Sources of information (online and in person)
For citizens of Mexico, Central America, and international permanent residents in these regions, the definitive source for accurate and updated information on South African visas, applications, and requirements is the South African Embassy in Mexico City.
For individuals with limited internet access and resources, South African visa applications and information can be obtained in person at the Embassy in Mexico City on business hours (09:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 01:00 pm).
Individuals with email access can request information regarding the visa application and requirements by writing to visa.info@embajadasudafrica.mx
Tech-savvy applicants are advised to download information from the official website for convenient accessibility and sharing.
Visa inquiries to the Consular Clerk and South African Diplomats are encouraged via telephone calls during specified hours: 1:30-3:45 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 9:00 am-3:45 pm on Wednesday; and 9:00 am-12:45 pm on Friday.
Visa inquiries to South African Embassy Staff not specifically handling visas are not encouraged via email, as these staff members lack the authority to provide accurate visa information. To ensure precision, it is advised to direct such queries to visa.info@embajadasudafrica.mx and the aforementioned designated visa-related channels.
The information shared by embassy staff on the Mission’s social media accounts, the Embassy Website, and Google does not encompass details about document arrivals at the embassy, visa statuses, special considerations for last-minute trip planning to South Africa, or exceptions for issuing visas to foreign nationals not permanently residing in Mexico or the Central American countries of accreditation.
To understand the responsibilities, attributions, and capacities of the Embassy staff, please refer to the «Who is who in the visa process» section below.
Visa applicants are urged to click on the «Exemptions Button» below to discover if the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) lists their country, duration of stay, and passport type for qualifying visa exemptions, fee waivers, and certain durations of stay. This resource provides crucial details for a smoother application process.
- Who is who in the visa process:
- The Consular Clerk manages the receipt of visa applications in person or via courier, possessing the authority to advise applicants on outstanding or additional documents during embassy visits or through courier services.
- South African Diplomats oversee the approval process, periodically forwarding approved applicant names to the Department of Home Affairs through a Visa List (V-List) and authorizing visa issuance. However, they lack the authority to expedite visa processing times, except in medical emergencies or government cooperation cases.
- Honorary Consuls in Mexico and Central American countries provide valuable assistance, offering information, screening requirements, and general guidance, though they cannot issue visas or modify processing times stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Other staff at the South African Embassy in Mexico lack the authority to receive applications, comment on the visa processes, or modify processing times set by the Department of Home Affairs.
