South Africa entry requirements for Uzbekistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed September 25, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · September 25, 2026
Visa requiredeVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
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
Uzbekistan passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa, but you can apply online through South Africa's eVisa system before you travel. The process is straightforward, though you'll need to meet South Africa's passport validity and blank page requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South African visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa before flying to South Africa. Apply at the South African embassy or consulate in your home country — there is no eVisa option 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 have at least 2 blank visa pages and be valid for the duration of your stay. South Africa does not enforce the 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still check for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or put you on the next flight out. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country counts. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you're staying in private accommodation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement showing enough funds for your stay — roughly 3,000 ZAR per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Apply before you book flights
Don't buy non-refundable tickets until your eVisa is approved. Processing times can vary, and a denial would leave you stuck with expensive flights you can't use.
Print your eVisa
South African immigration often asks for a paper copy. Digital copies on your phone are handy, but a printed version avoids any hassle if your battery dies or the airport Wi-Fi is down.
Don't overstay
Overstaying your visa in South Africa can get you banned from returning for up to 5 years and fined. Set a reminder on your phone for a few days before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to South Africa's official eVisa website and create an account. Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport, upload a clear scan of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photo, and your travel itinerary. Pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, so apply at least three weeks before your trip.
2
Wait for approval and print your visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print at least two copies — one to carry with you and one to leave in your bag as backup. Check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy or the eVisa support before you fly.
3
Check in at Tashkent and fly
At Tashkent airport, the check-in agent will ask for your eVisa printout and passport. They'll verify you have the right documents before issuing a boarding pass. Keep your visa and passport in your hand luggage, not checked baggage.
4
Arrive at a South African airport
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban), follow signs to Immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer honestly and briefly.
5
Get your entry stamp
The immigration officer will scan your passport, check your visa, and stamp you in. They'll write or stamp the number of days you're allowed to stay. Check that the date is correct before you walk away. Collect your bags and go through customs — if you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Uzbekistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated September 25, 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 = 16.27 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes between 5 and 15 working days, but it can be longer during busy periods. Apply at least three weeks before your flight to be safe. You'll get an email when a decision is made.
The fee varies depending on the visa type and duration, but for a standard tourist eVisa it's typically around ZAR 425 (roughly USD 23). Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount when you apply, as fees can change.
No. Uzbekistan passport holders must have a visa approved before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for this passport. If you show up without a valid eVisa, you'll be denied boarding at Tashkent or refused entry in South Africa.
The standard tourist eVisa usually allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration will be written on your visa approval and stamped in your passport on arrival. Don't overstay — it can lead to fines and a ban on returning.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave South Africa before your allowed stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and apply for a new visa from outside.
Only if you've transited through or visited a yellow fever risk country within the days before arrival. Uzbekistan is not a risk country, so a direct flight from Tashkent doesn't require the certificate. If you're routing through a risk country like Kenya or Nigeria, get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate.
If your eVisa is denied, you'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply if you can fix the issue (like missing documents), or you can apply for a visa at the nearest South African embassy or consulate. The South African embassy in Moscow handles some Central Asian countries, but check the Department of Home Affairs website for the correct office for Uzbekistan.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on September 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.