US Visa Application

South Africans passport holders need a visa to travel to the United States. The first step in the process is to complete an online application on the government website and then attend an interview at the US Consulate General in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban. Processing times typically take up to 15 days.

The U.S. Embassy advises all South African residents to apply for nonimmigrant visas at least three months before the planned date of travel due to high demand. You can monitor the current wait time for an interview on the U.S. Department of State website.

Type of Visa

Standard Visitor Visa (B-2) - for tourism purposes

Validity: 6 months

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application
  2. Pay the non-refundable visa processing fee online via credit card
  3. Print out the barcoded confirmation form
  4. Schedule your US visa interview at the nearest US Consulate General
  5. Gather your documents and any supporting documents that may be required
  6. Attend your interview
  7. Collect your passport once the embassy notifies you

US Visa Costs

Standard Visitor Visa (B-2) : $185

Important notice: Payments must be made online before you can schedule an appointment for your visa interview. The receipt must be kept with the documents for your application. Payments will not be accepted at the US Consulate.

Competition duration
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice

US Visa Requirements

• Original passport, valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States. It will also need at least 2 empty pages for the visa and entry stamps. Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport

• Barcoded and completed DS-160 form

• Appointment confirmation page (which you should have received via email).

• Application fee payment receipt

• 1 x colour photo that meets the US Visa photo requirements. You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo to the interview

• All passports that show previously issued visas to the United States and other international trips.

• Any supporting documents, such as bank statements, invitation letters, letter of employment etc. may be requested

• A marriage certificate for an accompanying spouse.

• An unabridged birth certificate for accompanying minors.

• Original birth certificate.

• A statement of consent from the other parent if they will not be joining on the trip.

• A marriage certificate may be required (if applicable).

• Children 13 and younger are generally not required to attend an interview.

Application Centres

Address: 2 Reddam Avenue, Westlake, 7945

Telephone: 021 702 7300

Email: consularcapetown@state.gov

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:45

Address: 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst, 2196

Telephone: 011 290 3000

Email: consularjohannesburg@state.gov

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:45

Address: 303 Dr Pixley Kaseme St, Durban Central, 4001

Telephone: 031 305 7600

Email: consulardurban@state.gov

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:45

The Consulate General of Cape Town and Durban are closed to the public every Friday, while the Consulate General of Johannesburg is closed every last Friday of the month. The US Embassy in Pretoria does not provide any visa services.

Additional Information

  • An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
  • There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
  • A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
  • Schedule your US visa interview at the nearest US Consulate General
  • Gather your documents and any supporting documents that may be required
  • Attend your interview
  • Customer service center agents are able to assist applicants from Monday – Friday, 9:00 to 17:00. Phone: +27 87 550 2160 or email: essa_contactus+za+info+en@visaops.net


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