,000. A business class seat can go for as high as N350,000 to N500,000. 

Nevertheless, if you are particular about getting a cheap flight ticket from Nigeria to South Africa, then it is advisable that you get one at least one month before departure. Also, avoid purchasing tickets during rush seasons when a lot of people will be travelling. The fees are cheaper during dry periods. Additionally, you can get a ticket discount if you start using a particular company occasionally. 

Important Things You Should Know About South African Visa From Nigeria

1. To get a South African visa from Nigeria, all applicants must apply at a VFS Global Centre branch either in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. Wisdom demands that one should apply for a visa weeks before the intended date of departure. By so doing, there will be sufficient time for processing, and you can easily know the adjustments to introduce so as to be on a safer side. It is also necessary to check one’s eligibility before starting the application process at all.

2. South African Visa Costs vary, depending on what you want. If you are going for a short-term holiday visa, you are to pay around  ₦8,600 plus around ₦25,470 for service fees. On the other hand, if you want a Long Term Business Visa, you have to pay around ₦30,600 aside from the ₦25,470 service fees. You are to pay these fees in cash at Bank that is stationed right inside VFS Centre. Applicants should also ensure they have a copy of the first page of their passport when paying the service and visa fee at the bank. Kindly note that these highlighted fees are subject to change without notice. 

3. Applicants are advised to visit the application centers very early in the morning – it’s cool if you can be there as early as 7 in the morning. By so doing, you will likely be part of those that will be attended to early enough. Of course, we should also add that the application centre accepts a set amount of application entries each day. Hence, it helps to be among the early arrivals. You won’t have to stay very long at the queue, and you will also be attended to when appropriate.

Related:

• Nigeria Visa Requirements for South African Citizens
• France Visa Fees In Nigeria
• South Africa Visa Fees In Nigeria

Closing

Finally, applicants should kindly note that all information presented in this article on how to apply South African visa from Nigeria is accurate at the time of writing, and they may actually change at any time without prior notice. It is therefore advisable that you do all it takes to be up-to-date by contacting the application centers directly when necessary to know of any new developments so you will be on the right page in your bid for a South African visa.