Will I need a visa to go to Africa? … If you’re headed to Africa, unless you’re a citizen of one of the countries within the African Union, then you’ll need a visa. The good news is that most nationalities (supported by the African Union) don’t require visas if staying for less than three months. However, some nationalities do require a visa, so please read on!
Whether you’re planning a vacation to Africa or you’re moving there permanently, you must familiarize yourself with the visa process. Visas are required by most Africans countries; however, rules and regulations vary from country to country. As you consider your African vacation or move, read on for more information about the visa requirements for each country in Africa.
Do You Need A Visa For Africa
I don’t know if you are an African who is planning to visit one or several countries over there. I also don’t know if you are a traveller or an African-American who is thinking of visiting his roots or even your lover/partner/spouse, who may be in need of help by giving assistance or even offering counsel and advice. From what I understand, it is necessary to have the appropriate paperwork prior to any visit because without the right documents, you may get into serious trouble while in Africa. To prevent this from happening, getting all the relevant paperwork sorted out should happen first before anything else.
South Africa Visa for Nigerian Citizens
Travellers require a visa for South Africa from Nigeria. The necessary visa type depends on the traveller’s needs and circumstances.
South Africa has launched an electronic visa system for Nigerian nationals. A holder of a Nigerian passport can now easily get a visa for South Africa through an online application.
The South Africa e-Visa is currently available to a few eligible countries, including Nigeria.
South Africa online visa from Nigeria
South Africa has officially rolled out the electronic visa for Nigerian citizens and a few other countries. The e-Visa system should contribute to streamlining and modernising the visa application process.
The tourist e-Visa can be obtained by filling out an online application. All eligible applicants must meet a few basic requirements.
Nigerian travellers who wish to enter South Africa must have a valid e-Visa before arrival. Instead of getting the South African visa through an embassy, Nigerians need access to Internet.
The South Africa e-Visa for Nigerian passport holders is necessary for short-term trips.
How to apply for the South Africa visa from Nigeria
The South Africa eVisa application for Nigerian citizens is straightforward. To complete the form, the traveller should have access to Internet. They may use a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop.
Before filling out the form, Nigerian travellers should ensure they have a valid passport, a debit or credit card, and an email address.
To successfully apply for the South Africa visa from Nigeria, it is necessary to follow a few easy steps.
- Fill out the South Africa eVisa application
- Review the details entered
- Pay for the e-Visa fee using a credit or debit card
- Submit application
After the application has been submitted, the e-Visa system will process the applicant’s details. Once approved, the e-Visa for South Africa is sent directly to the traveller’s email.
South African visa application from Nigeria
The eVisa application form requires the applicant to submit their basic information such as their name, address, or date of birth. In addition, the South Africa eVisa application for Nigerian citizens asks applicants to provide their passport details, which include:
- Passport number
- Passport issuing and expiration dates
- Country of passport
When filling out the South Africa visa application form, applicants should enter all information as accurately as possible. Any mistakes could lead to a delay in the visa application processing time.
Travellers must ensure that the passport information entered on the application form matches the information on their passport. Any discrepancies may result in the application being denied.
Visa requirements for South Africa for Nigerian nationals
The visa requirements for South Africa vary depending on the visa required. Those travelling to the country for tourism and short stays can easily get their electronic visa.
Nigerian citizens who need a long-term visa should apply for it through a South African embassy or consulate. The application must be submitted in-person.
The new South African electronic visa only authorises short-term stays in the country. Those who wish to work, live or stay in South Africa for an extended period of time might need to meet several additional requirements.
The specific requirements depend on the type of visa one wishes to obtain but they generally include:
- A completed visa application form
- Copies of supporting documents
- The payment of the application fee
- The intention to enter South Africa for the purposes covered by the visa
- Understanding and respecting the terms and conditions of the visa
Documents needed for a South African visa for Nigerians
Supporting documents are normally required to prove the applicant’s eligibility for the visa and their reason(s) to visit South Africa. Here are examples of documents required of Nigerian travellers who apply for a visitor visa:
- A Nigerian or other eligible passport with at least 1 month of validity left after the intended date of departure and 2 blank pages
- A completed application form BI-84
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- Supporting documents or written statement confirming the purpose of the visit
- A return or onward ticket if travelling by plane
- Proof of legal guardianship or consent from guardian if travelling with minors
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel expenses
The eVisa is expected to considerably reduce the paperwork required to obtain the visa from Nigeria.
Please note: during the coronavirus pandemic, there may be additional health requirements and travel restrictions in place. Visitors should check the latest news and government announcements before travelling.
South Africa eVisa requirements for Nigerian citizens
The South Africa e-Visa requirements for Nigerian nationals are necessary to get this electronic authorisation.
The requirements include having a valid passport, a debit or credit card and an email address.
Applicants should make sure they satisfy the South Africa tourist eVisa requirements from Nigeria. The electronic application will require the completion of an online form and the upload of copies of the Nigerian passport.
The South Africa eVisa application for Nigerian citizens should be completed before travel. As soon as the application is approved, travellers will receive their South Africa tourist eVisa via email.
Travelling with a South Africa eVisa for Nigerian citizens
Nigerian nationals with an approved South Africa eVisa may travel to the country for short-term visits.
The electronic visa is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. It’s essential to travel with the passport used when completing the online application.
Nigerian nationals may print a copy of their e-Visa for South Africa prior to their trip.
South African embassies in Nigeria
Before the eVisa process is launched, Nigerian citizens who wish to travel to South Africa will need to visit the South African embassy or the visa application center to apply for a visa.
South African Embassy in Lagos
24 Molade Okoya Thomas St, Victoria Island
Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 1 461 2051
South Africa Visa Application Center in Lekki
Plot 110 Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase I
Lekki, Nigeria
FAQs about South Africa Visa for Kenyans
Can Nigerians enter South Africa visa-free?
Most Nigerians need a visa to enter South Africa. Visas on arrival are not available so Nigerian citizens must obtain their visa before travelling.
The only Nigerian nationals who can enter the country without a visa are holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports. In these cases, the visa exemption is valid for transit and for trips of up to 90 days.
Nigerian nationals can now apply online for the South Africa e-Visa.