Guide to Your US Visa Application Process

South African 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 U.S. Consulate General. 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 their planned travel date due to high demand. You can monitor the current interview wait time on the U.S. Department of State website.

IMPORTANT NOTE

From 1 August 2026, routine U.S. visa appointments for South Africans will be handled through Johannesburg or Cape Town, as Durban will no longer accept new visa appointment bookings. If you have a pending application or an existing appointment, monitor your email for instructions from the U.S. Consulate.
Click here for more information.

Types of Visas

Standard Visitor Visa

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

Validity: Visa validity and the length of stay permitted in the United States are determined by US authorities and may differ.

How to Apply For a US Visa?

Follow these basic steps to apply for a US visa. For detailed information about the application process, payment methods, interview requirements and passport delivery, select the link below.

Complete the online visa application.
Pay the non-refundable visa processing fee using an approved payment method.
Print the barcoded DS-160 confirmation page.
Schedule your visa interview at the nearest US Consulate General.
Gather your required and supporting documents.
Attend your visa interview.
Collect or receive your passport once you have been notified.

View detailed application information:

How to Apply for a US Visa

Step 1: Complete the visa application form

Each applicant must complete the DS-160 visa application form. After completing the form, print and keep the barcode confirmation page. You will need the barcode number to schedule your appointment and must take the confirmation page to your interview.

Step 2: Pay the application fee

Choose whether to pay the non-refundable MRV application fee by credit card or cash. Follow only one payment method.

Credit card

Use the official visa appointment service to make payment and schedule your appointment. During the process, you may be asked to select a delivery or collection location for your passport.

Cash

Create an account on the official appointment website, enter the applicant’s details and continue to the payment page. Select “Pay by Cash”, then download, print and follow the payment instructions.

A cash payment may take up to two business days to reflect before you can schedule an appointment. Each cash payment slip may be used for only one transaction.

Step 3: Schedule your appointment

Once your appointment has been scheduled successfully, you will receive a confirmation letter by email. Print it and take it with you to the appointment.

Step 4: Attend your interview

Bring the following documents:

A valid passport with unused visa pages, as well as all previous passports.
Your DS-160 barcode confirmation page.
Your appointment confirmation page.
A recent front-facing 50 mm × 50 mm photograph for each applicant, if required.
Any additional supporting documents requested for your application.

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you qualify for a visa. Digital fingerprints are generally taken during the application process. Some applications may require additional administrative processing.

Passport delivery after approval

If your visa is approved, follow the delivery or collection instructions provided by the official visa appointment service. Available options and fees may vary.

Please note:

Do not buy flight tickets or make non-refundable travel arrangements before your visa has been issued.
Mobile phones and other electronic devices may not be permitted inside the Consulate.
There is no guarantee that a visa application will be approved.
Always check the official US Embassy or Consulate website for the latest instructions.

How Much Does a US Visa Costs

United States of America

Cost of visa

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.

Please note that prices are subject to change without notice

What Are The US Visa Requirements?

Standard Visitor Visa:

Original passport, valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States. It must have at least two empty pages for visa and entry stamps. Each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including family members listed in your passport.
Barcoded and completed DS-160 form.
Appointment confirmation page received by email.
Application fee payment receipt.
One colour photo that meets the US visa photo requirements. You will upload the photo while completing Form DS-160. If the upload fails, bring one printed photo to your interview.
All passports showing previously issued US visas and other international travel.
Supporting documents such as bank statements, invitation letters or an employment letter may be requested.
A marriage certificate for an accompanying spouse.
An unabridged birth certificate for accompanying minors.

Minors (under 18):

Original birth certificate.
A statement of consent from the other parent if they will not be joining the trip.
A marriage certificate may be required, if applicable.
Children aged 13 and younger are generally not required to attend an interview.

Application Centres

Cape Town

Address: 2 Reddam Avenue, Westlake, 7945

Telephone: 021 702 7300

Email: consularcapetown@state.gov

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

Johannesburg

Address: 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst, 2196

Telephone: 011 290 3000

Email: consularjohannesburg@state.gov

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

Durban

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

CHECK OUT OURTraveller’s guide

DISCOVER OURAmazing packages

EXPLORE OURTravel deals

The above information is purely a guide based on the most updated regulations available at the time of publishing. It is ENTIRELY the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that all passports and visas are current, valid, obtained on time, have sufficient blank pages, will be valid for six months after return to their home country and that any vaccinations, inoculations, and the like, where required, have been obtained. It is also the traveller’s responsibility to research the applicable travel requirements for any and all destinations, and to collect the correct documentation for visa applications.

Before booking any flight it is important to check if a transit visa will be required, as this differs between countries and depends on what passport you are holding. Travelstart will endeavour to assist the client if requested, but such assistance will be at Travelstart’s discretion (since this service does not fall within the scope of the Services).

The Client acknowledges that in doing so, Travelstart IS NOT ASSUMING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY AND THE CLIENT INDEMNIFIES TRAVELSTART against any consequences of the Client’s failure to comply with any such requirements. It is the CLIENT’S DUTY to familiarize him/herself with the inherent dangers of and mental and/or physical condition required for the proposed travel arrangements.