In Pakistan, all visas and consulate cases for South Africa are handled by the High Commission of South Africa in Islamabad. Not any other Pakistani city has a separate embassy or consular office that releases visas. Instead of this, VFS works as an official partner to handle global appointments, receive applications and collect biometrics, while the final decision on visa is always made by the High Commission in Islamabad.
1. High Commission of South Africa – Islamabad
- Location: House 7, Street 58, Sector F-7/4, Islamabad 5120, Pakistan
- Telephone: +92-51-261-1312
- Fax: +92-51-265-5307 / +92-51-265-5308
- Visa & Consular Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
- General Inquiries / Trade: [email protected]
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 AM – 04:00 PM (appointments are usually required in advance)
All visa applications from Pakistan are managed by this High Commission, even if they are submitted via VFS Global.
2. VFS Global – Visa Application Centres (VACs)
VFS Global is the only official partner of the South African High Commission in Pakistan. Its role is to collect visa applications, fees, and biometrics, then forward everything to the High Commission for a decision.
How it works:
- Visit the VFS Global South Africa website for Pakistan.
- Register, choose your visa type, and book an appointment online.
- Pay the service fee and attend your appointment at the selected VFS office.
- Submit your passport, required documents, and biometrics.
- Track your application status through the VFS system.
- Collect your passport once the High Commission makes a decision.
3. Visa Fees (Example: Short-Term Visitor Visa)
- Visitor Visa (DHA-84 application form, Section 11(1)): PKR 3,700 (non-refundable, payable to the High Commission).
- VFS Service Charges: Additional amount, payable when booking through the VFS system (fees are displayed at the time of booking).
Visa cost depends on the type of visa (tourism, study, business, work, etc.), so it’s important to check the current rates before applying.
4. Step-by-Step Process – Applying for a South African Visa from Pakistan
- Go to the official VFS Global South Africa portal for Pakistan.
- Select the visa category and fill out the DHA-84 form.
- Reserve your appointment slot and pay the VFS fee online.
- Visit the VFS Centre on the given date to submit documents and biometrics.
- VFS forwards your application to the South African High Commission in Islamabad.
- The High Commission may request more documents or call you for an interview if needed.
- Collect your passport from VFS once your visa has been processed.
5. Documents Required (Visitor Visa Example)
Applicants are generally asked to provide:
- Completed and signed DHA-84 visa form
- Recent passport-size photograph(s)
- Original passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages, plus photocopies
- Proof of visa fee payment (PKR 3,700)
- Recent three-month bank statement (signed and stamped by the bank)
- Confirmed return or onward flight booking
- Supporting documents explaining purpose of visit (invitation letter, travel plan, or itinerary)
- For minors: birth certificate, parents’ consent letter, and proof of accommodation if required
- CNIC copy for adults (or birth certificate for children)
- Copies of previous passports (if available)
⚠️ Depending on the visa category, additional papers may be requested by the High Commission.
6. Key Advice & Important Notes
- Pakistan has only one full South African mission, located in Islamabad. All visa decisions are finalized there.
- Always use official mediums to avoid fraud or misinformation.
- Visa rules, fees, and required documents may change. Always verify the latest updates before applying.
- For services beyond visas—such as passport renewal, document attestation, or emergencies—you must contact the High Commission directly.
- Honorary consulates may exist but usually provide limited assistance only and do not issue visas.
