South Africa passport → Canada

Do South African citizens need a visa for Canada?

Visa required in advance

South African passport holders need a visa for Canada, arranged before you travel. Depending on the country, that means an online application, a sponsor or agent, or an appointment at a visa centre.

Apply on the official site: canada.ca

What this means for your trip

Start early. Some countries take the whole application online; others need a visa-centre appointment for fingerprints, and waits can be long in peak season.
Typical documents: application form, photos, bank statements, tax returns, an employment letter, bookings and travel insurance.
If you already hold certain other visas, a simpler route may apply. Check the section below.

Get trip-ready for Canada

Canada eSIMData the moment you land. Skip the SIM queue and roaming bills.See data plans →Things to do in CanadaTours, attraction passes and airport transfers, often cheaper booked ahead.Browse experiences →Flights to CanadaCompare hundreds of airlines and agencies in one search.Find cheap flights →Flight delayed or cancelled?You could be owed up to €600. Check your flight in two minutes.Check compensation →

Partner links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Canada at a glance

Capital: Ottawa
Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)
Languages: English, French
Calling code: +1
Region: Northern America

Read the Canada travel guide →

CA60.0°N · 95.0°WPhoto: Moxy other_versions= Maple Leaf (Pantone).svg650 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Rockies, lakes and multicultural citiesBanff and Lake Louise · Niagara Falls · Old Montreal and Quebec City

Canada for other passports

South AfricaVisa required
IndiaVisa required
United StatesVisa-free180 days
United KingdomeTA180 days
United Arab EmirateseTA180 days
ChinaVisa required
SingaporeeTA180 days
PakistanVisa required
BangladeshVisa required
Sri LankaVisa required
NepalVisa required
NigeriaVisa required
PhilippinesVisa required

Nearby in Northern America for South African passport holders

United StatesVisa required

Common questions

Do South African citizens need a visa for Canada?

South African passport holders need a visa for Canada, arranged before you travel. Depending on the country, that means an online application, a sponsor or agent, or an appointment at a visa centre.

How long can South African citizens stay in Canada?

The allowed stay depends on the visa you are granted. Check the decision letter or entry stamp.

Can South African citizens get a visa on arrival in Canada?

Not under the standard rules.

How many countries can South African citizens visit without a visa?

93 destinations allow entry without a visa arranged in advance (visa-free, visa on arrival or eTA). The South Africa passport ranks #47 of 94 (passports with equal scores share a rank).

Source: Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0). Updated weekly. Rules can change, so give the official site a quick look before you fly.