Planning a trip from Pakistan to South Africa? Whether you dream of seeing Cape Town’s colorful streets, going on a safari in Kruger National Park, or exploring Johannesburg’s vibrant urban culture, the journey begins with something important — the South Africa eVisa for Pakistani citizens.
This guide is written in a simple, friendly, and easy-to-understand way. My goal is to help you feel confident about the entire eVisa process, even if it’s your first time applying. So grab a cup of tea and let’s walk through everything step by step!
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa to visit South Africa?
Yes — if you hold a Pakistani passport and plan to visit South Africa, you need a visa.
The good news is that many Pakistanis are eligible for an eVisa, which can simplify the application process compared to the old paper visa system.
An eVisa is an electronic visa that is linked to your passport digitally. You apply online, and you don’t necessarily have to visit an office in person (unless required).
What documents are required for a South Africa eVisa for Pakistanis?
This guide outlines all mandatory South Africa eVisa document requirements and technical requirements for each file required for the application. To apply for the eVisa as a Pakistani, you generally need:
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Validity: Minimum six (6) months beyond the intended date of arrival.
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Blank Pages: Two consecutive, unused pages.
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Clarity: Submit a coloured passport scan with all text clearly visible.
If you are traveling with children, each child needs their own eVisa application.
Note: In some cases, a vaccine certificate (e.g. for yellow fever) might be required — but usually only if arriving from or via a high-risk area.
How to Apply for a South African eVisa from Pakistan?
Applying for an eVisa is pretty straightforward:
1. Complete the Online Application
Visit the sa-evisa.com Application site. Fill in your travel details, passport information, and personal information. Double-check that all details are correct before moving forward.
2. Upload Required Documents and Pay the Fee
Upload clear, scanned copies of the necessary supporting documents and submit your application. Then, use a credit or debit card to pay the eVisa fee securely.
3. Receive Your eVisa via Email
Once approved, your South Africa eVisa will be sent to you by email. Keep a digital copy on your phone and print a physical copy. You will need to present it when asked by immigration officials at the border.
There is no need to physically visit a visa office or send your passport somewhere — the process is fully online.
How much is the South Africa eVisa fee for Pakistanis?
It’s a bit tricky to give a fixed number, because there are different services that help with the application (some are “bare visa fee only,” others add service charges).
In general, there is a South Africa e-Visa Cost required to apply for the e-Visa.
(As requested, I’m intentionally not naming a specific amount in this post — because fees may change over time. Instead, always check the latest fee at the time you apply.)
What is the validity of South Africa eVisa for Pakistan citizens?
The eVisa is normally valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Within those 90 days, you are expected to enter South Africa. Once you arrive, you are allowed to stay up to the permitted duration (see next section).
How many days can Pakistanis stay in South Africa on eVisa?
With the standard eVisa, the maximum stay allowed is 90 days.
This is typically enough for a holiday trip, family visit, or short business visit.
What is the processing time for South Africa eVisa when applied from Pakistan?
Processing times can vary depending on application volume and how complete your documentation is. According to some sources:
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Standard Processing: 30 -35 Working Days for standard processing
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Rush Processing: 25 -30 Working Days for expedited processing ( at an additional cost)
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Super Rush Processing: 20 -25 Working Days for urgent application (at an additional cost)
Always submit your application early to avoid last-minute stress.
Is South Africa visa on arrival for Pakistan available?
No — Pakistan is not among the nationalities eligible for visa on arrival in South Africa.
That means you must obtain the visa (or eVisa) before travelling.
Can I track my South Africa eVisa application from Pakistan?
Yes. Once you apply online, most eVisa systems provide a way to track your application’s status. You may receive updates via email, or you can log in using your reference or temporary application ID (given at submission) to check progress.
It’s smart to save that application ID until your visa is approved.
What is the success rate of South Africa visa for Pakistan?
There’s no public, official statistic for the “success rate.” However, some visa-support services report that as long as you meet all requirements — passport validity, correct documents, proof of funds, return flight, purpose of visit, etc. — the likelihood of approval is high.
That said — mistakes (wrong info, missing documents) or incomplete applications can lead to rejection. So attention to detail matters.
From what people share online, common reasons for rejection are missing documents (e.g. bank statements not stamped properly, incorrect passport validity), or not proving clear travel plans.
Is invitation letter required for South Africa visa from Pakistan?
Yes — if you are visiting family, friends, or attending a business meeting or event, it helps to have a letter explaining the purpose of your visit. This may be from the person you are visiting, or the organization you plan to meet (for business).
If you’re simply travelling for tourism (sightseeing, holiday), then you may just need proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and your travel plans, but a cover letter describing your trip can strengthen the application.
Can I apply South Africa business eVisa from Pakistan?
Yes — the eVisa for South Africa is not only for tourism. Pakistani travellers can apply for an eVisa for business trips, such as attending a meeting, trade show, or short professional visit.
However — note that this eVisa is only for short-term business visits, not for getting a job or working long-term in South Africa.
Can I work on South Africa eVisa from Pakistan?
No — the eVisa is strictly for short-term travel: tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, or similar short visits.
Working (employment) in South Africa typically requires a different, longer-term visa or permit. The eVisa does not grant you the right to take up work or long-term employment while in South Africa.
Can I reapply if South Africa eVisa is rejected from Pakistan?
Yes — if your application is rejected, you can apply again. Many visa services and guides indicate that rejection often happens due to missing or improper documents. As long as you correct the mistakes, you may re-apply.
Before reapplying, check carefully what went wrong (it may be an issue with your funds proof, passport validity, travel plan, etc.).
Is travel insurance required for South Africa eVisa?
Travel insurance is not always strictly listed as a mandatory requirement for eVisa approval, but it is strongly recommended. Upon arrival in South Africa, you may need to show proof of funds or ability to support yourself, and travel insurance can help demonstrate that you are prepared for emergencies.
Even if not required for the visa application, having insurance is a wise move — especially for health coverage, unexpected delays, or emergencies.
Is the eVisa fee refundable if the application is denied?
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Refunds are allowed only if the application has not started processing.
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No refunds once processing begins or after a visa is issued.
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Refunds may be considered for health/emergency reasons, technical issues, or wrong visa type, but only before processing starts.
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If a visa is refused, the fee is non-refundable.
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Refunds go back to the same payment method.
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Processing time depends on your bank (4–17 business days).
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Exchange rate differences may affect the final refund amount.
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Refunds may be cancelled if customer-side issues occur.
Should I apply for an e-Visa through a travel agent or the online portal myself?
I always recommend doing it yourself, online — especially if you have a straightforward tourist trip.
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User Experience Issues
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Many government e‑visa websites are not very user-friendly; the interface might be clunky, or instructions unclear.
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Limited Help / Customer Support
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If you run into problems (uploading documents, payment issues, technical bugs), support might be slow or not very responsive.
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Technical Glitches
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Some users report site crashes, timeouts, or difficulties in filling/ submitting the form.
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No Refunds
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If your application is rejected or there is an error, you might not get a refund of the visa‑fee component (depends on the country) — and there’s no “agent guarantee.”
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Pros of Using an Agent / Travel Agency
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Convenience / Time Saving
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Agents can handle the entire process: filling out forms, formatting photo/passport scans, tracking status.
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Higher Success Rate (Sometimes)
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Experienced agents may make fewer mistakes and understand common pitfalls, reducing the chances of rejection.
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Better Support
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Agents often provide 24/7 customer support throughout — helpful if you’re not confident with the visa process or paperwork.
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Faster Processing (Potentially)
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Some agents promise faster turnaround (though this depends on their arrangements, not always guaranteed).
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Travel Tips
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Apply early: Submit your eVisa application well ahead of your planned travel date — ideally 4–6 weeks before — to account for any delays.
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Double-check your passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter South Africa, and that you have blank pages.
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Keep digital + physical copies: Print a copy of your eVisa or store a digital copy on your phone — immigration might ask for it on arrival.
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Have travel plans and proof ready: Flights (return or onward), accommodation info, and proof of funds — come with backup PDFs or printouts.
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Be honest and accurate: Fill all forms carefully and truthfully. Small mistakes may cause delays or rejection.
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Respect the stay limit: If your visa allows 90 days — don’t overstay. Overstaying may lead to restrictions on future visits.
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Consider travel insurance: Better safe than sorry — unexpected events can happen, and insurance gives peace of mind.
South Africa eVisa FAQs
Q: Can I apply for eVisa if I hold a non-ordinary passport (e.g. diplomatic)?
A: No — eVisa is generally for ordinary passport holders. Specialized passports may have different procedures.
Q: Can I extend the eVisa stay once I’m in South Africa?
A: Usually not. The eVisa is meant for short-term stays and extension options are limited.
Q: Can I travel to South Africa if I’m travelling via a third country (transit) and hold Pakistani passport?
A: If you’re stopping over or transiting through South Africa, you may still need a visa or transit clearance — you cannot assume visa-free or on-arrival access.
Q: Does a child need a separate eVisa?
A: Yes — children traveling must have their own applications, even if they are travelling with their parents.
Q: Do I always need a letter of invitation?
A: Not always — for pure tourism, hotel bookings and travel plans may suffice. But if visiting friends/family or attending business events, a letter explaining the purpose helps.