South Africa Visa RequirementsFor Hungary passport holders
Hungarian passport holders require a visa to enter South Africa. The visa must be obtained before travel from the South African Embassy or VFS Global visa application center.
Hungary passport holders require a visa to enter South Africa.
Apply for a South African tourist visa through VFS Global (the outsourced application center) or directly at the South African Embassy. Required documents include: valid passport (30 days beyond return date), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), return air ticket, proof of accommodation, travel insurance. Fee is approximately USD 60 / ZAR 1,200. Processing takes 7-15 business days. Apply well in advance.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Completed Visa Application Form
South African visa application form (DHA-84), available from the South African Embassy or VFS Global.
Valid Hungarian Passport
Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond intended departure from South Africa. Must have at least 2 consecutive blank pages for the visa stamp.
Valid Hungarian Passport
Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond intended departure from South Africa. Must have at least 2 consecutive blank pages for the visa stamp.
Valid Passport
Hungarian passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended return date, with at least 2 blank pages.
BI-84 Visa Application Form
The official South African visa application form. Available from the South African Embassy or visa application centres.
BI-84 Visa Application Form
The official South African visa application form. Available from the South African Embassy or visa application centres.
Passport-Size Photographs
Two recent colour passport photographs, white background, 35x45mm.
Passport-Size Photographs
Two recent colour passport photographs, white background, 35x45mm.
Passport-Sized Photographs
Two recent color passport photos meeting South African visa specifications.
Confirmed Return Flight Booking
Round-trip or onward airline ticket confirming departure from South Africa within 90 days.
Return or Onward Air Ticket
Confirmed return flight booking from South Africa.
Confirmed Return Flight Booking
Round-trip or onward airline ticket confirming departure from South Africa within 90 days.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a South African host.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmations or letter of invitation from a host in South Africa.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a South African host.
Bank Statements (Last 3 Months)
Certified bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the stay.
Bank Statements
Bank statements for the last 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds.
Bank Statements (Last 3 Months)
Certified bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the stay.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance policy with medical coverage for the duration of stay.
Travel Insurance
Valid travel and medical insurance covering South Africa for the full visit period.
Travel Insurance
Valid travel and medical insurance covering South Africa for the full visit period.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport with Visa
Present your Hungarian passport with the South African visa at entry.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Recommended
Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for direct flights from Hungary.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Recommended
Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for direct flights from Hungary.
Yellow Fever Certificate Recommended
Required if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever endemic country.
Current Travel Situation
Hungary to South Africa: What You Need to Know
South Africa is one of Africa's premier travel destinations, offering exceptional wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park, the Cape Winelands, Cape Town's Table Mountain, the Garden Route, and the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. Hungarian citizens must apply for a South African visa before travel. Applications are processed through VFS Global visa application centers or the South African Embassy. Processing takes approximately 7-15 business days.
How to Get There
No alternative visa route. The South African visa must be obtained at a consulate or through VFS Global before travel. South African e-Visa systems are being developed but not yet available to all nationalities.
Money & Banking
South African rand (ZAR) is the currency. ATMs widely available. Cards accepted in most tourist areas. Cash important for townships and rural markets. The rand offers good value for European visitors.
Practical Tips
South Africa is a driving destination; self-drive safaris and the Garden Route are best explored by rental car. Drive on the left. Safety is a concern in urban areas, particularly Johannesburg; follow local advice. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hungarian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. Hungarian citizens must obtain a South African visa before travel. No visa on arrival is available for Hungarian passport holders.
Where do Hungarian citizens apply for a South Africa visa?
Applications are submitted through VFS Global (visa outsourcing center) or directly at the South African Embassy. Check the current South African Embassy location and VFS Global center in Budapest.
Where do Hungarian citizens apply for a South African visa?
At the South African Embassy in Vienna (Sandgasse 33, 1190 Vienna) or any operational South African consulate. Verify if the Budapest consulate handles visa applications.
What documents are required for a South Africa tourist visa?
Valid passport (30 days beyond return date), completed application form, passport-sized photos, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for 3 months), return air ticket, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance.
Is South Africa safe to visit?
South Africa requires awareness and precautions. Use Grab/Uber equivalents in cities. Avoid displaying valuables on the street. Safari areas and the Garden Route are generally safe with normal precautions.
How long does South Africa visa processing take?
Processing typically takes 7-15 business days. During peak periods it can be longer. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
What vaccinations are needed for South Africa?
Malaria prophylaxis essential for Kruger National Park and Limpopo. Cape Town and the Western Cape are malaria-free. No yellow fever certificate required for direct flights from Hungary.
How long can I stay in South Africa with a tourist visa?
A standard tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days.
What are the top attractions in South Africa?
Kruger National Park (Big Five safari), Cape Town and Table Mountain, the Garden Route, Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek), Drakensberg mountains, the Cradle of Humankind, and the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape.
How long is the flight from Budapest to South Africa?
About 13-16 hours with one connection via Middle East hubs, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa.
Is South Africa safe for tourists?
South Africa has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises heightened caution in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Carjacking and opportunistic theft are risks. Guided safaris and organized tours offer safer experiences.
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR). The rand has weakened against the euro in recent years, making South Africa relatively affordable for European visitors.