Get the United States visa for South African citizens
Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for South African citizens traveling to United States
United States visa requirements for South African citizens
If you're a South African citizen planning a trip to the United States, you must obtain the correct US visa before departure. South African passport holders are not eligible for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), but have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) instead.
With the Visitor Visa, you can visit the United States for tourism, business meetings, visiting family and friends, or medical treatment. This visa allows for short-term stays, typically up to 6 months.
You can apply for the US Visitor Visa via iVisa, the process is usually easy to complete online, and it involves an appointment and interview at the nearest US embassy in South Africa. Most applications are approved within a few weeks, though it is recommended to apply at least 2 months before your departure.
United States entry requirements for South African citizens
Requirements verified against official government sources
- U.S. B1/B2 Visa
- Valid South African passport – Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Recent passport-style photo or selfie – Clear and compliant with standard photo requirements
- Appointment confirmation – For the interview
- Proof of funds – To show how you'll pay for your trip
- Proof of ties to South Africa – Such as property ownership and job commitments
- Travel plans – Including a return flight, booked accommodations, and planned activities
- A valid email address – For visa correspondence and approval confirmation
- A credit/debit card – To pay any applicable visa and service fees
United States visa cost for South African citizens
One all-in price. The checkout total includes our service fee, expert review, and support — no surprises.
U.S. B1/B2 VisaVisa
Apply now- Who it's for
- Travelers who are not eligible for the ESTA, or who wish to stay longer than 90 days, whether for tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or medical treatment.
- Permitted activities
- The B1 covers business purposes such as negotiating contracts and attending conferences, while the B2 covers tourism, pleasure, and medical treatment. Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa allowing both.
- Duration and entries
- The visa can be valid for up to 10 years and is multiple-entry, with a stay of up to 6 months (180 days) typically granted per entry. The visa's validity and your permitted stay are two different things: the officer at the port of entry sets your actual departure date, and that is the U.S. visa stay duration you must keep to.
- Application process
- The process involves completing the DS-160 form, paying the U.S. visa application fee, and attending a visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Apply through iVisa and we complete the DS-160 with you and handle the U.S. visa appointment scheduling on your behalf.
- Fees
- The B1/B2 costs more than the ESTA. You pay the U.S. government's non-refundable visa application fee (the MRV fee), which is charged whether or not the visa is issued, plus iVisa's service fee. The full U.S. tourist visa cost for your nationality and chosen processing speed is shown before you pay.
- Interview appointment
- Most B1/B2 applicants, including children under 14, must attend an in-person interview, so a U.S. visa appointment at an Embassy or Consulate is part of the process. iVisa books that appointment for you once your DS-160 is filed. The available appointment dates belong to the embassy's calendar, not ours, so U.S. visa interview dates differ sharply from one post to the next and can run long in peak season. Start early.
- Renewing your visa
- There is no shortcut that tops up an expired visa, so renewing a US visa means applying again: a new DS-160, the U.S. visa application fee again, and an interview unless the consulate waives it. Travelers renewing the same visa category are the ones most often considered for a waiver, and the post decides case by case. A renewal filed through iVisa is prepared and reviewed the same way a first B1/B2 application is.
- Delivery format
- The B1/B2 is a physical visa sticker placed in your passport. After a successful interview, the embassy prints the visa and either returns your passport through its designated courier service or asks you to collect it in person, depending on the post.
- Validity
- 10 years
- Length of stay
- 6 months per entry
- Entry
- Multiple entry
- Processing time
- Get it in as fast as 30 days
How South African citizens can apply for an U.S. B1/B2 Visa
Complete the online application
Check if you need the U.S. B1/B2 visa, then fill out your DS-160 details using our simplified online form.
We review your application and book your interview
Select your preferred processing speed, pay securely, and upload the required documents. Our experts review your DS-160 for the errors that cause rejections, and we book your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on your behalf.
Attend your visa interview
You attend the interview in person, where a consular officer decides whether to issue the visa. We prepare you beforehand, so you know which questions to expect and which documents to bring.
Receive your U.S. B1/B2 Visa
If your visa is approved, it is affixed inside your passport. Depending on the post where you interviewed, you either collect your passport from the embassy or consulate or have it returned through their designated courier service.
Why South African citizens choose iVisa
Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reviews errors, and gives you peace of mind — so you just show up and travel.
Start my application- 3M+happy customers
- 24/7customer support
- 13+years of experience
- 99%approval rate across all destinations
I needed to obtain a visa approval quickly. Had no idea I needed one to travel to the USA, a little research later prompted me to choose this route, needed no hiccups and to resolve quickly
Only 3 stars as I didn’t know I’d have to upload photos and I was using the PC and I struggled with this. Notification about this before starting the application I could have used my phone or iPad. Response from Help Team was very effective as it was from human beings and not a ‘bot’. ESTA was received in about 3 hours and not 24 as expected.
After trying to log in for 60 minutes we got through and only took us 5 min to complete
Fast, easy, and reliable service. That was my first application for a USA visa. I was sure it would not go smoothly, but I am surprised and grateful.
It was easy to use and understand. Also received the ESTA in such a short time after I completed it.
The service was a spot on, helpful, fast just as promised. Just when you needed the most help in an urgent time and bang on, with the time given and received it just as promised. Thank you so very much.
easy and straightforward choosing country code was very time consuming set the same country code of the passport as default
It was very positive and easy to apply form with important checks required for Visa. Thank you for your service!
The whole procedure was very quick and efficient. The assistance I received was excellent: professional, kind, helpful and very responsive throughout the entire process. I truly appreciated the courtesy and competence of the staff. A very positive experience, and I would definitely recommend their service.
A highly reliable platform that streamlined our workflow. The interface is intuitive, and the core features deliver exactly what is promised without unnecessary complexity. Highly recommended
United States visa FAQs
Quick answers for South African citizens traveling to United States.
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are available 24/7 on chat, email, and WhatsApp.
What are the visa options for South African citizens traveling to the United States?
South African travelers generally have access to a few main visa types, including the Visitor Visa (B1/B2), depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.
Can I get a visa on arrival as a South African citizen when I get to the United States?
No, the United States does not offer visas on arrival. You must apply for a visa and be approved before you travel.
How long can South African citizens stay in the United States?
The total stay depends on your visa. With the Visitor Visa, South African citizens can stay in the United States for up to 180 days per visit during a 10-year period. Multiple trips are permitted within the validity.
Can South African citizens work in the United States?
No. A tourist visa does not allow you to work in the United States. If you wish to work while you're in the country, you must apply for a suitable work visa.
Do I need to show travel history to apply for the US Visitor Visa?
Yes, you will need to provide a detailed account of your travel history. Previous visas can help increase the chances of approval, especially if they are for the UK, Schengen Area, Canada, or Australia.
Do I need a return ticket to travel to the United States?
Yes, you must show that you intend to leave the United States before your visa validity expires. This can be proof of a return or onward ticket, and evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
Are there any vaccinations or health requirements for South African travelers to the United States?
There are no mandatory vaccines for entry from South Africa, but it's advisable to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.
Can I extend my stay in the United States?
You generally cannot extend a visa while in the United States as a South African passport holder.
I have a criminal record in South Africa and want to travel to the United States. Will I run into issues?
If you have any criminal convictions, it's essential to declare them when applying for your United States visa. In some cases, this may involve submitting a police certificate and answering a few questions from immigration officials when you arrive.
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