As South Africans eye international travel, particularly to the United States, apprehensions about visa-related issues are mounting.
With diplomatic relations between the US and South Africa currently under strain, even valid visa holders are questioning their welcome in America.
Recent statistics from the US International Trade Administration further underline this anxiety, revealing a nearly 10% decline in international air visitors to the States in March alone, compared to last year.

This cultural and economic shift has put traveller confidence in a precarious position, as having a visa does not guarantee entry.
Lynette Machiri, customer experience leader at Flight Centre South Africa, emphasises that “Customs and Border Protection officers make the final call at the airport.”

Machiri says this assertion rings true not only for the US but for every global destination. She notes that the onus is on travellers to ensure that they meticulously prepare their documentation and understand travel requirements.
Here are essential dos and don'ts to navigate visa travel, according to Machiri.

Dos of visa travel
• Double-check personal information and ensure consistency across all documents.
• Select the right visa type and tailor the visa application to your purpose of travel to avoid complications.
• Prepare detailed documentation and have a clear record of your travel plans, including confirmed accommodation and return tickets when required.
• Provide proof of funds while being ready to show evidence of finances to support your stay.
• Allocate time for visa processing, including preparing ahead, taking into account varying processing times.
• Disclose previous visa refusals as transparency in your visa application may prevent future complications.
• Consider flexible travel fares and book flexible or unrestricted flights, accommodating potential visa delays.
• Invest in comprehensive travel insurance and make sure the policy covers various contingencies; read the terms carefully.
• Seek professional advice so a knowledgeable travel advisor can streamline the process and provide targeted support.
• Be prepared to explain your travel purpose, as providing clear and consistent communication with border officials is crucial.
• Keep hard and digital copies of documents and ensure easy access to important papers during travel.

Don'ts of visa travel
• Don’t apply for the wrong visa type, and avoid tourist visas if your visit involves work, study, or other business-related activities.
• Don’t assume a transit visa is unnecessary. Check if a visa is required, even for airport layovers.
• Avoid travelling with near-expiring documents. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond your departure date.
• Do not provide vague answers. Be specific and consistent in your explanations to border control.
• Don’t rush the visa application process. Patience can prevent errors that lead to denial.
• Don’t believe a visa guarantees entry. It only authorises you to apply for entry; the final decision rests with immigration officials.
• Don’t neglect the fine print of insurance. Understand what your travel insurance covers and excludes.
• Avoid last-minute visa appointments and plan accordingly to secure timely application submissions.
• Don’t travel without hard copies. Always have printed versions of relevant documents readily accessible.

Lastly, Machiri notes that being informed and prepared are essential steps to ensuring a smooth passage through immigration.
"The majority of international travellers navigate the process without incident, with the right precautions and diligent preparation playing pivotal roles," she says.

The US has suspended student visa appointments globally, including for Indian applicants, as it intensifies social media checks. This has left many Indian students unsure about their future studies
The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide, including in India, to stop scheduling appointments for student visas while it moves to ramp up social media checks. The decision could disrupt the plans of thousands of students hoping to begin courses in the US this autumn and may damage the country’s reputation as a destination for study and research.

Who’s most affected?

“Quite simply, the students most affected will be those who have not secured an appointment and those who have already scheduled one,” Ajay Sharma, an immigration expert told Business Standard. “The rejection rate could rise, particularly for applicants whose posts have been liked, shared, or forwarded—especially if they are considered controversial. These could include politically charged posts or ones seen as antisemitic.”


Sharma added, “For those with appointments in the autumn, chances may be slim if they are flagged for such activity. In terms of safeguarding interests, remember that digital footprints are hard to erase, so deleting posts is pointless. It’s better to be prepared to explain why you made those posts if the visa officer questions them. Otherwise, your application could be rejected.”

Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration, said, “The move targets a narrow segment of applicants, often due to security, fraud, or policy-related concerns. It doesn’t apply to all students across the board. Generally, students linked—knowingly or unknowingly—to flagged institutions, suspicious financial documents, or perceived visa misuse may face temporary holds or outright rejections. That said, most genuine applicants from recognised universities and transparent profiles are not affected.”

Singh added, “Indian students applying to lesser-known or blacklisted institutions, especially those with high visa fraud cases in the past, are more vulnerable. Also, students who present incomplete documentation, inconsistencies in their academic or financial history, or show weak post-study plans—especially if they cannot convincingly answer why they wish to study in the US—might face scrutiny. STEM applicants generally have a smoother route, but even they can face delays if flagged by security clearance protocols.”

Impact on autumn intake

“For those planning to join in the August–September 2025 intake, this situation can create uncertainty and anxiety, especially for students still awaiting I-20 forms or those with pending visa appointments,” Singh said. “A delayed visa could mean deferring the semester, missing out on scholarships, or bearing higher rebooking costs for flights and accommodations. However, most reputed institutions are aware of these patterns and usually allow flexibility through deferred admissions or late arrivals.”

What does the order state?

An official memo says embassies and consulates will now be increasing their social media vetting for student and foreign exchange visas. “We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting,” the State Department said. It has not said what kind of social media content might be seen as unacceptable, but applicants must now list social media information dating back to 2019 on their forms.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote, “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued.”

This order comes as President Donald Trump’s administration takes a tougher line on some of the country’s leading universities, accusing them of failing to deal with antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.

What can students do?

Abhisha Parikh, a US-based immigration lawyer, posted this advice on social media:

* Check your embassy’s website regularly
* Stay in contact with your school’s international student office
* Be careful with what you post online
* Save communications and documents in case of delays

Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education, said, “Our advice to the students and their families is to understand that this is a ‘temporary pause’ while the US consular sections incorporate and formalise the new process of social media vetting of applicants’ profiles. It is important to note that the temporary pause has been introduced for fresh applications only. Current appointments remain unaffected, and students will be expected to appear for their visa interviews as planned.”

Kumar added, “Students should remain calm, and given the new profile vetting parameter, mindful of their social media activity. It is important for them to understand the power of social media and ensure they uphold the status of being model, responsible global citizens. Students should stay updated through verified sources such as the US Embassy website or their social media handles for the most updated and unbiased information.”

Parikh said, “Foreign-born professionals make up 19% of all STEM workers and 43% of PhD-level scientists and engineers. They’re crucial in tech, engineering, and biomedical research.”

Practical steps to protect plans

Singh shared these suggestions:

* Apply early, as soon as you get your I-20, to give yourself more time to reapply if needed
* Double-check your documents, making sure your academic transcripts, bank statements, and intent letters are clear and verifiable
* Avoid agents promising ‘guaranteed’ visas, which often involve practices that could flag your file
* Stay in touch with your university, as many US universities help students with visa delays
* Consider applying to countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia as a backup

“For those who have never posted anything questionable, the best safeguard is to avoid posting content that could be seen as politically sensitive, critical of the US, or antisemitic,” Sharma said. “The simple advice is to steer clear of politics. Your goal is to study in the US—focus on that and stay away from political controversies for now. You’ll have the rest of your life to engage with those issues if you wish.”

• Canada’s tourist visa backlog now exceeds 400 days — and it’s not the only consulate facing major delays.
• 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.

• Canada’s tourist visa backlog now exceeds 400 days — and it’s not the only consulate facing major delays.
• 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.

• Canada’s tourist visa backlog now exceeds 400 days — and it’s not the only consulate facing major delays.
• 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.