Travelling internationally is a dream for many South Africans, but the reality is that the costs involved — especially visa fees — can make that dream an expensive one. Whether you are heading to Europe, the UK, the US, or Australia, each destination comes with its own price tag, and it’s not just about flights and accommodation. In this article, we take a look at how much it costs South Africans to apply for visas to some of the most popular global destinations.
Visa costs, travel insurance, and supporting documentation all add up, and some countries are significantly more costly than others. Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs South Africans to apply for visas to popular destinations around the world — and which countries are the most affordable (or the most expensive) for travellers.
Schengen visa: travel to Europe
If Europe is on your bucket list, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa — which grants access to multiple countries within the Schengen Area on a single visa.
How much it costs South Africans to apply for visas to the EU
As of 2025, the cost for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) is:
- €80 (±R1,640) for adults
- €40 (±R820) for children aged 6–12
- Free for children under 6
Which countries are included?
There are 27 Schengen countries that accept the same visa:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
These visas are valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, each embassy may require specific documents like travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and confirmed flight bookings, which add to the overall cost.
United Kingdom: popular but pricey
The UK remains a popular destination for tourism, work, and education — but recent price hikes have made it notably more expensive to apply for UK visas.
How much it costs South Africans to apply for visas to the UK
As of April 2025:
- Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): £115 (±R2,730)
- 2-year visa: £400 (±R9,500)
- 5-year visa: £771 (±R18,400)
- 10-year visa: £963 (±R23,000)
While the 6-month visa is the most commonly used option for short trips, frequent travellers might save more in the long run with a longer-term visa. Note that biometric enrolment, courier fees, and document verification services may cost extra.
United States: high demand, higher fees
The United States is a bucket-list destination for many, but getting there comes at a price.
- Tourist (B1/B2) visa: $185 (±R3,500)
- Student visa (F1): $185
- Exchange visitor visa (J1): $185
The process can also include an interview at the US Consulate, appointment booking fees, and documentation requirements — all of which can increase costs.
The most expensive visa: Citizenship by Investment
While tourist visas are pricey, citizenship by investment programmes take the crown for the most expensive visa options for South Africans. For example:
- USA EB-5 visa programme: Requires an investment of $800,000–$1,050,000 into a qualifying American business, along with additional legal and filing fees.
- Caribbean nations like St. Kitts and Nevis offer citizenship starting from $100,000 (±R1.9 million).
These visas are usually sought by high-net-worth individuals looking for second citizenship or passport mobility.
Australia: mid-range but tough
Australia is another favourite, especially for students and working professionals. It’s slightly less expensive than the UK, but it still involves strict criteria.
- Tourist visa (subclass 600): AUD 150 (±R1,850)
- Student visa: AUD 710 (±R8,800)
- Work visas vary from AUD 330 to AUD 4,000+, depending on the type.
Processing times can also be lengthy, so applying well in advance is advised.
Other popular destinations and costs
Search:
| Country | Visa Type | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Visitor visa | CAD 100 (±R1,400) |
| New Zealand | Visitor visa | NZD 211 (±R2,500) |
| China | Tourist visa (L) | R1,500+ |
| Thailand | Visa-free (up to 30 days) | Free |
| United Arab Emirates | Tourist visa (30 days) | ±R1,700 (via agency) |
| Turkey | e-Visa | $61 (±R1,150) |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Free |
| Japan | Visa-free (up to 90 days) | Free |
Note: Prices fluctuate with exchange rates and third-party application service fees.
What drives up the total cost of travel?
Visa fees are just one part of the travel cost equation. South Africans also need to consider:
- Courier and application centre fees (sometimes R500–R1,000+)
- Translation or apostille services for documents
- Travel insurance (often a visa requirement)
- Return flights and accommodation proof
- Bank statements or financial guarantees
Altogether, even a ‘simple’ visa application can run into thousands of rands before you’ve even boarded a plane.
Final thoughts: plan and budget carefully
Travelling internationally as a South African takes planning, patience, and a realistic budget. Visa costs vary significantly, and it’s important to research each destination thoroughly. For frequent travellers, long-term or multiple-entry visas might offer better value, while those with specific financial goals may explore high-end options like citizenship-by-investment.
Before you apply, make sure your documents are in order — and properly apostilled if required. Apostil.co.za can assist you with document legalisation, apostilles, notarisation and even the application process for your visa — helping you save time and avoid delays in your visa process.
