Overview
South African nationals and other residents of South Africa who need a U.S. visa apply at the U.S. Consulates General in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. South Africa is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program; all South African nationals require a visa to enter the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria is the main diplomatic mission and handles consular services for U.S. citizens in its district, while the three consulates handle visa processing for the public.
Visa Services
Visa services for South Africa are handled by the U.S. Consulates General in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban — not by the embassy in Pretoria. Common visa categories include B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange, and all immigrant visa types. Appointments are booked online through the respective consulate portals on ustraveldocs.com.
Consular Services
The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit at the Embassy in Pretoria provides passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notarial services, and emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in its consular district. The consulates in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban serve U.S. citizens in their respective regions. U.S. citizens in South Africa should register with the STEP program.
Trade & Export Support
The U.S. Commercial Service works to promote U.S. exports to South Africa across sectors including healthcare, energy, and information technology. It assists U.S. companies with market access and opportunities under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Investment Opportunities
The SelectUSA program at the embassy promotes South African investment in the United States. The embassy also supports U.S. companies investing in South Africa, particularly in renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.
Business Support
The embassy's Economic Section supports U.S. businesses operating in South Africa with market information, investment climate assessments, and trade policy engagement. South Africa is the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa and a significant market for U.S. goods and services.
Cultural & Educational Programs
The Public Affairs section manages educational and cultural exchange programs including the Fulbright Program and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI/Mandela Washington Fellowship). These programmes build links between the two countries in academic, professional, and public life.
Appointment Information
Visa appointments must be booked at the relevant consulate (Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban) via ustraveldocs.com. ACS appointments at the Embassy in Pretoria are booked online via za.usembassy.gov. Embassy address: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083. Phone: +27 12 431 4000.
Special Notes
The Embassy in Pretoria handles diplomatic and citizen services but does not process public visa applications — those must go to a consulate. All visitors are subject to security screening. U.S. citizens in South Africa should register with STEP and monitor State Department travel advisories.