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South African Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
South Africa

South African Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Navigate the South African visa process for Nigerian citizens with ease. Discover the essential requirements and fees for a smooth application journey.

October 8, 2025
6 min read
Nigeria
Immigration Laws
Africa

South African visa requirements: South Africa is one of the countries in the African continent that attracts a lot of immigrants with Nigerians, making up the lists. South Africa is located in the southern region in Africa bordered by Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. And to the east and northeast are Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.

South Africa has beautiful sights to behold. There are different reasons for visiting South Africa. Whether for adventure or otherwise, before you enter South Africa, it is necessary to check their immigration laws, and provide all the necessary South African visa requirements pertaining to different countries. Obtaining a visa, usually, is the ideal thing to do before entering South Africa. However, some citizens are exempted from this visa policy of South Africa. This South Africa visa policy, determines who may enter their country with a visa or not.

Notwithstanding, Nigerians are counted amongst the largest number of migrants in south Africa, it is expected that before a Nigerian enters south Africa, he/she must provide all the south African visa requirements. Nigerians who wish to travel to South Africa whether for a temporary or permanent stay must apply for a South African visa. South African visa requirements have procedures that are simple and effortlessly. To get your South African visa granted, there are South African visa requirements you must provide.

Here are South African visa requirements for Nigerian citizens

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A valid visa A valid international passport At least two blank pages for entry/departure endorsements A valid appointment booking with VFS South Africa A completed form BI-84(application for a visa) fully completed in black ink Payment of the visa fee A yellow-fever vaccination certificate Two color passport photographs- white background Self-introduction letter with a full address and mobile number Hotel reservations/bookings Bank statements- six months recent bank statements or financial support letter from an employer with six months bank statements Marriage certificate where applicable if the intended stay will be more than 90 days Letter of invitation/confirmation if travelling on official business A return/onward ticket If you have all the South African visa requirements available, then it is time to pay for the visa fee.

South Africa visa fee in Nigeria 2021

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One of the South African visa requirements is payment of a non-refundable visa fee. South Africa visa fees varies as it depends on the class of visa the applicant is applying for. When paying for a South Africa visa, it is important you know your class for visa. South Africa visa fee in Nigeria runs thus:

VISA TYPE

Short term

 Sub-category

Visa in naira VAT inclusive

Service fee in naira VAT inclusive

Visitor

Holiday visa

 8,600

 25,470

Long term

Sub category

Visa fee

Service fee Permit

Permit

Study

30,600

25,470

Permit

Business

30,600

25,470

Permit

General work permit

30,600

25,470

Permit

Critical skill

30,600

25,470

Important note:

The figures stated here is subject to change. There is a service fee attached to all South Africa visa types. The service charge of 25200 has increased to 25470. The visa fee is per current exchange rate. To pay your visa fee, you can pay your South Africa visa fee at the bank, or at the pay cash at bank implant at any VFS global office.

You are also required to book an online prepayment appointment in order to submit your visa application for South Africa in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, The appointment costs NGN 25,200 per person.

Link to book appointment for South Africa visa application

When applying for a South Africa visa, it is important you fill in correct information. Any incorrect information can lead to a visa denial. Remember, you are expected to print the application form, fill it with a black ink. When filling the application, make it eligible and follow instructions. There are different class of South Africa visa. To begin your application process, fill in the required information in your South Africa visa application form.

**South Africa visa application form 2020 in pdf**

South Africa Visa Processing Time in Nigeria

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Usually, South Africa visa processing time does not take time. The processing time in Nigeria is from 6-8 days. The processing time varies at times and can be based on an individual assessment. South Africa visa processing time in Nigeria at times depends on some factors such as the type of visa type and sometimes, the processing time can stay longer than expected if there are so many visa applicants.

How to Track South Africa Visa Application

Tracking the status of your South Africa visa is very simple. If you have submitted your south visa application form, you can track it at your own convenience. Tracking the application is also important for you to know the status of the visa. To track your application, you are to log in through this link: www.vfsvisaonline.com/southafrica/nigeria When the website opens, enter your reference number, date of birth and click on the submit button.

If you follow these steps listed here, getting a visa to South Africa will be approved. When applying for a South Africa visa, do well to provide all the South African visa requirements and make sure all the documents provided are real.

If you want to start your South Africa visa application, you must know your visa type. This is very vital as there are other visa types. To apply for a South Africa visa, visit any of the nearest VFS centers.

In Nigeria, there are 3 states where you can apply for a South Africa visa. South Africa visa application centers in Nigeria are:

Abuja center South Africa visa center sterling bank plaza, 3rd floor, plot 1083 Mohammadu Buhari way, central business district, Abuja.

Submission days Monday-Friday 08:00-15:00 Passport collection timing Monday-Friday (Except on holidays) 10:00-1600

Lagos Centre Address: Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way opposite Treasure Garden Estate Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos Submission days Monday-Friday 08:00-15:00 Passport collection timing Monday – Friday (Except on holidays) 10:00-16:00

Port Harcourt Centre Address: Vineyard Shopping Centre 88 Woji Road GRA Port Harcourt Submission timings Monday-Friday (Except holidays 10:00-16:00

Please note:

When your passport is handed over you at the visa application center where you applied, that means your visa application can longer continue, it is denied at that given time. The reason can simply be the consular is not convinced with some of the South African visa requirements you provided. Applicants can appeal but there are conditions for that.

Sheriff Adeniyi

Author