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Japan Visa for South African Citizens

Q: How much does a Japan tourist visa cost for South Africans?

The consular fee is roughly R2,750 for single entry and R5,500 for multiple entry, paid in ZAR at the embassy rate. JAPAN eVISA applicants pay only the consular fee online with no agency service charge, so it is the cheapest route. Courier return, if chosen, adds R150–R300.

Complete visa guide for South African passport holders — requirements, documents, fees, and application process

South African citizens need a Japan visa for any visit, including tourism — there is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. As of 2026 South Africa sits on the MOFA JAPAN eVISA direct self-application tier, so tourists can apply online for a single-entry short-term tourism visa (up to 90 days) with no agency intermediary. Applicants who prefer a physical sticker, or who are applying for work, study, spouse or any non-tourism purpose, file at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria (there is no VFS Global intake in South Africa). Processing is typically 7–10 working days.

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Visa Required

Yes

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eVisa

Available

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Processing Time

7–10 working days

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Embassies

1 locations

Requirements for South African Citizens

✓Valid South African passport with 2+ blank pages
✓Confirmed round-trip flight booking
✓Proof of accommodation in Japan
✓Bank statements (last 3 months)
✓Employment letter or proof of business
✓Visa application form with photo (4.5cm × 4.5cm)

Short-term visas for South Africa visitors

Covers tourism, family visits, business and transit stays of up to 90 days — this nationality must obtain a visa before travelling.

Short-Term Stay (Tourism / Business)

Learn more →

Long-term visas for South Africa citizens moving to Japan

Study, work, family reunification, permanent residence and other stays longer than 90 days. These always require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a visa, regardless of visa-free status for tourism.

Where to Apply

🏛️ Embassy & Consulates

Pretoria

📍 VFS Global / Application Centers

PretoriaCape Town

Japan visa cost for South African citizens

Item	Amount	Notes
Consular visa fee — single entry	~R2,750	Paid in ZAR at the embassy rate; 5× worldwide increase from 1 Jul 2026 — confirm the posted local rate
Consular visa fee — multiple entry	~R5,500
JAPAN eVISA fee (tourism only)	Same consular rate	Online payment only; no agency service fee
Courier return (optional)	~R150–R300	If not collecting in person

Visa pathways for South African applicants

Tourist / short-stay visa — JAPAN eVISA (online) path

South Africa is on the MOFA direct self-application tier, so SA residents can apply for a single-entry short-term tourism visa (up to 90 days) entirely online — no in-person visit, no passport sticker. Upload a digital photo and scanned documents, pay online, and wait ~5–7 working days for the "visa issuance notice". At airport check-in you display the notice on your phone or tablet in an online environment (PDFs and screenshots are not accepted). eVisa is tourism-only and for ordinary passport holders only.

Tourist / short-stay visa — Embassy of Japan in Pretoria

Applicants who prefer a physical sticker lodge the application directly at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria. Typical documents: valid passport (2 blank pages, 6 months validity), MOFA visa form with 4.5×4.5 cm photo, confirmed round-trip flight, hotel bookings for the full stay, last 3 months of bank statements, and an employment letter or business registration. Processing is 7–10 working days; the stamp is valid for 3 months from issue (max 90 days stay per entry).

Long-term stay — COE-based (work / student / spouse)

For any stay beyond 90 days — work, study, spouse, intra-company transfer, etc. — the Japanese sponsor (employer, school, or spouse) files a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan first. Once the COE is issued (typically 1–3 months), the applicant couriers the original to South Africa and converts it to a visa at the Embassy in Pretoria in 5–7 working days.

Frequently asked questions — South African

Do South African citizens need a Japan visa?▾

Yes, for every visit. South Africa is not on the Japan visa-exempt list, and there is no visa on arrival (see Japan visa on arrival guide). Tourists can apply online via JAPAN eVISA (single entry, up to 90 days) or lodge a traditional application at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria.

How much does a Japan tourist visa cost for South Africans?▾

The consular fee is roughly R2,750 for single entry and R5,500 for multiple entry, paid in ZAR at the embassy rate. JAPAN eVISA applicants pay only the consular fee online with no agency service charge, so it is the cheapest route. Courier return, if chosen, adds R150–R300.

Can I apply for the Japan Working Holiday visa as a South African?▾

Yes. South Africa is a Japan Working Holiday partner, so SA citizens aged 18–30 can apply for up to 12 months of travel + incidental work. Applications are filed at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria, not via eVISA, and require proof of funds, a return ticket or equivalent funds, and a travel plan.

Tips for South Africa Applicants

💡Tourism short-stay: apply directly via JAPAN eVISA website (self-service, no agency) — single entry, up to 90 days, digital visa only
💡Work / student / long-term: apply through VFS Global in Pretoria or Cape Town
💡South Africa is eligible for Japan Working Holiday visa (ages 18–30)
💡Allow extra time — processing can extend during busy periods
💡Travel insurance strongly recommended though not mandatory
💡eVisa is tourism-only, ordinary passport holders only — display "visa issuance notice" on device at airport (PDF/screenshot not accepted, online payment only)

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