South Africa eVisa for Ethiopians: Get your South Africa eVisa online now

Are you an Ethiopian citizen who wants to travel to South Africa but finds the process of applying for a South Africa eVisa online a bit overwhelming? Don't worry! We're here to assist!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough of the South African eVisa application process specifically tailored for Ethiopian citizens. We'll cover all the requirements, essential documents, visa fees, and other important information.

By following this guide, you can focus on planning your travel itinerary and preparing for your exciting, upcoming adventure. Let's begin!

South Africa Cape Town family

What is a South African eVisa, and why do Ethiopian citizens need it?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the South African eVisa. This electronic visa, commonly called the South Africa Tourist Visa, opens up exciting opportunities for eligible individuals from Ethiopia to explore this captivating country on short-term visits.

Whether you're looking to embark on a tourism trip, conduct business, visit loved ones, or receive medical treatment, this modern online visa system has made the process faster and more convenient for applicants.

Let's unravel the ins and outs of this eVisa and prepare for an unforgettable South African experience!

Eligibility criteria for a South African eVisa for citizens of Ethiopia

Great news for Ethiopian passport holders! You're among the fortunate nationalities with the privilege to apply for the South African eVisa online. This means you can avoid the hassle of visiting a South African embassy or consulate to complete your visa application.

To be eligible for the eVisa, Ethiopian citizens also need to meet specific requirements, including:

Possessing a valid passport with at least one blank page.
Providing proof of a return or onward ticket.
Intending to stay in South Africa for a period of 90 days or less.
Visiting South Africa for purposes such as tourism, family visits, business (excluding work), or medical treatment.

It's important to note that children or minors from Ethiopia also require a South African eVisa, and their parents or legal guardians must apply on their behalf. The online application process is straightforward and convenient. Simply click 'Add another person' during the process to apply together as a family.

Please remember that this visa doesn't permit you to work or study in South Africa. If you're seeking a Work or Student Visa instead, kindly contact the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate in Ethiopia for further guidance.

How to apply for a South African eVisa from Ethiopia in under 15 minutes

Now that you know what the South Africa Visa is and what you can do with it, let's take a look at the easy online process on our website:

Step 1: Begin by completing the quick and easy South Africa Visa application form online. We require some basic details like your name, date of birth, passport, and travel details.
Step 2: Once you've reviewed your information, pay the application and processing fee. You can pay the visa fee online using our secure platform via a credit, debit card, or PayPal.
Step 3: Then, upload the required supporting documents before submitting your application.

Upon approval of your South Africa e-Visa, you'll receive confirmation and status updates via email. Be sure to print a copy of your eVisa once approved to carry with you and present to immigration officials if needed.

The validity period of a South Africa eVisa for citizens of Ethiopia

The South African eVisa is a Multiple entry visa that allows stays of up to 90 days per entry. You must enter the country within 90 days of visa issuance.

This should be plenty of time to enter South Africa and explore all it has to offer!

Can a South African eVisa be extended for Ethiopian citizens?

No, it's not possible to extend the South African eVisa. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa to travel to South Africa again.

Consequences of overstaying a South African eVisa for citizens of Ethiopia

It's important to abide by South African regulations and not overstay your visa, as doing so can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. The amount depends on the length of time that you've overstayed your visit.

Additionally, overstaying your visitor's visa can result in a ban from entering South Africa in the future. If you overstay your visa for less than 30 days, you may face a ban for 12 months. For those who overstay their visa for more than 30 days, the ban increases to 5 years.

Even after the ban period is over, you may still face difficulties applying for a South African Visa in the future. It's best to comply with the regulations to avoid any unpleasant consequences.

Find more info about the consequences of overstaying a South African eVisa on this extensive blog.

Required documents to apply for the South African eVisa from Ethiopia

To apply for a South Africa Visa online, you must submit the following supporting documents:

Copy of your valid passport, with a validity of at least 6 months from the arrival date in South Africa and at least one blank page.
Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip, such as bank statements for the last three months and/or an employment contract.
Travel itinerary, including proof of accommodation and an onward or return ticket.
Yellow fever certificate (if applicable), if you are traveling from or via a country with a high risk of yellow fever.

Processing time and costs for a South Africa eVisa application for citizens of Ethiopia

The government visa fee for the South African eVisa is around US$25, excluding the iVisa processing fee.

Our processing fee includes several extra benefits, such as a simple application process, expert customer support, and a review of your application before submitting it to the government!

Here are the options:

Standard Processing: Get your eVisa in 26 days for a fee of USD $63.49.
Rush Processing: Get your eVisa in 23 days for a fee of USD $69.49.
Super Rush Processing: Get your eVisa in 20 days for a fee of USD $74.99.

When applying with us, we include the government fees in the total prices above for a smooth process. The application takes less than 15 minutes to complete!

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How to check the status of a South Africa eVisa application for citizens of Ethiopia

If you're a citizen of Ethiopia who has applied for a South African eVisa, you may be curious about how to keep track of your application's progress. Luckily, there are several ways to do so:

When applying for the South Africa eVisa online with us, our iVisa Experts will update you about the application status throughout the process!
You can also check your application's status on the South African government website. Enter your passport number and the application reference number to view the status.
If you prefer direct communication (although not the fastest option), contact the South African Department of Home Affairs directly at +27 11 461 9252 (international charges may apply) or email [email protected]. Have your passport and reference numbers ready when you contact them.

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What to do when my South African eVisa application is denied?

If your South African eVisa application is denied, don't worry. First, try to understand the reason behind the rejection to find out which options you have.

You'll get an email notification from us if your application gets denied. Reasons could be because you left out important details in your application, you overstayed your South African Visa before, or your details don't match your passport.

When applying with us, our iVisa Experts will ensure your application is complete and all supporting documents match your passport. You can reapply for the South African eVisa with us, depending on the reasons for the denial.

If you think the denial was a mistake, you might be able to appeal it. The appeal process differs per person, so seek legal advice or contact the South African Department of Home Affairs for more information.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a South Africa online visa from Ethiopia

When applying for a South African e-Visa from Ethiopia, there are some common mistakes to avoid that can lead to denials or delays.

Keep the following in mind:

Incomplete or incorrect info: Always double-check all your details before submitting your application. Ensure that your name and passport details are correctly spelled and match your supporting documents.

Apply for your visa online with us, and take advantage of our team of experts who will review everything to ensure your application is complete.

Not disclosing a criminal record: If you have a criminal record, always mention this in your application and provide all the necessary supporting documents.
Ignoring the estimated processing time: Processing times for South African eVisas can vary, so it's a good idea to apply well before your intended departure date. We recommend applying at least a month in advance in case of any unexpected delays.

By carefully avoiding these common mistakes and reviewing your application and supporting documents, you'll increase your chances of a successful outcome!

Travel restrictions and entry requirements for South Africa for citizens of Ethiopia

Good news for Ethiopians! South Africa has lifted all its COVID-19 travel restrictions and is once again open for tourism and visits. You don't need to present proof of vaccination status or a PCR test on arrival.

However, remember that you may have to show a vaccination certificate for yellow fever if you travel from or via one of these countries.

Prepare for a trip to South Africa as a citizen of Ethiopia

Getting ready for your trip to South Africa? Here are some tips to help you prepare for an enjoyable trip:

Check your South African eVisa validity: Make sure you have a valid visa and review it before your trip to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Purchase travel insurance: Protect yourself against unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical expenses by purchasing travel insurance.
Book accommodation: Book in advance to save money.
Print and gather your documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, eVisa, travel insurance, flight tickets, and reservations for accommodations.

Also, read our ultimate South Africa travel guide for more tips and information to make your trip to South Africa stress-free.

What to expect at the airport when arriving in South Africa

After getting your South African eVisa in Ethiopia, it will be digitally linked to your passport. However, it's always helpful to print the confirmation email in case of confusion upon arrival.

You'll have to present your passport that matches the information in the eVisa system. Additionally, provide proof of a return flight ticket to Ethiopia and sufficient funds to cover your trip and planned activities.

Once you've completed the entry formalities, you can collect your luggage and start exploring!

More information about the South African eVisa

If you have any further questions about the South Africa Visa for Ethiopian citizens or need more info, don't hesitate to get in touch. Our expert customer service team is available via online chat or email at help@iVisa.

The information in this article is based on the following reliable sources: