South Africa entry requirements for Morocco passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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

Moroccan passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Africa. The eVisa system is fully online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before you fly
Apply for a South African eVisa at the Department of Home Affairs portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so submit at least two weeks before departure. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have 2 blank pages
Your passport needs at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps. South Africa does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Immigration checks this
South African immigration routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you're overlanding out, show a bus or train booking.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel bookings or host letter
Carry printed hotel confirmations or a letter from your host in South Africa. Immigration officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town sometimes ask for the first night's booking. A simple booking.com confirmation works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or enough cash to show you can support yourself. The official threshold is 3,000 ZAR per person per day, but officers rarely count — just show you're not broke.Recommended
eVisa is single-entry only
The eVisa allows one entry. If you leave South Africa (even to a neighboring country), you'll need a new eVisa to re-enter.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in South Africa, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee (around ZAR 1,350, roughly $75 USD) by credit card. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Download and print it. Also save a screenshot on your phone. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 90 days.
3
Arrive at South African airport
At immigration, present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Have your return ticket and accommodation proof ready in case they ask. Major airports: Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DUR).
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Morocco Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 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
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)

Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; requires strong ties to home.

Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostZAR 4,000 (~$220 USD)

For extended stays (e.g., family visits); requires sponsor.

work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 2,000 (~$110 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval.
Apply
business visa
Business Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 2,000 (~$110 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs investing at least ZAR 5 million in a South African business. Must create jobs and benefit the economy.
Apply
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 4 years, renewable
ZAR 2,000 (~$110 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with a monthly pension of at least ZAR 37,000. Requires proof of financial means and medical cover.
Apply
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 2,000 (~$110 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of acceptance and financial support.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry, if eVisa not used)For applications at embassy if eVisa not available.ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires.ZAR 1,000 (~$55 USD) per month
Overstay fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~$555 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

Morocco 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 up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
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., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk

Risk in northeastern regions (e.g., Kruger National Park) from October to May.

Dengue feverLow risk

Occasional outbreaks in tropical areas; use mosquito repellent.

SchistosomiasisLow risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to these regions.

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
Cape Town Regional Office
21st Floor, ABSA Centre, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

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

Practical information for MA 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 = 16.25 ZAR
updated May 29
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

Getting to South Africa

7,622 kmgreat circle distance
~10hfrom Morocco
Find flights

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 option.
The eVisa fee is about ZAR 1,350 (roughly $75 USD). Paid online by credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 90-day limit. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, no. Check the WHO list before travel.
Denials are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no formal appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official ports of entry — airports and land borders. Just show your printed eVisa and passport.
No, South Africa does not require an arrival declaration for Moroccan passport holders. Just the eVisa and passport.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.