South Africa entry requirements for Lithuania passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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

Lithuanian passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Africa for tourism or business. The eVisa system is fully operational in 2026, so you can apply online before you travel. No visa-free entry is available for Lithuanian citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Apply for a South African eVisa at the official DHA portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before your flight. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issue.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have 2 blank pages
Your Lithuanian passport needs at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages for entry stamps. Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay — South Africa does not enforce the 6-month rule, but airlines may check it.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 or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact number. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 3,000 ZAR per day) to cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it can speed things up if you look under-prepared.Recommended
eVisa processing times can vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. Some applications take longer, especially during peak travel seasons. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and flight details as PDFs on your phone and email them to yourself. If you lose your phone, you can still access them.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the South African eVisa portal (https://ehome.dha.gov.za). Fill in your personal details, upload a digital passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print it or save a PDF on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Pack your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at South African airport
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban), go to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask about your stay and return plans.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Lithuania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostR1,350 (~$75 USD)

Standard option for tourism; must apply at South African embassy.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostR2,700 (~$150 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.

Long-Stay Visa (Visitor's Visa)
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityVaries
CostR4,050 (~$225 USD)

For extended stays; requires sponsorship or compelling reason.

retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 4 years, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of financial means and medical cover. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
General Work Visa (Section 19)
Up to 5 years, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval.
student visa
Study Visa (Section 13)
Duration of course, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of acceptance and financial support.
investor visa
Business Visa (Section 15)
Up to 5 years, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For investors starting or acquiring a business in South Africa. Requires minimum investment of R5 million and job creation plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Tourist Single Entry)Standard fee for Lithuanian passport holders applying online.R1,350 (~$75 USD)
eVisa (Tourist Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.R2,700 (~$150 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for exceeding authorized stay.R1,000 (~$55 USD) per day, max R10,000 (~$550 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

No transit visa needed

Lithuanian 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 transmission risk; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisEssentialMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk

Risk in northeastern regions (e.g., Kruger National Park); prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverLow risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

SchistosomiasisLow risk

Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, especially during rainy season (October to May). Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these 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; bring all original documents.

Cape Town
Department of Home Affairs (Cape Town Regional Office)
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid queues.

Practical information for LT 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 = 16.69 ZAR
updated May 20
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
Police10111
Medical10177
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited service.
The eVisa fee is around 425 ZAR (about 22 EUR) for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official portal for the latest amount.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the visa expires. For longer stays, you'd need a different visa type.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). Otherwise, no vaccine is required for entry.
You can reapply with corrected information or contact the South African embassy in Vilnius. Common reasons for denial: incomplete application, invalid passport, or insufficient funds.
No, a Schengen visa does not grant entry to South Africa. You need a separate South African eVisa.
No, there is no visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.