South Africa entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Filipino passport holders need an eVisa to travel to South Africa for tourism or business. The eVisa system is fully online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Philippine nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for South African eVisa | Philippine passport holders must apply for a South African eVisa before travel. Submit your application through the South African Department of Home Affairs portal at dha.gov.za. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before your departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. It must also have at least two blank visa pages. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport doesn't meet the requirement, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town International routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're overlanding to a neighboring country, show a bus or train ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Carry printed hotel confirmations or a signed letter from your host in South Africa. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival. If you're couchsurfing or staying with friends, have their address and contact number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. South Africa doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having at least 3,000 ZAR per day of stay is a safe benchmark. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival in South Africa. Airlines check this before boarding. If you don't have an approved eVisa, you won't be allowed to fly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in South Africa, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, upload a digital passport photo, and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around ZAR 425, roughly PHP 1,300) by credit card. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number, so double-check the details match.
3
Arrive at a South African airport
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban), go to the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly.
4
Get your entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer stamps your passport with a visitor's entry. The maximum stay is usually 30 days, but check your eVisa for the exact duration. Keep the eVisa copy with your passport for the entire trip.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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 option for tourism; must apply before travel.
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 visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostR4,000 (~$222 USD)
For extended stays; requires financial proof and medical insurance.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11)
2 years, renewable
R4,000 (~$222 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of funds and medical cover. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Critical Skills Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
R4,000 (~$222 USD) application fee
For professionals in critical skills occupations. Requires job offer and qualifications assessment. Leads to permanent residency.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
R4,000 (~$222 USD) application fee
For full-time students at accredited South African institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 3 years, renewable
R4,000 (~$222 USD) application fee
For investors with minimum R5 million (~$277,000 USD) in approved business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Philippines passport holders applying online. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who prefer a traditional visa application at embassy. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | R2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | R500 (~$28 USD) per day, max R10,000 (~$555 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Possible for certain visa types; subject to immigration approval. | R1,000 (~$55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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
Philippines passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without 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; must have valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
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 low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal (especially Kruger region). 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; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Lower Hope Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; popular for tourists.
Practical information for PH 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 = 16.47 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
Typically 5 to 10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe. Processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). If you're flying directly from the Philippines, you don't need it. But if you have a layover in a risk country, you'll need the vaccine certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. There is no visa on arrival for Filipino passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
No. The eVisa is valid for a single entry. If you leave South Africa and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
The fee is approximately ZAR 425 (around PHP 1,300 as of 2026). This is paid online during the application. There are no additional embassy fees.
It's not a formal requirement, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card ready. If the officer suspects you can't support yourself, they may ask. Showing a few thousand pesos in your account is usually enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.