Visa Assistance

The basic information below on South Africa's entry requirements should be read carefully by all conference attendees. We recommend that you apply well in advance as the FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament that starts in South Africa shortly after the ICC2010 conference is expected to bring in a huge influx of visitors to South Africa and thus the Visa Authorities may be overloaded.

For detailed visa info, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs and the South African Department of Foreign Affairs. Also visit South African Tourism for an easy breakdown. Another useful information link is http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm

What are the requirements for visiting South Africa?

  • A valid passport for the duration of your stay and six months thereafter.
  • Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
  • A valid visa, if required.
  • A return or onward ticket
  • Sufficient funds
  • Yellow fever certificates if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?

Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa at all.

Countries exempt from South African visas (link to SA Dept of Home Affairs)
(Please note that while the linked web site may be a little confusing with regard to citizens of the USA, Venezuela and Uruguay, they are included under section 2 as not requiring a Visa for a short term visit of less than 90 days.)

Countries subject to South African visa fees (link to SA Dept of Home Affairs)

How do I apply for a visa?

If you are subject to visa requirements, you will need to apply for your visa at least 4 (four) weeks before you depart. You will have to await the outcome of your visa application before you depart. You can apply for your visa at your nearest South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

For more general visa information, online forms and to confirm which categories do not need visa’s, please visit the Department of Home Affairs.

Invitation letters - Visa Requirement

Should an invitation letter be required for your visa application, please complete the IEEE ComSoc Visa Assistance Request form at http://ww2.comsoc.org/conferences/visa. The letters are generated on a South African letterhead, and an originally signed letter can be sent to you (by FedEx) should this be requested. Where applicable, please ensure you provide your street address and telephone number(s) as these are required by FedEx for delivery.