South Africa Visa RequirementsFor Romania passport holders
Romanian passport holders must obtain a South African visitor's visa before travel. Apply at the South African Embassy or High Commission. The fee is approximately USD 60 and the visa allows stays up to 90 days.
Romania passport holders require a visa to enter South Africa.
Apply at the South African Embassy or their Visa Application Centre in Bucharest. Documents required include a valid passport (valid for 30 days beyond the return date), completed BI-84 application form, two recent passport photos, bank statements showing sufficient funds, return flight tickets, yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country), and travel insurance. Processing takes approximately 5-10 business days. Apply at least 4 weeks before departure.
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
Valid Romanian Passport
Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the return travel date with at least 2 blank pages.
Completed BI-84 Application Form
Official South African visitor's visa application form.
Two Recent Passport Photos
Color photos on white background meeting specifications.
Bank Statements
Last 3 months showing sufficient funds for the trip.
Return Flight Tickets
Confirmed booking showing entry and exit from South Africa.
Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance covering the duration of the trip.
Hotel Reservations or Safari Bookings
Confirmation of accommodation or tour itinerary.
Required at Entry
Visa Grant and Valid Passport
Present passport with visa stamp at South African immigration.
Current Travel Situation
Romania to South Africa: What You Need to Know
South Africa does not offer visa-free access to Romanian citizens. A visitor's visa must be obtained in advance at the South African Embassy in Bucharest. South Africa is the most visited destination in Africa, offering world-class safari experiences, stunning Cape winelands, the iconic Table Mountain, Garden Route, and rich cultural heritage.
How to Get There
South Africa connects with Namibia (Windhoek, spectacular desert and wildlife), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), and Mozambique (Mozambique Island, Tofo beach). Many overlanders do a Southern Africa circuit combining several countries.
Money & Banking
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Exchange USD or EUR to ZAR on arrival at South African banks or forex offices. Cards are widely accepted in cities and major tourist areas. Carry some cash for townships, rural areas, and smaller vendors. South Africa offers excellent value for money: safari, wine, food, and accommodation are all considerably cheaper than equivalent experiences in Europe.
Practical Tips
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities: Table Mountain (cable car or hiking), Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins, and the Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) are highlights. Safari in Kruger National Park (world's most famous game reserve) is a bucket-list experience. The Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is a spectacular self-drive coastal route. South Africa is a driving destination; car hire is affordable and roads are generally good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Romanian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. Romanian passport holders require a visitor's visa for South Africa. Apply at the South African Embassy in Bucharest before travel.
How much does the South Africa visitor visa cost?
Approximately USD 60 (or equivalent in RON). Confirm the current fee with the South African Embassy.
What documents are needed for a South Africa visa application?
Valid passport, completed BI-84 form, two passport photos, bank statements, return flight tickets, travel insurance, and (if required) yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Are there direct flights from Romania to South Africa?
No direct flights. Common connections from Bucharest are via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Total travel time is approximately 13-16 hours.
Is it safe to drive in South Africa?
Driving is the best way to explore South Africa, especially the Garden Route. Roads are generally good. Be vigilant about car security in cities; avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars, and avoid driving at night in unfamiliar urban areas.
What is the best time to visit South Africa?
Cape Town is best from October to April (summer). Safari in Kruger is best from May to September (dry season) when animals gather at water sources and vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for South Africa?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, South America). If traveling directly from Romania, it is not required.
How does self-drive safari in Kruger National Park work?
Kruger has excellent self-drive roads; you can enter with a hired car and navigate on your own. Book accommodation inside the park (rest camps run by SANParks) well in advance, especially for the dry season. The Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) are all present.