South Africa entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Romanian passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free entry is valid for tourism or business visits, and you'll just need to present your passport at the port of entry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter South Africa without a visa for short visits. Visa-free entry for up to 90 days | Romanian citizens do not need a visa for South Africa for stays up to 90 days. No eVisa application is required; simply present your passport on arrival. | Not required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure from South Africa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have two or more. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight details ready to show at immigration. Proof of onward travel | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket confirming departure from South Africa within the 90-day visa-free period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Financial means for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Romanian citizens entering South Africa. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected costs while abroad. Recommended | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly advised. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
South Africa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking.
No extension for visa-free stays
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you overstay, you risk fines, being declared undesirable, and a ban from re-entering South Africa. Plan your trip to fit within 90 days.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page. Print or have digital copies of your return ticket, accommodation bookings, and proof of funds. If you're coming from a yellow fever risk country, get the vaccination and carry the certificate.
2
Arrive at a South African port of entry
You'll go through immigration at your arrival airport (e.g., Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, Cape Town International, or Durban King Shaka). Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport and completed arrival card (if provided on the plane) ready.
3
Present your passport to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your details, may ask about the purpose of your visit, and will stamp your passport with the date of entry. The stamp indicates the 90-day visa-free period.
4
Collect your baggage and proceed through customs
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage and proceed through customs. You may be asked to declare any goods or cash over the limit. Keep your passport and entry stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayUp to 3 years (multiple entry)
ValidityIssued for the duration of the business contract
CostApprox. R1,500–R2,500 (about $80–$140)
Requires invitation letter from South African company, proof of business activities, and valid passport
Work visa (general)
Max stayUp to 5 years (renewable)
ValidityTied to employment contract
CostApprox. R2,000–R3,000 (about $110–$165)
Requires job offer, labor department approval, and medical/radiological reports
Study visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 5 years)
ValidityIssued for the academic program
CostApprox. R1,500–R2,500 (about $80–$140)
Requires acceptance letter from a South African educational institution and proof of funds
Retirement visa
Max stayUp to 4 years (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 4 years, renewable
CostApprox. R2,000–R3,000 (about $110–$165)
Requires proof of monthly pension or retirement income of at least R37,000 (about $2,000)
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 |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit extensionApply at VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs before 90 days expire | Approx. R1,000–R2,000 (about $55–$110) |
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 citizens do not need a visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they hold a valid passport and onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa-free entry applies (up to 90 days) for tourism/business purposes.
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.
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 = 16.27 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
You can stay up to 90 days per visit without a visa. This is a standard visa-free period for Romanian passport holders. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension or a different visa before your 90 days expire — but note that extensions are generally not granted for tourist visits.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave South Africa and re-enter, but that may not reset the 90-day period if you're doing it repeatedly. For long-term stays, you should apply for a proper visa at a South African embassy or consulate before travelling.
No, the visa-free entry covers business activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations. However, you cannot take up employment or work for a South African company without a work visa. If you plan to do any paid work, you must apply for the appropriate work visa beforehand.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to get a new passport from the Romanian embassy or consulate in South Africa. You should also check with South African immigration about how to transfer your visa-free entry to the new passport.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Romanian citizens. You are visa-free, so you don't need any visa. Just present your passport at the port of entry and you'll be granted entry for up to 90 days.
If you transit through a yellow fever risk country (even if you don't leave the airport), you may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in South Africa. Check the latest requirements before you travel, and if in doubt, get vaccinated and carry the certificate.
You may be asked to fill out a health declaration form or an arrival card on the plane. These are usually simple forms asking for your flight details, address in South Africa, and health status. Keep the stub — you may need it when you leave.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.