It has never been harder to drive from Addis Ababa to the stunning sceneries of the South African territories by Ethiopian traveling agents. Also, as the South African immigration system is digitalized, the days of waiting in long queues in embassies are over.
If you are planning to visit the “Rainbow Nation,” this guide covers everything you need to know about the South Africa eVisa for Ethiopia, ensuring your application is successful on the first try.
Can Ethiopian citizens apply for a South Africa eVisa online?
Yes, the Ethiopian passport holders can apply to the South African eVisa. This is an electronic system that will ease the process of entry of both the tourists and the business travelers. Now you can enter all your application, document filing to payment in our secure online.
What types of South Africa visas are available?
The eVisa issued to Ethiopian citizens is a Short-Term Visitor’s Visa.
- Visa Type: eVisa / Single Entry
- Validity: 90 Days
- Maximum Stay: 90 Days
This gives you ample time to explore the country, whether you are there for a vacation or a short professional engagement.
What are the specific photo requirements for the application?
Your photo must meet strict digital standards to avoid rejection:
- Background: Plain white or light grey.
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.
- Transparency: Clear, and there is no red-eye or shadows on the face.
- Expression: The neutral expression with the eyes open and facing directly into the camera.
What are the passport requirements for the Ethiopian eVisa?
To ensure your application is processed without delays, your Ethiopian passport must meet the following criteria:
- Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from South Africa.
- Pages: Must have at least two blank “Visa” pages.
- Condition: The passport must be in good condition, and the scanned copy must clearly show your photo and personal details.
What documents are required for a South African visa?
Having your documents ready will make the process much faster. You will need these South Africa Visa Documents:
- Passport Scan: A high-quality digital scan of your passport’s bio-page.
- Financial Proof: Certified bank statements for the last 3 months (original, stamped, and signed).
- Flight Itinerary: Proof of a return or onward flight booking.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a South African host.
- Photograph: A recent digital passport-sized photo.
How long does it take to get a visa for South Africa?
We offer three distinct processing speeds to accommodate your travel timeline:
- Standard Processing: 30 – 35 Working Days
- Rush Processing: 25 – 30 Working Days
- Super Rush Processing: 20 – 25 Working Days
How is the total cost of the eVisa calculated?
We believe in complete transparency. There are no hidden fees. The final amount is calculated as:
Total eVisa Cost = Government Fee + Service Fee
Our platform at sa-evisa.com provides a clear breakdown before you make any payment.
What is the difference between a Single and Multiple Entry visa?
Currently, the South Africa eVisa issued to Ethiopian citizens is a Single Entry visa. If you plan to leave South Africa to visit a neighboring country like Zimbabwe or Namibia and then return, you would generally need a new visa or a specific multiple-entry visa obtained through a traditional embassy process.
Do I need a Transit Visa if I am just passing through?
If you are transiting through a South African airport to a third country (like Brazil or the UK) and you do not leave the international transit area, you may not need a transit visa. However, if you must pass through immigration to change airports or collect luggage, an eVisa or transit visa is mandatory.
What are the travel rules for children and minors?
South Africa has strict rules regarding the travel of minors (children under 18) to prevent child trafficking.
- Unabridged Birth Certificate: You must carry a copy showing both parents’ details.
- Consent Letters: If only one parent is traveling, a signed Parental Consent Affidavit from the non-traveling parent is required.
Why use an agent (sa-evisa.com) vs. the government portal?
While you can apply via the government portal, many travelers prefer using sa-evisa.com for the following reasons:
- Human Support: We offer 24/7 assistance via WhatsApp, Live Chat, and Phone.
- Document Review: We check your photos and bank statements to ensure they meet the criteria, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Speed: We manage the follow-ups with the department to get your visa processed as quickly as possible.
What payment methods are accepted at sa-evisa.com?
We offer a variety of secure payment methods to make the process convenient for you. You can pay your visa fees using Credit Cards, Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard), and other secure online payment gateways. Our system uses high-level encryption to ensure your transaction is safe.
Can I use my international credit/debit cards as a tourist?
Yes, South Africa has a very modern banking infrastructure. You can use your international Visa or Mastercard at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. However, it is always a good idea to carry some South African Rand (ZAR) for smaller vendors or rural areas.
