Colombian citizens typically need a visa for South Africa

As of 2026-09-22

Processing: Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard)
Fee: R425 + VFS Global service charge
Max Stay: Per visa conditions
Apply At: Department of Home Affairs — Visa Exemption List (9 December 2025) →

Last updated: 2026-09-22 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

South Africa Visa Overview for Colombian Citizens

Colombian citizens require a visa to visit South Africa. Visitor's visa required: not on the Home Affairs Visa Exemption List (9 Dec 2025). Lodge through VFS Global or the South African mission with form BI-84, biometrics, funds and a return ticket. SARS online traveller declaration required before travel since 1 July 2026 (free). The visa application fee is R425 + VFS Global service charge, with standard processing taking Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard).

Applicants should gather all required documents including a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds. Check with the nearest South Africa embassy or consulate for application procedures.

Once approved, Colombian passport holders may stay in South Africa for the duration specified on the visa.

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Available Visa Types for Colombian Citizens

Visa-Free Entry

Ordinary passports on the Home Affairs exemption list: 90 days per visit for the UK, US, EU, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and others; 90 days per year for Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania; 30 days for Poland, Korea, Thailand and Türkiye

None: SARS traveller declaration before arrivalFree

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and e-Visa

Online authorisation for visa-required nationals, mandatory so far for Indian, Chinese, Indonesian and Mexican passports arriving at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria; e-Visa portal still live

Online; no published standardR500 processing + R425 visa fee (waived for India and Mexico)

Visitor's Visa

The port-of-entry visa for Nigerian, Pakistani, Philippine, Bangladeshi and other visa-required passports, lodged through VFS Global or the mission with form BI-84

Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard)R425 + VFS service charge; free for Indian, Egyptian and Mexican citizens

SARS Traveller Declaration

Online customs declaration required of every traveller entering or leaving South Africa since 1 July 2026, via the SARS portal, the SATMS app or a QR code

Instant confirmationFree

How to Apply

Gather required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), passport-size photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and bank statements

Complete the visa application through the South Africa embassy or authorized visa agent

Pay the visa application fee of R425 + VFS Global service charge

Submit your application at the nearest South Africa embassy or visa centre

Wait for processing (typically Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard))

Receive your visa — check whether it is sent by email or requires passport collection

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Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the South Africa visa guide.

Important Notes for Colombian Applicants

South Africa has no embassy or VFS visa centre in Colombia: its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, is accredited to Colombia, with an honorary consul in Bogotá, so contact them before applying.
The visa fee of R425 + VFS Global service charge is typically non-refundable, even if the application is denied
Standard processing takes Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard) — priority or express services may be available for an additional fee
Almost every visa application from Colombia is processed in Bogotá — applicants outside the capital should budget travel and accommodation into the timeline

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Colombian citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Yes, Colombian citizens typically need a visa to visit South Africa. The visa application fee is R425 + VFS Global service charge. Standard processing takes Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard). Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

How long does the South Africa visa take to process for Colombian citizens?

Standard processing for Colombian applicants typically takes Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard). Apply well in advance of your travel dates as processing times can vary. Check with the application centre for current wait times.