How long does a Canada tourist visa take to process for South Africa citizens?

Standard Canada tourist visa processing for South Africa citizens runs approximately 56 days once your complete application is received. Standard processing is approximately 8 weeks (source: canada.ca processing times). Processing times can lengthen during peak periods. Biometrics must be provided before a decision can be made — factor in the time to book a VAC appointment in your country.

What documents do South Africa citizens need for a Canada tourist visa?

Beyond the standard passport (6+ months validity), biometric photos and completed application form, South Africa citizens applying for a Canada tourist visa specifically need: Bank statements. In total this route requires approximately 3 mandatory documents plus 13 supporting/optional items.

How much does a Canada tourist visa cost for South Africa applicants?

The official Canada tourist visa government fee is CA$100. You must also pay the CA$85 biometrics fee. Family applications submitted together may have additional per-applicant biometric fees up to a CA$170 cap.

What are the most common reasons Canada tourist visas get refused for South Africa citizens?

Canada tourist visa decisions for South Africa citizens are heavily document-driven. The most common refusal triggers on this specific route are: Insufficient proof of financial means; Weak ties to home country; Incomplete or inconsistent documentation. Applications that pre-empt these specific risks typically achieve materially better outcomes.

What is the single biggest risk on the South Africa-to-Canada tourist visa route?

Weak demonstration of home country ties. IRCC refusals most commonly cite insufficient evidence that the applicant will return home after their stay. Building your application around this single risk — and addressing it head-on with credible, route-specific documentation — has the largest single impact on approval for South Africa citizens applying for a Canada tourist visa.

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Nationality, destination, and purpose

Nationality *

Passport-issuing country

Destination *

Where you plan to travel

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South Africa → Canada

North America

10-20 days

Purpose of travel

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South Africa → Canada: the tourist visa, honestly

Canada TRV (tourism) from South Africa: ~20–25% refusal.

Lower than African averages but not zero. Paid bookings + itinerary + funds proof + return ties. IRCC officers respect SA applicants' track record.

Where it’s processed

IRCC online · VAC Pretoria / Johannesburg

Typical processing time

IRCC: ~3–8 weeks online

What the consulate flags most on this route

!Vague purpose-of-visit (no day-by-day plan + paid bookings)
!Funds insufficient for stated trip cost
!No detailed itinerary submitted

Source: IRCC TRV processing data 2024

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South Africa → Canada: the tourist visa, honestly

What the consulate flags most on this route

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