South Africa entry requirements for Oman passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Omani passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Africa. The eVisa system is fully operational in 2026, so you can apply online before you travel. No visa-free entry is available for Omanis.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for a South African eVisa | Omani passport holders need an eVisa before traveling to South Africa. Apply through the official eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before departure — processing can take 5–10 business days. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. South Africa requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay — no 6-month rule, but airlines may enforce it. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're overlanding to a neighboring country, show a bus or train ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying for the first few nights. Have hotel confirmations or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Airbnb bookings are accepted — print the confirmation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means for your stay | You need to show you can cover your expenses — roughly 1,000 ZAR per day is a safe benchmark. Bank statements from the last 3 months or a credit card with a sufficient limit work. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa takes 5–10 business days. There is no expedited option. If you apply too close to departure, you risk missing your flight.
Keep digital copies
Save your eVisa PDF, flight booking, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. Airport Wi-Fi can be patchy, so download them before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa website. Fill in the application form, upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around ZAR 1,350, roughly OMR 25–30) by credit card. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Wait for approval
Check your email (including spam) for the eVisa approval letter. It's a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. The eVisa is usually valid for 90 days from issue, for a single entry.
3
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, accommodation booking, travel insurance certificate. Put them in a folder you can grab quickly.
4
Arrive at a South African airport
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town, or King Shaka (Durban), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue. Hand over your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will scan your passport, stamp it, and let you through. Expect questions about your plans — answer honestly.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Oman Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for longer stays beyond eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD)
For retirees or long-term visitors with sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or assets. Requires proof of financial means and medical cover.
work visa
Critical Skills Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For professionals in occupations listed as critical skills. Requires job offer and relevant qualifications.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least ZAR 5 million in a South African business. Must create jobs.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a registered institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Oman passport holders applying online. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applying at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, processed at South African embassy. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~$555 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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
Oman passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in northeastern regions (Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, Limpopo) during rainy season.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in northeastern provinces (e.g., Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal) especially from October to May. Prophylaxis recommended for those 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.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and visa queries for Western Cape.
Practical information for OM 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. Omanis must have an eVisa approved before travel. There is no visa on arrival for Omani passport holders.
Typically 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe. Processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons.
The fee is around ZAR 1,350 (about OMR 25–30). You pay online by credit card. There are no additional service charges if you use the official government portal.
No. The eVisa is for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa before you travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process — just submit a new application.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Oman is not a risk country, so you don't need it if flying direct. If transiting through a risk country, you may need proof of vaccination.
No. South Africa requires a full validity passport with at least 6 months remaining. Temporary or emergency passports are not accepted.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.