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Online, physical or both?
Start online
Open the authorised VFS South Africa Nigeria visa page, select Holiday Visa and download/check the current Nigeria-specific checklist before completing the BI-84 form. Then prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
A physical step is required
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Book the VFS appointment and attend the correct Nigerian Visa Application Centre in person with the complete file; pay the visa fee and VFS service charge using the payment method currently stated by VFS.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use South Africa DHA's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
Passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days after the intended South Africa visit, with unused visa/endorsement pages
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Open the authorised VFS South Africa Nigeria visa page, select Holiday Visa and download/check the current Nigeria-specific checklist before completing the BI-84 form.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Completed BI-84 visitor-visa application form
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Open the authorised VFS South Africa Nigeria visa page, select Holiday Visa and download/check the current Nigeria-specific checklist before completing the BI-84 form.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Two recent colour passport photographs meeting the South Africa/VFS photo specification
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Return or onward flight reservation and proof of accommodation for the intended stay
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Proof of financial means, such as an original bank statement with the bank's official stamp/signature; VFS guidance for visitor visas commonly requires recent transaction history
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Statement or documents explaining the tourism purpose and intended duration; if staying with a host, include the invitation and the host's South African status/identity evidence
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Yellow-fever vaccination certificate where the traveller's journey triggers the South African yellow-fever requirement
- Why you need it
- Used as documentary evidence for the qualification, status or civil fact relevant to this service.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Open the authorised VFS South Africa Nigeria visa page, select Holiday Visa and download/check the current Nigeria-specific checklist before completing the BI-84 form.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Open the authorised VFS South Africa Nigeria visa page, select Holiday Visa and download/check the current Nigeria-specific checklist before completing the BI-84 form.
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days after the intended South Africa visit, with unused visa/endorsement pages
- Completed BI-84 visitor-visa application form
- Two recent colour passport photographs meeting the South Africa/VFS photo specification
Check the finished document/result for spelling, identity details, reference numbers and status before relying on it.
Keep the final document/result plus any receipt or reference used to obtain it.
Prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
- Statement or documents explaining the tourism purpose and intended duration; if staying with a host, include the invitation and the host's South African status/identity evidence
- Return or onward flight reservation and proof of accommodation for the intended stay
- Two recent colour passport photographs meeting the South Africa/VFS photo specification
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
Book the VFS appointment and attend the correct Nigerian Visa Application Centre in person with the complete file; pay the visa fee and VFS service charge using the payment method currently stated by VFS.
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days after the intended South Africa visit, with unused visa/endorsement pages
- Completed BI-84 visitor-visa application form
- Proof of financial means, such as an original bank statement with the bank's official stamp/signature; VFS guidance for visitor visas commonly requires recent transaction history
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
Keep the VFS receipt and tracking reference while the High Commission assesses the application; respond through the authorised channel if additional information is requested.
No additional document is specifically tied to this step in the verified guide. Use the full checklist above and follow the official prompt.
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
When notified, follow VFS passport-collection/return instructions and check the visa validity, entries and authorised stay before buying any non-refundable travel arrangements.
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days after the intended South Africa visit, with unused visa/endorsement pages
- Return or onward flight reservation and proof of accommodation for the intended stay
- Completed BI-84 visitor-visa application form
Check the finished document/result for spelling, identity details, reference numbers and status before relying on it.
Keep the final document/result plus any receipt or reference used to obtain it.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
When notified, follow VFS passport-collection/return instructions and check the visa validity, entries and authorised stay before buying any non-refundable travel arrangements.
The South African High Commission's Nigeria guidance lists a minimum of 15 working days for short-term visa processing, although individual cases can take longer.
Use South Africa DHA's official support channel with the application/reference details.
Important notes
- VFS states that optional premium/courier services do not improve the chance of approval or expedite the visa decision.
- Short-term holiday visas are for leisure; applicants intending business, work or another purpose should use the correct South African visa category.
- Fees and service charges are non-refundable and can change, so confirm the current amount on the VFS Nigeria page on the day of submission.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days after the intended South Africa visit, with unused visa/endorsement pages — Document
- Completed BI-84 visitor-visa application form — Document
- Two recent colour passport photographs meeting the South Africa/VFS photo specification — Document
- Return or onward flight reservation and proof of accommodation for the intended stay — Document
- Proof of financial means, such as an original bank statement with the bank's official stamp/signature; VFS guidance for visitor visas commonly requires recent transaction history — Payment / transaction evidence
- Statement or documents explaining the tourism purpose and intended duration; if staying with a host, include the invitation and the host's South African status/identity evidence — Document
- Yellow-fever vaccination certificate where the traveller's journey triggers the South African yellow-fever requirement — Document
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Online + physical visit. Open the authorised VFS South Africa Nigeria visa page, select Holiday Visa and download/check the current Nigeria-specific checklist before completing the BI-84 form. Then prepare the passport, photographs, flight reservation, accommodation evidence, financial documents and purpose-of-trip evidence; include host identity/status evidence if the applicant will stay with a private host.
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Book the VFS appointment and attend the correct Nigerian Visa Application Centre in person with the complete file; pay the visa fee and VFS service charge using the payment method currently stated by VFS.
How much does this service cost?
₦10,400 visa fee + VFS service fee — VFS Nigeria currently lists a ₦10,400 Holiday Visa fee plus a ₦29,400 service charge for Lagos/Abuja applications; the Port Harcourt service charge is listed as ₦49,400. Fees can change with exchange rates.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
The South African High Commission's Nigeria guidance lists a minimum of 15 working days for short-term visa processing, although individual cases can take longer.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for South Africa holiday visa: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Complete the final published step: When notified, follow VFS passport-collection/return instructions and check the visa validity, entries and authorised stay before buying any non-refundable travel arrangements.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use South Africa DHA's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- VFS states that optional premium/courier services do not improve the chance of approval or expedite the visa decision.
- Short-term holiday visas are for leisure; applicants intending business, work or another purpose should use the correct South African visa category.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Visa questions Nigerians commonly need answered
Foreign visa rules are country-specific. These answers explain the issues that commonly cause confusion without inventing a universal bank balance, sponsor rule or appeal process.
How much money must be in my bank account?
Proof of financial means, such as an original bank statement with the bank's official stamp/signature; VFS guidance for visitor visas commonly requires recent transaction history
Use the exact financial-evidence rule in the checklist above. The evidence should match who is paying for the trip, the trip length and the application form. Do not rely on an unofficial agent's fixed “required balance” unless the destination authority itself publishes that amount.
Can another person or company sponsor my trip?
Only use sponsorship where this visa route accepts it. If a sponsor is paying, follow the country-specific checklist for the sponsor letter, relationship to the applicant, identity or immigration-status evidence, financial evidence and any undertaking/responsibility form.
Sponsorship does not automatically replace documents the destination still requires from the applicant, such as employment, study, business, family or other evidence connected to the applicant's own circumstances.
What if the applicant is under 18?
Minor-applicant rules differ by destination and are not safely interchangeable between countries.
Where the detailed checklist above does not list a child rule, open the exact official instructions before submitting. Birth certificates, parental/guardian consent, parent IDs/passports, custody documents and details of the adult travelling with or hosting the child can be required.
Should I buy a flight ticket before the visa is approved?
Use the type of travel evidence the official checklist asks for. Several visitor-visa systems ask for a reservation or itinerary rather than a non-refundable paid ticket. Do not turn a reservation requirement into an unnecessary non-refundable purchase.
If this country's official instructions specifically require a paid ticket or another form of confirmed travel, that country-specific requirement takes priority.
What happens if the visa is refused?
Read the refusal/decision letter first. It should identify the reason and, where the law provides one, the appeal, review or reconsideration route. Some visa systems instead expect a new application.
If you reapply, address the stated reason and disclose previous refusals whenever the form asks. Do not submit altered, false or contradictory documents to try to overcome a refusal.
Does getting the visa guarantee entry at the airport or border?
No. A visa normally allows you to travel to a border and request entry; border authorities can still check whether you meet the entry conditions and whether the purpose of travel matches the visa.
What should I carry when I actually travel?
Keep your passport and visa/eVisa or grant notice accessible. Also carry the important evidence relevant to your trip, such as return/onward travel, accommodation or host details, invitation letter, travel insurance and evidence of funds or sponsorship where those formed part of the visa route.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
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