Travelling to South Africa is exciting — vibrant wildlife, bustling cities, stunning landscapes. But before you book those flights, if you are from Belarus you need to know the visa rules. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for a South Africa eVisa for Belarusian Citizens.
Do Belarusian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Yes — Belarusian citizens generally need a visa to enter South Africa.
But there is a convenient option: many Belarus passport holders are eligible to apply for a South Africa eVisa (electronic visa / electronic travel authorization) instead of the old-school paper visa.
So if you hold a Belarus passport and plan to visit South Africa for tourism (or similar short-term travel), eVisa is usually the way to go.
What documents do Belarusian citizens need to apply for the South Africa eVisa?
Here is the South Africa eVisa Documents Requirement. You’ll typically need the following:
Main Requirement
-
A valid Belarusian passport that has:
-
At least 30 days remaining after your trip concludes
-
At least 2 blank pages for stamps
Because policies can change, travellers often mention that additional documents (like accommodation bookings or travel plans) might be requested.
How can I apply for a South Africa eVisa from Belarus?
Applying for a South African eVisa from Belarus is mostly done online:
1. Complete the Online Application
Go to the sa-evisa.com website and fill out the online form with your personal details and valid passport information, explaining the purpose of your trip.
2. Upload Documents and Make Payment
Provide your passport photo, travel itinerary (including flight and accommodation details), and any other required documents. Submit everything online and pay the visa fee securely.
3. Receive Your eVisa
Once your application is processed, your approved eVisa will be sent to you by email. Print a copy and carry it with your passport when travelling to South Africa.
You do not need to visit a mission in person (unless specified) — everything is handled online. Many people find this far more convenient than traditional visa processes.
What is the Validity And Stay Duration for Belurusian Citizens
An eVisa is valid for 90 days from the day it is issued. You can stay in South Africa for a maximum of 90 days (or less, depending on your approval). Most eVisas are single-entry visas (one entry only); however, multiple-entry visas are granted under special circumstances.
What is the South Africa eVisa processing time for Belarusian citizens?
Processing times can vary depending on workload and documentation correctness. One traveller in a recent discussion said:
• Standard Processing
Takes approximately 30–35 working days.
• Express Processing
Takes about 25–30 working days (extra fees apply).
• Super Rush Processing
For urgent applications, processing is completed within 20–25 working days.
Because of that, it’s wise to apply at least a couple of weeks before your planned travel date — just in case there are delays.
Can I extend my South Africa eVisa if I’m a Belarusian citizen?
In some cases, yes, it seems possible to apply for an extension. Some sources say Belarusian citizens “may also apply for a visa extension” after arrival, though approval depends on the reason for extension.
But extensions are not guaranteed. If you plan a longer stay, it’s best to apply for the right length from the start or check extension rules carefully once in South Africa.
What Are the South Africa eVisa Fees for Belarusian Citizens?
The South African eVisa cost has a standard application, varying depending on the processing type you choose. As in, there is no legitimate eVisa processing fee that applies to Belarusian citizens.
Can Belarusian citizens apply for a South Africa visa on arrival?
No — visa-on-arrival is not an option for Belarusian citizens traveling to South Africa.
That means you should secure your eVisa before you travel. Arriving without a valid eVisa will likely result in denial of entry.
Are there any travel restrictions for Belarusian citizens to South Africa?
As of the latest publicly available information, there are no special COVID-related restrictions specifically for Belarusian travellers to South Africa.
However, general entry requirements still apply: your passport must be valid (ideally for at least 6 months after your arrival) and have blank pages for the entry stamp.
Also, in some cases, travellers have reported being asked for additional documents (like proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, or health declarations) during entry checks.
Can Belarusian citizens enter South Africa with an eVisa for tourism?
Yes — the eVisa is typically issued for tourism (and sometimes business) purposes.
So, as a tourist from Belarus, you should be able to visit South Africa, explore cities, enjoy nature, and more — as long as your visit aligns with the terms of the eVisa.
Do I need travel insurance to apply for a South Africa eVisa from Belarus?
While I couldn’t find a publicly available rule that says “travel insurance is mandatory for every Belarusian applicant,” many sources strongly recommend having travel insurance — especially because health care in South Africa for visitors is often private and expensive.
So to be on the safe side — yes, get travel insurance before travelling. It could save you a lot of trouble (and money) in case anything goes wrong.
How do I check the status of my South Africa eVisa application for Belarusian citizens?
Once you submit your eVisa application online, you typically receive a reference number or confirmation email.
You can use this reference number to track your application status online. Laos eVisa portals will allow you to log in and check if your application is “Processing,” “Approved,” or “Rejected.”
Once approved, the eVisa will be linked to your passport, and you should receive a copy (often via email). Carry a printed copy — some travellers say having it on paper alongside passport makes entry smoother.
Can I Get a Refund if My South Africa eVisa Application Is Denied?
Refund Policy:
You can request a refund only if your application has not entered processing yet. Once processing begins, cancellations are usually not possible.
-
Refunds are allowed only if the application has not started processing.
-
No refunds once processing begins or after a visa is issued.
-
Refunds may be considered for health/emergency reasons, technical issues, or wrong visa type, but only before processing starts.
-
If a visa is refused, the fee is non-refundable.
-
Refunds go back to the same payment method.
-
Processing time depends on your bank (4–17 business days).
-
Exchange rate differences may affect the final refund amount.
-
Refunds may be cancelled if customer-side issues occur.
Travel Tips for Belarusian Visitors to South Africa
Based on what I’ve read and heard from travellers, here are a few practical tips if you — with a Belarus passport — are planning a visit to South Africa:
-
Start early: Apply for your eVisa well before your travel date. Processing times vary, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting at the last minute.
-
Ensure passport validity: Make sure your passport has at least one (preferably two) blank pages for entry/exit stamps, and ideally valid for some months after your return date.
-
Carry travel insurance: It’s a good idea, especially since healthcare for visitors can be expensive.
-
Have proof of onward travel: Return ticket or onward ticket helps show you don’t intend to overstay.
-
Print your eVisa: Though it’s electronic, a printed copy along with passport may make immigration checks smoother.
-
Check airline and flight rules: Some airlines may have additional requirements (e.g. health forms).
-
Be prepared for entry checks: Immigration officers may ask about accommodation, finances, travel plans, or onward travel — having those documents ready is a smart move.
South Africa eVisa for Belarusian Citizens — FAQs
Q: Is eVisa the only visa option for Belarus citizens travelling to South Africa?
A: No — in theory, you could apply for a traditional visa via a mission. But eVisa is usually more convenient.
Q: Can I travel to South Africa without a visa?
A: No — Belarus is not among the visa-exempt countries for South Africa.
Q: Can I get South Africa visa on arrival with a Belarus passport?
A: No — visa on arrival is not available for Belarusian citizens.
Q: Can I extend the stay if I get eVisa?
A: Maybe. Extensions are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.
Q: What if my application is rejected — can I reapply?
A: Usually yes — but you should carefully review why the application was rejected, correct any issues, and reapply. That said, application fees (or the cost paid) might not be refunded.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Belarusian citizen with dreams of exploring South Africa — its wild safaris, vibrant cities, beautiful coastlines — the good news is: the eVisa system makes things much easier than the old visa routines. As long as you prepare the needed documents (valid passport, photo, travel plan, return ticket or onward travel, maybe insurance), apply ahead of time and follow the steps carefully, you should be able to get your visa without too much hassle.