Do you want to travel to the United States from South Africa and face the challenge of getting a US tourist visa? The best news is that those who do not have a history of any crime can get a visa as South Africans need a visa to enter the United States. Because of increasing demand day by day, the US Embassy recommends that every South African citizen apply for a tourist visa approximately 3 months prior to their final tour date.
Furthermore, visa applicants can check the required waiting time for their visa interview from the U.S. Department of State website. The 1st step is to fill out an online application form on the official government website and then schedule a visa interview with the US Consulate General in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. Normally, the processing time is around fifteen days. Let’s discuss about all the requirements and factors of a US tourist visa for South Africans.
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Details South Africans Should Know about US Tourist Visa
Undoubtedly, the US is a highly visited nation worldwide, and overseas citizens visit the country with their migrant or tourist visas. One of the tourist visas existing for tourists is a non-immigrant visa, Category B visa. The tourist visa is for temporary travel that will allow visitors to stay for a period of around 180 days. There are 2 types of non-immigrant visas, called B1 and B2 visas. Below, we will discuss them.
B1 Visa:
The B1 visa type is for South African business experts and specialists. It is for citizens visiting the US for business seminars, meetings, contract negotiations, events, settling estates, contract signing, or indulging in any activity related to business that will not provide them direct revenue in the procedure.
B2 Visa:
The B2 visa type is likewise a temporary visa, but it is exclusively for tour purposes. Visitors can visit the US with a B2 visa to get medical treatment, spend their vacations, or meet friends and family.
Note
The US Embassy might provide hybrid immigrant visas, permitting passport holders to enjoy their free time and do business in the US. These hybrid visas are very flexible, but the visit applicant needs to meet specific terms and conditions.
US Visa Requirements for South Africans
- A visa applicant’s original passport which is valid for around 6 months past your living period in the United States. Also, it should have around two blank pages for the entry stamps and visa.
- Every tourist who requires a visa should submit a solo application, comprising all family members mentioned in the passport.
- Filled-out and Barcoded DS-160 application form.
- Payment receipt of application fee
- Appointment confirmation page, which applicants must have gotten through email.
- Every passport that has all the past-issued visas to the US and other foreign tours.
- 1 recent photograph according to the requirements of the US tourist Visa. Visa applicants will upload their pictures while filling out Form DS-160 online. In case the picture upload fails, they should come with one printed picture for the visa interview.
- All supporting documents, like invitation letters, bank statements, and letters of employment, might be required.
- A complete birth certificate for associated minors.
- A marriage certificate for their spouse (if any).
US Visa Requirements for Tourists Under 18
- Real birth certificate.
- Kids of 13 years or younger than that are normally not needed to go for an interview.
- A marriage certificate (if married).
- A consent statement from their parents in case they are not traveling with them on the tour.
The Proper Steps to Apply
- Fill out the DS-160 online application appropriately.
- Through credit card, pay your non-refundable visa processing charges online.
- Get the printed copy of the barcoded confirmation application form.
- At the closest US Consulate General, schedule an appointment US visa interview.
- Collect all your required documents as well as any supporting documents that might be needed.
- Go for your scheduled interview.
- Receive your official passport when the embassy updates you.
Extra Information for South Africans
- A person on a US visitor visa, B1 or B2, is not allowed to do work or employment in the US.
- Remember that in an expired passport, a valid US tourist visa is still valid. Except revoked or canceled, your visa is valid till the expiration date. In case applicants have a valid visa in their expired passport, never separate it from the expired one.
- There is no assurance that you will be allotted a visa. That’s why never plan to travel or purchase tickets till you receive a visa.
- Tourists can utilize their valid visa in their expired passport even with a fresh valid passport for tour and entrance to the US.
US Tourists Visa Operating Status
In South Africa, the US Consulate General receives and processes US tourist visa applications from persons physically existing in South Africa, including third-country citizens.
To secure the health and security of visa applicants and teams, they have limited schedules accessible. Candidates can expect more waiting time as compared to normal for scheduling an interview and visa processing. That’s why always plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
We have mentioned everything about US tourist visa requirements for South Africans based on the terms and conditions. It is completely the duty of the tourist to guarantee that all visas and passports are valid, current, got on time, should be valid for 6 months after going back to South Africa, have enough empty pages. Likewise, it is the tourist’s duty to search about the proper travel necessities and to gather the accurate documents for tourist visa applications. Prior to book a flight, it is crucial to determine if a transit visa is mandatory, as this varies between nations and depends on your passport.
