Consular information

Visa requirements

Despite of the fact that Estonia is a member of EU and Shengen, there is no agreement between the Republic of South Africa and Estonia about visa free movement – so all Estonian citizens need a visa to enter South Africa regardless of duration and purpose of travel.  

Be aware that during the main travel season to South Africa (November – March), it may take about 4 weeks to get SA visa – so don’t be late with submitting your visa documentation.

Alien’s passport issued in Estonia does not allow to visit South Africa.

Following documentation must be submitted in respect of each person applying for a visa:

• Cover letter, signed and dated by the applicant, confirming the intended date of departure from the Republic of South Africa, and including his/her valid mobile phone number and e-mail address;
• A fully completed application form (please use block letters and black ink only), including two (2) passport photographs (see Form DHA-84);

• A passport valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and containing at least two (2) blank pages for endorsements;
• Documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit; in the case of a holiday, a letter of invitation from the host in the Republic or proof of a hotel reservation. 

Please note that if staying with a friend you must instead of the hotel booking submit the following:

• Invitation letter stamped by the SA police
• Copy of invitee ID stamped by SA police
• Proof of residence of the invitee in the form of i.e. a utility bill.
• Bank statements for the last three month of the invitee.

• Proof of a valid return flight reservation;
• Proof of sufficient financial means, which shall be in the form of:
  • Bank statements for the last three (3) months.
  • Undertaking supported by, where necessary, bank statements for the last three (3) months, by the host in the Republic accepting responsibility for the costs related to the maintenance and removal of the applicant, should this be necessary;
  • Scholarships or bursaries in the case of scholars and students respectively;
• Proof of employment letter or letter from the school confirming that the applicant is a student;
• Extract from the population register in English;
• Proof of insurance for the entire stay in English;
• A self-addressed A5-size envelope with sufficient postage(registered mail), to return the endorsed passport and personal original documents if not collected in person.

Volunteers and interns must also submit a copy of the Certificate of Registration of the organisation in SA;

A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if the applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area: provided that the certificate shall not be required when the applicant travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area;

In respect of minor dependent children accompanying the applicant to or joining the applicant in the Republic, the following documentation shall be submitted:

• Proof of guardianship or custody, in the case of a minor subject to guardianship or custody; or
• Consent from the guardian, in the case of an unaccompanied minor;
• Proof of sufficient financial means, which shall be in the form of:
  • Bank statements for the last three (3) months;
  • Undertaking supported by, where necessary, bank statements for the last three (3) months, by the host in the Republic accepting responsibility for the costs related to the maintenance and removal of the applicant, should this be necessary;
  • Scholarships or bursaries in the case of scholars and students respectively;
• A self-addressed A5-size envelope with sufficient postage(registered mail), to return the endorsed passport and personal original documents if not collected in person.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify the cost with the postal service. Envelopes from companies/institutes with “porto betalt” not admissible;

• The non-refundable application fee

Payment of the above-mentioned application fee shall be made through an electronic bank transfer to the following account:

Recipient:	South African Embassy in Stockholm
Bank giro:	606-4893
SWIFT:	ESSESESS
IBAN:	SE2150000000052771024349
Banking institution:	SEB, 10640 Stockholm
Ref:	Surname, First name + Visitor’s Visa

Please include the SEK 3, 00 Bank Charges when making payment!

A copy of the transfer slip should be submitted together with application, as proof of payment. 

Visa tariffs and processing times

Transit Visa and Visitor’s Visa – Tourism / Sec 11(2) / Conference Purposes / Business	SEK 307	15 working days
Visitor’s Visa – Sec 11 (2) for the Film Industry	SEK 307	10 working days
Visitor’s Visa – Researcher/ Volunteer/ Practical Trainee	SEK 307	6-8 weeks
Study Permit	SEK 307	6-8 weeks
Work Permits*	SEK 1098	6-8 weeks
Retired Persons Permit	SEK 307	6-8 weeks
Relatives Permit*	SEK 307	6-8 weeks
Permanent Residence Permit	SEK 1098	12-18 months

* The Corporate Work Permit is issued Free of Charge.
* Relatives Permit is issued Free of Charge to SA Spouses and dependents