South Africa entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Brazilian passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps. South Africa does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce the 6-month rule anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you're flying out to a neighboring country, a bus or flight booking works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, you need to show you're not planning to work illegally. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding even if you have a ticket.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your return ticket, accommodation booking, and passport info page on your phone. If you lose your passport, these make replacement at the embassy much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), print or screenshot your return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save everything on your phone and have a paper backup.
2
Arrive at a South African airport
You'll land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban). Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration queues.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor's permit.
4
Collect luggage and proceed through customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Customs may ask about goods — declare anything over duty-free limits. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Apply at South African embassy in Brazil before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Requires strong ties to Brazil and travel history.
Long-stay visa (visitor's permit)
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityAs granted
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) plus application fee
For study, work, or retirement; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
2 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For individuals 55+ with sufficient pension or assets. Requires proof of income and medical cover. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Remote Work Visa (proposed)
Up to 1 year
TBD
Not yet implemented; expected to allow remote workers to stay longer. Check official sources for updates.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
Requires a job offer and proof that no local candidate is available. Employer must sponsor.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a registered institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~$555 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Africa
No transit visa needed
Brazilian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil). Must have certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in northeastern provinces (e.g., Mpumalanga, Limpopo) and Kruger National Park; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes/rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. Prophylaxis recommended for Kruger National Park and rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early.
Practical information for BR travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.49 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Africa
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before traveling.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Brazil is not currently on the risk list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk area, you'll need proof of vaccination. Check the latest WHO list before you go.
The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot work for a South African employer. Remote work for a foreign company is generally tolerated, but it's a grey area — avoid any local employment or paid activities.
Overstaying can lead to a fine (around R1,000–R3,000 depending on duration) and you may be declared undesirable, which could result in a ban from re-entering South Africa for up to 5 years. Always leave on time.
Yes, you'll receive an arrival card on the plane. Fill it out with your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Hand it to the immigration officer along with your passport.
Yes, you can enter via land borders (e.g., from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, or Eswatini). The same visa-free rules apply — 90 days. Just have your passport and return ticket ready. Some land borders can be slow, so plan extra time.
No, you don't need a visa at all — it's visa-free. You get a 90-day visitor's permit stamped in your passport on arrival at no cost. No application or fee is required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.