South Africa entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cameroonian passport holders need an eVisa to travel to South Africa. The eVisa system is fully online — you apply before you travel and receive approval electronically. As of 2026, there is no visa-free access for Cameroonians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application South African eVisa | Apply for a South African eVisa at the Department of Home Affairs portal before you travel. Processing takes 5–10 business days, and you'll need a digital passport photo, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at OR Tambo and Cape Town will ask to see it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Cameroonian passport | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. South Africa does not require 6 months of validity beyond your stay — just enough to cover your trip — but airlines may still enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Johannesburg and Cape Town routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping your entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their full address and contact number. Immigration may ask for it if your stay seems unclear — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least ZAR 3,000 per day of your stay, or carry a credit card with a visible limit. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Cameroonian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in South Africa. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Without it, you will be denied boarding.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter South Africa. Count from the day you land, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the South African eVisa portal at https://ehome.dha.gov.za. Fill in your details, upload your passport scan and a digital photo. Pay the fee (ZAR 1,500–2,000, roughly USD 80–110). Processing time is typically 5–10 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save the PDF on your phone. Some airlines check this before boarding.
3
Arrive at South African airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer will stamp your passport. Keep your eVisa and boarding pass handy — they may ask for both.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over the duty-free limit.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
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 date
CostR1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
CostR2,700 (~$150 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostR4,500 (~$250 USD)
For frequent visitors or business purposes.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
R2,500 (~$140 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labor market approval.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
R2,500 (~$140 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 4 years, renewable
R2,500 (~$140 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient pension or assets. Requires proof of income and medical cover.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
R2,500 (~$140 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum capital investment of R5 million in a South African business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for up to 90 days. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | R2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | R500 (~$28 USD) per day, max R10,000 (~$560 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay beyond initial period, subject to approval. | R1,500 (~$84 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Cameroon passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in South Africa, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 (Cameroon is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in northeastern regions (Kruger National Park area). Prophylaxis recommended for those 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
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and visa queries.
Practical information for CM 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 = 16.22 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Cameroonians. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel. Without an approved eVisa, you will be denied boarding.
Processing time is typically 5–10 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Our data does not specify the exact cost, but eVisa fees for South Africa are usually around ZAR 1,500–2,000 (roughly USD 80–110). Check the official eVisa portal for the current fee.
You will likely be refused entry. South Africa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Cameroon is a yellow fever endemic country. South Africa requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you.
Our data indicates that the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa category before your current visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and a ban.
Have these ready: your passport, printed eVisa, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card). Immigration officers may ask for any of these.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.