Visa Guide for South African Passport Holders Going Abroad (2026)
A region-by-region breakdown of what visas SA students need, how complex they are, and what documents you'll need to apply.
The South African passport is a solid travel document, but it's not the most powerful in the world. For most popular internship destinations, you'll need a visa. The good news: every visa mentioned in this guide is obtainable with proper planning. None should stop you from going.
Middle East, Easiest Region for SA Passport
Dubai & UAE ✅
Visa type: UAE tourist e-visa (apply via airline website, e.g. Emirates, or the UAE ICP portal)
Duration: Typically 30-60 days depending on visa type
Cost: Varies; approximately AED 50-350 depending on visa duration and provider
Process: Apply online before travel through your airline or the official UAE ICP portal. Processing typically takes 2-7 days. Always verify current requirements with the UAE Embassy or your airline, as entry rules are reviewed periodically.
For longer stays: Your host company can sponsor an employment or intern visa. We handle this documentation for Full Service clients.
Southeast Asia, Very SA-Friendly
Bali, Indonesia ✅
Visa type: B211A Social/Cultural Visa
Duration: 60 days, extendable to 180 days
Cost: ~USD 35 (approximately R650)
Process: Apply online via the Indonesian e-visa portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id). Submit your passport copy, photo, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Simple.
Bangkok, Thailand ✅
Visa type: Tourist visa (METV) or Education visa
Duration: 60 days per entry (tourist), 90 days renewable (education)
Cost: ~R800-R1,500
Process: Apply at the Thai embassy in Pretoria or Johannesburg. For internships, a Non-Immigrant B (business) visa via your host company is the cleanest option for longer stays.
Singapore ✅
Visa type: Work Permit or Training Employment Pass (via employer)
Duration: Duration of internship
Process: Applied for by your host company in Singapore. SA passport holders generally receive favourable consideration.
Africa, Easiest Continent for SA Passport
Kenya (Nairobi) ✅
Visa type: eVisa (single entry)
Duration: 90 days
Cost: USD 51 (~R940)
Process: Apply online at evisa.go.ke. Takes 2-3 business days. One of the simplest visa processes in the world.
Ghana (Accra) ✅
Visa type: Visa on arrival or eVisa
Duration: 30-60 days
Process: Apply online at evisa.gov.gh or apply on arrival at Kotoka International Airport.
Europe, More Complex But Achievable
Schengen Area (Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, France, Czech Republic) ⚠️
Visa type: Schengen C Visa (Short Stay) for up to 90 days, or National D Visa for longer stays
Duration: Up to 90 days in Schengen zone within 180 days (Type C); longer stays require national visa
Cost: EUR 80 (~R1,600)
Process: Apply at VFS Global (has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria). Required documents:
- Valid SA passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed application form
- Recent passport photos
- Proof of internship placement (invitation letter from host company)
- Travel insurance (min EUR 30,000 medical cover)
- Flight itinerary and accommodation confirmation
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- University enrollment letter
Lead time: Apply 2-3 months before departure. Allow 15 working days for processing.
Key point: The invitation letter from your host company is essential. We provide this for all Full Service clients in a format that Schengen embassies recognise.
UK ⚠️
Visa type: Standard Visitor Visa (does NOT permit paid work) or university-arranged placement route
Duration: Up to 6 months (Standard Visitor)
Cost: GBP 115 (~R2,700) for standard visitor
Process: Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. Important: the Standard Visitor Visa does not permit paid work. For paid internships, your host company must sponsor a Skilled Worker visa, or your university must arrange the placement under a specific academic programme. Note: the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) is not currently available to South African citizens.
Ireland ⚠️
Visa type: Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit (for longer placements)
Duration: Depends on placement type
Process: Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone. Entry requirements differ from the UK. For short academic placements, a student visa or visitor visa may apply. Consult the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for your specific situation.
North America, Most Complex But Achievable
USA (New York) ⚠️
Visa type: J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (Intern category)
Duration: Up to 12 months for interns
Cost: USD 160 visa application fee + J-1 program sponsor fee (~USD 800-1,500)
Process:
- Secure an internship placement first (your DS-2019 form comes from your sponsor)
- Select a J-1 sponsor organisation (we recommend designated sponsors)
- Receive DS-2019 from sponsor
- Pay SEVIS fee (USD 220)
- Apply for J-1 visa at US Embassy in Pretoria
- Attend visa interview
Lead time: Allow 3-4 months from placement confirmation to visa in hand.
Canada (Montreal) ⚠️
Visa type: Temporary Resident Visa + Work Permit
Cost: CAD 155 (~R1,900)
Process: Apply online via IRCC portal. International Experience Canada (IEC) offers an excellent Working Holiday option for SA citizens ages 18-35.
General Tips for SA Passport Holders
- Always renew your passport if it has less than 18 months remaining, many countries require 6 months validity beyond your return date
- Keep photocopies of your passport separately from the original
- VFS Global has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town for most European visas
- Register with DIRCO's Citizens Abroad system if going for 3+ months
- Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, South African medical aids do not cover abroad
We handle all visa guidance for Full Service clients
You'll receive a personalised visa guide, template documents, and step-by-step support from our team. Join free to get started.
Join free