South Africa Visa RequirementsFor Taiwan passport holders
South Africa requires Taiwan passport holders to obtain a visa before travel. The fee is approximately USD 60 for a tourist visa allowing up to 90 days.
Taiwan passport holders require a visa to enter South Africa.
There is no South African diplomatic mission in Taiwan. Apply at the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei (which handles some visa functions) or at the South African High Commission in Tokyo, Seoul, or other cities. Required documents: valid ROC passport, visa application form (BI-84), passport photos, return ticket, hotel bookings, bank statements, yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic countries. Processing: 5-10 business days.
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 ROC Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
South Africa Visa Application Form (BI-84)
Completed in full. Available from Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei or South African missions abroad.
Passport-Size Photos
Two recent color photos, white background, 35x45mm.
Return Flight Ticket
Confirmed departure from South Africa within your visa validity.
Hotel Booking
Confirmed accommodation for your South Africa stay.
Bank Statements
Minimum 3 months. Sufficient funds: ZAR 5,000 per week is commonly cited or international credit card.
Travel Insurance
Medical coverage for South Africa, including emergency evacuation.
Visa Fee Approximately USD 60
Paid at the South African mission where you apply.
Yellow Fever Certificate Recommended
Required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (parts of Africa or South America).
Required at Entry
South Africa Visa
ROC passport with South Africa visa. Present at SA border control at OR Tambo (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT).
Current Travel Situation
Taiwan to South Africa: What You Need to Know
South Africa and Taiwan had formal diplomatic relations until 1998, when South Africa switched recognition to the PRC, making it one of the more significant countries to sever ties with Taiwan. Despite this, South Africa and Taiwan maintain unofficial relations through the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei and the Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria. Taiwan-South Africa trade continues, and there is a Taiwanese business community in South Africa. Taiwanese passport holders must apply for a visa as South Africa withdrew visa-free access when it changed its recognition.
How to Get There
If you plan to visit neighboring countries (Botswana, Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, Namibia, Zambia), check visa requirements for each country; some offer visa-free access for Taiwan or eVisas.
Money & Banking
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available in cities. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger retailers, but cash is needed in markets and townships. Be security-aware with ATM use.
Practical Tips
Flights from Taipei to Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) require connections via the Middle East (Doha, Dubai) or potentially Singapore. South African Airways and Emirates are common options. The journey is long (20+ hours including stopover).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Taiwan passport holders need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. South Africa requires Taiwan (ROC) passport holders to obtain a visa before travel. The fee is approximately USD 60. There is no South African diplomatic mission in Taiwan; apply at the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei or at a South African Embassy in a third country.
How did Taiwan-South Africa relations change in 1998?
South Africa had formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan until 1998, when it switched recognition to the PRC. This was a significant diplomatic blow to Taiwan. South Africa now operates the Liaison Office in Taipei for unofficial relations, and Taiwan operates the Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria. Despite the change, bilateral trade and investment continue.
Where can Taiwanese citizens apply for a South Africa visa?
Apply at the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei (which has some visa functions) or at the South African High Commission in Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, or other cities where you have legitimate residency or travel status. Contact the Liaison Office in Taipei first to check current processing options.
How do I travel from Taipei to South Africa?
No direct flights exist from Taipei to South Africa. Common connections are via Dubai (Emirates to Johannesburg JNB), Doha (Qatar Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), or Hong Kong to Johannesburg or Cape Town (CPT). Total journey time is approximately 18-24 hours.
What are the top attractions in South Africa for Taiwanese tourists?
Cape Town (Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Winelands), Kruger National Park (Big Five safari), the Garden Route, Johannesburg (Apartheid Museum, Soweto), and the Drakensberg Mountains are the top draws. South Africa offers exceptional wildlife safari experiences.
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available in cities. Use ATMs at shopping centers or inside banks for security; avoid standalone outdoor ATMs. Cards are accepted in hotels and major retailers. Cash is useful for tips, small purchases, and markets.
What safety precautions should Taiwanese tourists take in South Africa?
South Africa has high crime rates particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Stay in tourist-designated areas, use reputable accommodation with good security, use licensed tour operators for township visits, do not walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables out of sight, and use Uber rather than street taxis. Despite the risks, millions of tourists visit safely each year.