Australia

Visas are required by SA passport holders.

A transit visa is required if staying longer than 8 hours.
All persons, other than Australian citizens require a visa or authority to enter Australia.
You will need a visa if you enter Australia during a cruise.

How to Apply

• Visas must be applied for online via ImmiAccount
• Biometrics must be submitted via TLSContact (for each application, regardless of whether you have submitted biometrics before).
• Each family member must have an individual application.
• You will need to make an account on ImmiAccount.
• During your application, you will be required to upload supporting documents and a photograph, as indicated. Identity documents can be up to 500KB each.
• Other documents can be up to 5MB each. Encrypted PDF documents are not accepted. Photos of documents are accepted if the photos are clear. Make sure the photo shows all the document information. If a document is more than one page, save it all as one file.
• After your application, you can use your ImmiAccount to check if additional information or actions are required, as well as check your application status.

Visitor Visa

• A certified copy of the identity page (showing photo and personal details) of a valid passport and other pages which provide evidence of travel to any other countries - Note: your passport must have at least six months left before the expiry date.
• A recent passport photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself
• Evidence of payment of the Visa Application Charge
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your intended stay (recent personal bank statements, pay slips, audited accounts, taxation records or credit card limit).
• If you are visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia. -If your relative or friend is paying for your visit, evidence that they have the necessary funds
• If you are not staying at a friend/relative’s house, a hotel reservation is required.
• Your itinerary for your stay in Australia
• Evidence of your medical/travel insurance (if requested)
• Medical examination or tests (if requested)
• Proof that you have reason to return to South Africa (letter of employment, letter of enrolment, proof of family members in home country, proof that you can return home, major assets)
• If you have nominated someone to apply on your behalf, you must submit a notification via your ImmiAccount
• If you are requesting a visa for longer than 3 months, submit reasons (for example, visiting family members)

Minors

• If you are under the age of 18, you should provide a copy of your birth certificate showing the names of both parents (or alternative document in lieu thereof, eg adoption papers or court-issued documents)
• Consent form (to be completed by guardians / parents)
• Undertaking declaration (if not staying with a relative or legal guardian during your visit)

Biometrics

Please note that ALL applicants, regardless of nationality, who are in South Africa at the time of making a visa application to enter Australia will be required to provide their biometrics along with their application unless otherwise excluded or exempted from doing so under Australian Government policy. This is applicable whether applying online or in person.

Appointments for Biometric Collection to be made via TLS Contact
Web: visas-au.tlscontact.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:30 to 15:30

The Australian High Commission
292 Orient Street, (Cnr. Schoeman Street), Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
Tel: 012 423 6000
Email: consular.pretoria@dfat.gov.au
Web: southafrican.embassy.gov.au

The Australian High Commission does not deal with visa, citizenship, or customs enquiries.

The current processing times for visitor visas usually 30 days (Please refer to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times for current processing times). The Australian High Commission recommends clients lodge their visa application well ahead of their proposed travel dates and only finalise any travel arrangements after the visa process has been completed.

Generally 3 months. Up to 12 months depending on circumstances.

Tourist Visa: AUD 195
Biometric Collection: ZAR 649.24

South African High Commission
Rhodes Place, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 2 6272 7300
Email: info.canberra@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.sahc.org.au

Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio

You will be advised via your Immiaccount if you need to undergo a health assessment. When you complete your medical history you will be given a referral letter containing an identifier we call a HAP ID. You need the HAP ID to arrange your health examinations. In general, the following applicants will need to provide some form of medical examination:

Applicants who are pregnant
Applicants over 75 years of age
Applicants wishing to remain for more than 6 months.

Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 26; Apr 3, 6, 25; Dec 25, 26 (Each state / territory may have additional holidays)