Interested to visit South Africa? Here are the visa requirements for Philippine passport holders

The Philippines is the second largest Southeast Asian tourist market in South Africa, next to Singapore. 

In 2023, almost 6,500 Filipinos travelled to The Rainbow Nation, compared to 4,329 in 2022, representing a 15% year-on-year increase.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Neliswa Nkani, South African Tourism’s Hub Head for the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, said that compared to pre-COVID times, Filipinos are now more ready to travel outside of Asia.

“The Philippine market is ready to travel to South Africa, to see the beauty, the natural beauty, and the culture,” Nkani said.

“And also your summer is around the corner, and everybody wants anything but the heatwaves of the Philippines, and South Africa got the perfect weather,” she added.

If you’re among those looking to visit South Africa to go on a safari and experience wonderful things from Mother Nature, here are the requirements you need to prepare for your Visa application as a Philippine passport holder:

Passport: First on the list is, of course, a passport. It must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended stay or departure date from South Africa, with at least two unused or blank visa pages.

Fully completed visa application form-11 (DHA-84): The form must be completed in black ink and block letters. It must be signed by the applicant, and the signature should match your passport. You may get the form online from VFS. 

Two recent photographs: Passport-size photos not older than 30 days.

Bank statement: The bank statement or proof of financial capability requires three months of bank statement, certified by a bank and not older than seven days from the time of application. 

Vaccination certificate: Vaccination certificate for yellow fever if the applicant travels through or stays in the yellow fever belt.

Roundtrip flight reservation and hotel booking proof: No fixed flight arrangements should be made until a Visa has been attained.

Copies of passport bio-data pages. 

Cover letter: Original covering letter signed by the applicant stating the name, passport number, and duration of visit.

The letter must have the physical address, contact details of the authorized signature's name and an outline of the purpose and duration of the visit. 

Once you complete all the requirements, you may submit your files to the South African Embassy located in Yuchengco Tower in RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Tourists planning to stay for 29 days or less don't have to pay a visa fee but for those staying in South Africa for 30-90 days, you'll need to shell out P2,525.

By the way, submit your visa application at least 15 working days before your proposed flight itinerary. 

— LA, GMA Integrated News