Do you need a visa to study in SOUTH AFRICA?

For the Summer in South Africa program, US citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less do NOT need to apply for a study permit. Therefore, you won’t need to acquire a long-term visa. When you go through customs and they ask your purpose, you must state “tourism” as your purpose of travel as you are not a degree-seeking student and will not be applying for a study visa. Once you pass through, they will stamp a visitor visa in your passport and you will be allowed to enter into South Africa.

IMPORTANT: CISabroad will only advise students on visa procedures for travel requirements for your CISabroad program only. CISabroad is not responsible for advising students on visa issues if they plan to travel internationally before or after the program dates.

These instructions are intended for US passport holders. International students must also be aware of additional documentation and/or processing time needed for their visas. Please contact your Program Coordinator to discuss your visa.

These instructions are intended for US passport holders. International students must also be aware of additional documentation and/or processing time needed for their visas. Please contact your Program Coordinator to discuss your visa.

Please note that all consulates have varying visa processing times and/or requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their assigned consulate’s visa processing period and to send in their complete visa application well enough in advance to allow adequate time for processing. Each consulate lists the visa processing period on their website. Required documents for your visa are always subject to change at the discretion of the consulate. You can use this link to find the location of all South African consulates across the world.