South Africa entry requirements for Lithuania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Lithuanian passport holders can travel to South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and at least one blank page for the entry stamp. No visa application is required for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter South Africa without a visa for short visits. Visa-free entry for up to 90 days | Lithuanian citizens do not need a visa for South Africa for stays up to 90 days. No eVisa application is required; simply present your passport at the port of entry. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire too soon after your trip. Valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSouth African immigration will stamp your passport on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your travel plans. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave South Africa before your 90-day stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to carry proof of financial means. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Africa (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Lithuania passport holders entering South Africa. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected costs. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly recommended for your visit. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
South Africa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Even if you're only staying a week, a passport that expires sooner will get you refused entry. Check your passport now.
90 days is generous — but not extendable
The visa-free stay is a full 90 days, which is plenty for most trips. But it cannot be extended. If you think you might need more time, you must apply for a visa before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, double-check your passport validity (6 months beyond arrival) and have your return ticket and accommodation details handy. If you've been in a yellow fever zone, pack your vaccination certificate.
2
Arrive at a South African airport
You'll land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban). Follow the 'Foreign Passports' signs to the immigration hall.
3
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for non-SADC visitors. Have your passport, boarding pass, and any supporting documents ready. The officer will check your passport, ask about your stay, and stamp you in with a 90-day visitor's permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter South Africa.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Lithuania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-term visitor's visa
Max stayUp to 3 years (multiple entries)
ValidityIssued for up to 3 years, subject to conditions
CostAbout $80 (application fee) plus VFS service fee
For frequent visitors; requires proof of sufficient funds and travel insurance
Work visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (renewable)
ValidityTied to employment contract
CostAbout $80 (application fee) plus VFS service fee
Requires job offer and sponsorship from South African employer
Business visa
Max stayUp to 3 years (renewable)
ValidityTied to business activities
CostAbout $80 (application fee) plus VFS service fee
Requires proof of investment or business registration in South Africa
Study visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityIssued for the length of the academic program
CostAbout $80 (application fee) plus VFS service fee
Requires acceptance letter from a South African educational institution
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 4 years, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of financial means and medical cover. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
General Work Visa (Section 19)
Up to 5 years, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval.
student visa
Study Visa (Section 13)
Duration of course, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of acceptance and financial support.
investor visa
Business Visa (Section 15)
Up to 5 years, renewable
R4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For investors starting or acquiring a business in South Africa. Requires minimum investment of R5 million and job creation plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit extensionApply at VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs; subject to approval | Approx. R1,500 (about $80) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Africa
No transit visa needed
Lithuanian citizens do not need a transit visa for South Africa, even when passing through immigration control.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisEssentialMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in northeastern regions (e.g., Kruger National Park); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, especially during rainy season (October to May). Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all original documents.
Cape Town
Department of Home Affairs (Cape Town Regional Office)
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for LT travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.27 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is for a maximum of 90 days. It is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or permit at a South African embassy or consulate before you travel.
If you're transiting through a South African airport and won't leave the international transit area, you generally don't need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, the 90-day visa-free entry applies.
You will be denied entry. South African immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. Renew your passport before traveling.
Immigration officers may ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. It's wise to carry a credit card and some cash, or a recent bank statement, just in case.
No, you don't need any visa — you get a visitor's permit stamped at the airport, which is valid for up to 90 days. There's no separate visa application or fee.
The visitor's permit is for tourism and business activities like meetings, but not for working for a South African company. Remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated, but it's a grey area. If you plan to work, check with the South African embassy.
Overstaying can result in fines, being declared undesirable, and a ban from re-entering South Africa. The ban can range from 1 to 5 years depending on the length of overstay. Don't risk it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.