How To Apply South Africa Visa For UAE Residents From Dubai
South Africa has become a favorite destination for tourists due to its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife.
Applying for a South African visa from Dubai may seem complex, but I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process to make it as smooth as possible.
From creating an account on the VFS website to gathering essential documents like a cover letter, bank statement, and travel itinerary, I’ll explain everything you need to know to increase your chances of a successful application.
South Africa Visa Document Requirements for UAE Residents
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Form to Use: You’ll need the Visa Application Form DHA-84 (Form 11), which must be completed in black ink.
Photo Specifications: Bring two high-resolution, passport-sized photos with a white background, taken within the last six months. The photo should be 4.5cm x 3.5cm, showing a close-up of your head and shoulders, making up about 80% of the image.
Requirements for NOC: If employed, provide an original NOC on your company’s letterhead. The letter should outline your travel dates, purpose of travel, and confirm financial support. It must include a signature and contact details and be stamped by the company. If you are a company owner or partner, attach a trade license.
Sponsor Details: For those sponsored by a family member, a signed sponsorship letter is required. The letter should detail the travel dates, purpose of the trip, relationship, applicant details, and financial support. Include the sponsor’s UAE address and contact details, as well as their passport and visa copies.
Proof of Flight: Submit your flight itinerary (provisional or confirmed), and if you plan to travel between cities within South Africa, include those domestic flight details as well.
Hotel Booking: A hotel reservation (provisional or confirmed) is needed.
Staying with a Host: If you’ll stay with a friend or relative in South Africa, ask them to provide an invitation letter with their address, contact details, and a recent bank statement with a balance of at least ZAR 3,000, along with proof of residence. If the host is South African, their passport or ID is required; otherwise, they’ll need to provide their passport and residency permit.
Insurance Requirements: Your insurance should cover you “worldwide” or at least include South Africa. Alternatively, travel insurance that meets this criterion is acceptable. Provide both the insurance card and policy document.
Bank Statements: Your most recent UAE bank statement (within 7 days) should show a balance of at least AED 3,000 and be stamped by the bank. If using a company account, additional documents are needed: an NOC from the company owners, the trade license, copies of owners’ passports, and a stamped company bank statement for the past three months.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least 30 days after your departure from South Africa. Ensure there are at least two blank visa pages.
Residence Visa: Attach a copy of your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, which must be valid for at least three months after your return.
How To Apply South Africa Visa For UAE Residents From Dubai
Let’s start from the basics and go through each requirement and step in detail.
Step 1: Complete the Visa Application Form
First, head to the official link provided to download the DHA-84 Visa Application Form. You’ll need to fill this out entirely using black ink only; this is crucial for your application to be accepted.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to collect the necessary documents as I mentioned above.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Now, let’s talk about securing your appointment at the VFS Global office in Dubai. Start by creating an account on their portal:
Register a New Account: After entering your details (email, phone, etc.), check your inbox for an activation link. Clicking this link will activate your account, allowing you to log in and continue.
Start Booking: Once logged in, select “Start Booking.” Here, you can choose your location (Dubai or Abu Dhabi) and visa category. You’ll see the earliest available appointment dates, so pick one that suits your schedule.
Enter Applicant Details: Accurately fill in your name, date of birth, and passport information. Double-check these details as even a small error can lead to rejection.
Step 4: Submit Your Passport Information and Confirm Appointment Details
After providing your basic details, submit your passport number, expiration date, and your contact information. Now, it’s time to finalize your appointment details:
Choose Your Time Slot: Morning and afternoon slots may be available. Select the one that works best for you.
Select Services: You’ll see additional services like form-filling assistance. You can skip these if you prefer doing it yourself, reducing the cost.
Once everything is set, the appointment booking fee of 25 AED will be added to your total. You’ll then be prompted to make a payment to confirm your booking.
Step 5: Prepare for Your Appointment and Submission
After confirming your appointment, gather all required documents and ensure everything is in order. When you arrive at VFS Global on your appointment day, bring all originals and copies of your documents, along with the completed application form filled in black ink.
South Africa Visa Fee for UAE Residents
Here’s a breakdown of the current charges and what they entail.
Visa Fees: AED 250 per Application
For every visa application submitted, applicants are required to pay a visa fee of AED 250. This fee applies to all types of visa applications and is crucial for processing your request.
It’s important to note that this fee is applicable per application, meaning that if you are submitting multiple applications, you will need to multiply this fee accordingly.
Service Fees: AED 275.44 per Application
In addition to the visa fee, there is also a service fee of AED 275.44 for each application. This amount includes all applicable taxes and covers the administrative costs involved in processing your application.
Similar to the visa fee, this service fee is non-refundable, so it’s vital to ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate and complete to avoid any potential delays or rejections.
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
