Travel Start
flightsFlights hotelsStays carsCars busesBuses

US Visa Application

US Visa Application

South Africans will need a visa to travel to the United States. This guide covers everything you need to know, from what documents you will need to visa fees. You will start the application process by completing an online application on ceac.state.gov 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 and a longer than usual wait time to secure a visa interview appointment. You can monitor the current wait time for an interview on the U.S. Department of State website.

Competition duration
Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.

Types of Visas

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

Validity: 6 months

How to Apply

  1. Get photographs that meet the US visa photo requirements.
    You will need to upload a digital copy with your online application
  2. Complete the online application
  3. Pay the non-refundable visa processing fee via cash deposit or by credit card
  4. Print out the barcoded confirmation form
  5. Schedule your US visa interview at the nearest US Consulate General
  6. Gather your documents and any supporting documents that may be required
  7. Attend your interview
  8. Collect your passport once the embassy notifies you

US Visa Costs

Standard Visitor Visa (B-2) : $160 / R2368

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

• Barcoded DS-160 confirmation page

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

• Original South African passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of return. It will also need at least 2 empty pages for the visa and entry stamps.

• 1 x colour photo that meets the US Visa photo requirements

• 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.

• 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

Address: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, 0083

Telephone: 012 431 4000

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

Credit card payments

For credit card payments, you can call the Visa Information Service Center (VISC) on 087 550 2160 during business hours, or visit the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service website to make payment and to schedule your appointment.

Cash payments

For cash payments, you can create an account on the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service website, follow the steps until you reach the payment page, and then download, print, and follow the payment instructions page.

Note:

A visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry (i.e. airport), but does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection officials at the airport have authority to deny you entry to the United States.

Whether you are the chasing the bright lights of New York City, Las Vegas and New Orleans, or want to lose yourself in the colour and culture of San Francisco, Honolulu, and Orlando, the United States is a country you will not regret visiting!

Need assistance with your visa? Get a free assessment and quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!

Traveller's Guide

Visa Free Countries

Flight Specials

All information on this page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.

Why book with us
  • Bringing you the best fares from all airlines
  • Expert assistance from booking to departure
  • Online destinations for planning your travels
Already Booked your Flight?

Explore our Hotel listings:

  • 1000's of options worldwide
  • Best prices
  • Great service
Personalised Assistance

Need help with your booking? Contact our expert Travelstart Live agents for guidance and booking assistance.

Plan your trip

Partners

Need Help?

Download our app

Free for iPhones and Android