Country guide
Canada
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD). USD may be accepted.
Time zones
Canada has 6 time zones. Some provinces encompass two time zones. Newfoundland Standard Time Zone: UTC / GMT -3½ (5½ hours behind South Africa) Atlantic Standard Time Zone: UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa) Eastern Standard Time Zone: UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) Central Standard Time Zone: UTC / GMT -6 (8 hours behind South Africa) Mountain Standard Time Zone: UTC / GMT -7 (9 hours behind South Africa) Pacific Standard Time Zone: UTC / GMT -8 (10 hours behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 1
Best time to go
Year Round, depending on activities: spring is mid-March to mid-June, summer mid-June to mid-September, fall mid-September to mid-November, and winter mid-November to mid-March.
Drinking water
Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink
Travel tips
Tax is added at the till and not to the price tag.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
Visas are also required by South African passport holders transiting through Canada by ship, even if they do not disembark. If the ship enters a port in Canada, a visa is required.
VFS: CANADA VISA APPLICATION CENTRES
Submission of biometrics and passports only.
Tel: 0800 014 854
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/can
Monday - Friday: 08:00-16:00
PRETORIA: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria
CAPE TOWN: 7th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town
REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: The visitor visa is referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa
- Application to be completed online: www.canada.ca
- Valid passport with at least one blank page. Temporary passports are not accepted.
- Bank statements showing availability of funds (6 months)
- Itinerary - flight details, accommodation bookings, registration for event
- Copies of previous visas
- Family Information document (IMM 5645): All applicants aged 18 or older to complete
- Minors: additional documentation dependant on travel circumstances
- Use of a representative (IMM 5476): If applying on behalf of a family member or third party
- Additional documentation may be requested
- Note: After completing your online application, you will receive a BIL (Biometric Instruction Letter) on receipt of this, you will need to make an appointment with VFS to submit biometrics.
- Upon receipt of the Passport Request Letter, you'll have to submit your original passport, along with the Passport Request Letter, passport bio page (2 copies) and VFS Global consent form, at the Visa Application Centre
ARRIVECAN
Travellers can submit their customs and immigration declaration to the CBSA through ArriveCAN, up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada.
ArriveCAN is available as a mobile app or by signing in online using the CBSA website
Issuing authorities
Canadian High Commission
1103 Arcadia St. (corner of Hilda), Hatfield, Pretoria
Tel: 012 422 3000
E-mail: pret@international.gc.ca
Web: www.international.gc.ca
Visits by appointment only.
Consulate of Canada to South Africa, in Cape Town
12 2nd Ave, Boston, Bellville, Cape Town
Email: cape-town@international.gc.ca
Visits by appointment only.
The High Commission of Canada in South Africa is unable to provide information regarding immigration, permanent residency or visas.
Visa processing time
Processing times can be checked online
Visa validity
6 months
Visa cost
- Visitor Visa: CAD100
- Biometrics: CAD 85
Fees are non-refundable. Fees are paid online as part of the online application.
SA representative
South African High Commission
15 Sussex Drive, Ontario, K1M 1M8, Ottawa
Tel: 001-613 744 0330
E-mail: consular.ottawa@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco.gov.za/ottawa
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 6; May 18; Jul 1; Sep 7, 30; Oct 12; Nov 11; Dec 25-26 (Observances may differ in individual provinces)