South Africa entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Africa in 2026. The application is entirely online, and you must have your approval printed or saved on your phone before you travel. Processing can take a few weeks, so apply early.
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. The eVisa is linked to your passport number and allows a single entry for tourism or business. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Romanian passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. It must have at least two blank visa pages. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry and placed on a return flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for this during arrival questioning, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least 3,000 ZAR (or equivalent) per day of your stay, or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer visits. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush option
The eVisa can take 2–4 weeks or longer. There's no expedited processing, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Stick to major airports
Only OR Tambo, Cape Town International, and King Shaka are set up for eVisa arrivals. Flying into a smaller airport could mean being turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa portal (ehome.dha.gov.za). Fill in your personal details, upload a digital passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before your trip.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at a major airport
Fly into OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban). Smaller airports may not have eVisa processing — stick to these.
4
Go through immigration
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
CostR1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostR2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostR5,000 (~$280 USD)
For retirees or long-term visitors; requires proof of funds and medical cover.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(2))
Up to 3 years, renewable
R5,000 (~$280 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of funds, medical cover, and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
work visa
Critical Skills Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
R2,000 (~$112 USD) application fee
For professionals in occupations listed as critical skills. Requires job offer or proof of qualifications. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
R1,500 (~$84 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized South African institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, funds, and medical cover. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 3 years, renewable
R5,000 (~$280 USD) application fee
For investors contributing at least R5 million to the South African economy. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Romanian passport holders applying online. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not applicable. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | R2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | R500 (~$28 USD) per day, max R10,000 (~$560 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)May be possible for certain visa types; check with immigration. | R1,500 (~$84 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application form20%
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
Romanian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports if staying within the international transit area and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) · Cape Town International Airport · King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
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; bring all original documents.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Lower Buiten Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and visa queries; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for RO 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 = 16.24 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
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. Apply at least a month before your trip. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around 425 ZAR (approximately 20 EUR) as of 2026. Check the official portal for the exact amount — it can change.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Stick to OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban). Smaller airports may not have eVisa processing and could deny entry.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check the WHO list before you travel. Otherwise, no vaccine is required for entry.
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.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common issues include incomplete forms or invalid passport photos. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.