German citizens holding German passports are exempt from South African visa control for a period of ninety (90) days. A visitor's permit, for a period not exceeding three (3) months and for a specific purpose e.g. holiday (see note below for other purposes), may therefore be issued to a German citizen holding a German passport at a South African port of entry e.g. international airport, provided that he or she is able to submit the following documentation to the immigration officer:

• a passport valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of  South Africa, and containing at least one (1) blank page for endorsements;
• documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit, if applicable;
• proof of a valid return air ticket or payment of a deposit, or both the return air ticket  and deposit, which shall be refunded after the foreigner's final departure or after a  permanent residence permit has been issued to the foreigner;
• a yellow fever vaccination certificate, if the foreigner travelled or intends travelling  from or through a yellow fever endemic area: provided that the certificate shall not be required when the foreigner travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area;

Note:

- A visitor’s permit may be issued at a South African port of entry by an immigration officer in respect of the following purposes:

i. holiday visits
ii. business visits
iii. to attend conferences, seminars or sports events
iv. to join fiancé
v. accompanying spouse and/or dependent children of a foreigner, who holds a valid visitor’s permit, study permit, treaty permit, business permit, medical treatment permit, work permit, or exchange permit.
vi. studies not exceeding three (3) months
vii. medical treatment not exceeding three (3) months
viii. academic sabbaticals not exceeding three (3) months
ix. voluntary and charitable activities not exceeding three (3) months
x. research not exceeding three (3) months

- The above-mentioned entry requirements do not apply to persons who intend conducting work in the Republic of South Africa.  Such persons, including interns, technicians, journalists and film crews, should contact our office in writing (preferably via email), to request the relevant entry requirements.

- A temporary German passport (vorläufiger Reisepass) with a photograph may be used for entry into the Republic of South Africa. This document must also be valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and contain at least one (1) blank page for endorsements.

- A German child requires either a 'Kinderausweis' or 'Kinderreisepass' with a photo for entry into the Republic of South. This document must also be valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and contain at least one (1) blank page for endorsements.

- Although, it is not a legal requirement for unaccompanied minor children to submit a letter of consent from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for entry into the Republic of South Africa, it is advisable for an unaccompanied minor to have such a letter, which should be written in English and include the particulars of the person(s), who will act as the minor's guardian in the Republic of South Africa.  It is also advisable for children travelling with only one parent to have a letter of consent from the other parent or proof of sole custody, if applicable.