South Africa entry requirements for Uzbekistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Uzbek passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. You must apply at a South African embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Uzbek citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South African visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply at the South African embassy or consulate in your home country — there is no eVisa for Uzbekistan passport holders. Processing takes 5–10 working days, sometimes longer.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport At least 2 blank pages | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. South Africa does not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Overstaying even one day can result in a fine and a ban. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for the address and contact number of where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but having at least 3,000 ZAR per day in accessible funds avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Uzbek passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for South Africa. You must apply and receive approval from a South African embassy before you travel.
Apply early
Visa processing can take 2–4 weeks or longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a South African embassy
Submit your visa application at the nearest South African embassy or consulate. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and a completed application form. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents or an interview. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Prepare documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on — you'll need them at check-in and immigration.
4
Arrive at a South African airport
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town, or King Shaka (Durban), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with the allowed stay duration.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Uzbekistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for a single visit.
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 country.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD)
For those with family or business ties in South Africa; requires sponsorship.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 4 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with a monthly pension of at least ZAR 37,000 (~$2,000 USD). Requires proof of pension and medical cover. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For investors contributing at least ZAR 5 million (~$275,000 USD) to a South African business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ZAR 1,000 (~$55 USD) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~$550 USD) |
| Visa extension feeFor extending a tourist visa, subject to approval. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Uzbekistan passport holders do not need a transit visa if transiting through South Africa's international airports for less than 24 hours and staying airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueLow 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 northeastern provinces (Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal) during summer months; 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 long queues.
Practical information for UZ 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
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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Uzbek citizens. You must get a visa from a South African embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
There is no South African embassy in Uzbekistan. You'll need to apply at the South African embassy in a neighboring country, such as the one in Moscow, Russia, or through a visa processing center. Check the South African Department of Home Affairs website for the nearest office.
The visa fee varies by type and embassy. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Additional service fees may apply if using a visa processing center.
No. The visa is not extendable for Uzbek passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires or apply for a new visa from outside the country.
If you are traveling from or through a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Uzbekistan is not endemic, so it's not required unless you transit through an affected country.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering South Africa for up to 5 years, or deportation. Always leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.