• Ireland, the US and the UK can take weeks to months, while Schengen visas can take up to 45 days.
• If that’s too long to wait, we’ve also rounded up destinations that offer e-visas or 24-hour approvals for South Africans.
If you’ve applied for a visa for a destination like the United Kingdom, United States, or anywhere in the Schengen region, you’ll know the sinking feeling that accompanies even polite mention of the word. Adding processing delays into the mix, and it becomes a significantly more stressful experience.
While visa applications are rarely fun, most South African passport holders have learned to navigate them — submit the documents, pay the fees, and wait the requisite days to weeks. But in recent months, a worrying pattern has emerged, with some consulates so overwhelmed that delays are jeopardising holidays.
Reports from earlier this year show that Canada’s tourist visa backlog has stretched to as long as 18 months. Ireland, which suddenly reintroduced visa requirements for South Africans in 2024, is taking up to 12 weeks to process applications.
These aren’t isolated cases. Staffing shortages, rising post-pandemic travel demand, biometric appointment bottlenecks, and heightened scrutiny by some countries have dragged processing times far beyond official guidelines. In some cases, delays have forced travellers to cancel or postpone trips entirely.
Schengen countries, popular among South African travellers, aren’t excluded, but most local consulates make promises to turn visa applications around within 15 days. It would take a brave traveller to test this turnaround time ahead of a trip, and the more often accepted turnaround time generally stretches to 45 days.
If you’re planning international travel, the safest bet is to apply as early as possible. For most destinations, you can book an appointment up to 180 days before your intended departure — and that buffer is fast becoming essential.
Below, we break down the average visa processing times of popular destinations that often experience a delay, plus suggest some alternatives with easier options should the delays be insurmountable.
Long waits, high interest
These destinations are bucket-list favourites for South African travellers, but the visa waits can be long and unpredictable. Apply early, and be prepared for follow-ups or documentation delays.
United States
US consulates in South Africa regularly publish appointment wait times for Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Currently, Durban sits at 100 days, Johannesburg at 104 days, and Cape Town at 146 days, or roughly five months, simply to secure an interview.
After the appointment, passports are typically returned within 5 to 10 working days; however, some applicants may experience longer delays due to administrative processing. All in, allow at least six months to complete a non-urgent US tourist visa application.
Canada
While Canadian visas are officially processed in 20 working days, recent backlogs have extended this timeline dramatically.
According to the latest figures published on the Canadian consulate website, South African applicants can expect a processing time of at least 416 days — well over a year.
Ireland
Ireland recently introduced a visa requirement for South African passport holders, triggering a wave of new applications.
The Irish embassy recommends a minimum lead time of 12 weeks, though appointments via VFS — the visa facilitation service — are often available within a day.
United Kingdom
The UK Home Office lists a standard processing time of three weeks for visitor visas. However, actual turnaround may stretch in peak months, especially if additional checks are required.
Australia
According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, 90% of Australian visitor visas are processed within 23 days, and 50% within two weeks. Still, given the consulate’s attention to detail, it’s best to allow as much time as possible in the event of any erroneous or missing documents.
France
Travellers must apply at least 15 days before departure, but reports suggest some visas are issued within a week.
Still, to be safe, most travel agents recommend budgeting at least 45 days for processing.
Netherlands
Officially, Dutch tourist visas take 15 calendar days.
However, technical difficulties recently extended processing times to between 30 and 45 days.
Italy
Italy typically processes visas in 15 days, though some may take up to 45 days, depending on season and volume.
Spain
The Spanish consulate also lists an average turnaround of 15 days to process a Schengen visa, but 45 days is a safer estimate.
Portugal
Portugal’s processing times also hover around 15 days, but it’s best to allow up to 45 days — especially when applying during European summer or holiday periods.
---
Surprisingly quick or digital-friendly
If extended waits have ruled out the above countries, these destinations offer streamlined or online application systems — making them more accessible with short notice.
Türkiye
South Africans can apply for a Turkish e-visa online in minutes, and approval is typically granted within one business day.
UAE
Visa turnaround for the UAE is typically three to four working days, especially when applying via partner airlines like Emirates or Etihad. The process is fast and largely hassle-free.
Thailand
No visa is required for South Africans visiting for less than 30 days. For longer stays, Thailand offers an efficient e-visa system with a turnaround of 2 to 10 business days.
African countries
Many African destinations are either visa-free or offer visas on arrival to South African passport holders. This includes Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kenya. Where e-visas are available and required, embassies typically recommend applying at least one week before departure.
