South Africa to Japan: Visa Required — Documents & Application (2026)
South Africa passport holders must obtain a visa from the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan before traveling to Japan.
Last verified: Source last changed: Source: MOFA
South Africa
Visa requiredRequired documents
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
- Proof of financial means
- Employment certificate or student enrolment proof
Information is based on publicly available data as of 2026-09-05. Always confirm with the nearest Japanese embassy/consulate before travel.
Where South Africa nationals apply
Applications are handled by the Japanese diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over your place of residence. These are the missions in South Africa:
Address and telephone
Embassy of Japan in Republic of South Africa, 259 Baines Street, corner Frans Oerder Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria 0181, Republic of South Africa. (Private Bag X999, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa.) Tel:(27-12)452-1500 Office of Consul of Japan in Cape Town, Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa. 21st Floor Office, The Towers, 2 Heerengracht Corner, Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town 8001, The Republic of South Africa. Tel:(27-21)425-1693~5Jurisdiction varies by prefecture/region of residence — confirm with the mission before applying.
Mission list from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan →
How to apply for a Japan visa
South Africa passport holders apply for a short-term visa at a Japanese Embassy, Consulate-General or an accredited travel agency. The typical steps are:
- 1
Confirm your visa type
For tourism or business, apply for a Temporary Visitor visa, and decide between single- and multiple-entry.
- 2
Prepare the required documents
Gather your passport, application form, photo, itinerary, proof of funds and the supporting documents listed above.
- 3
Submit your application
Apply at the Japanese mission with jurisdiction over your area, or via an accredited agency. Some missions require a prior appointment.
- 4
Wait for processing
Standard processing is about 5 business days from acceptance, though it varies by mission and season.
- 5
Collect your visa
Pick up your passport with the visa sticker and check the validity and permitted stay before you travel.
- Typical processing time
- About 5 business days (varies by mission)
- Visa fee (reference)
- Single-entry approx. ¥3,000, multiple-entry approx. ¥6,000, paid in local currency. Some nationalities are exempt from the fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Do South Africa passport holders need a visa to visit Japan?
- Yes. South Africa passport holders are not covered by Japan's visa-exemption arrangements, so a visa must be obtained from a Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General before travel — even for short tourist stays.
- Where do South Africa passport holders apply for a Japan visa?
- Applications are submitted to the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan with jurisdiction over your place of residence, or through an accredited travel agency. Applications are handled by the Japanese diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over your place of residence. These are the missions in South Africa: Embassy of Japan, Consular Office in Cape Town.
- How long does it take to get a Japan visa?
- Processing normally takes about 5 business days from the day the mission accepts your application, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons.
- Can I work remotely on a visa-free stay?
- Short-term visa-free stays do not permit employment in Japan. For remote work, consider the Digital Nomad visa.