Africa COY 2026
Delegations are responsible for their own visas, passports, and vaccinations. JA Africa can provide invitation letters and this guide. Always confirm details with the South African mission or official government sites before you apply.
South African visas are typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Apply within 90 days of travel to Cape Town — from early September 2026 for most December arrivals. There is no visa on arrival.
Participating countries
Select the passport country for your delegate. This covers the 11 Member Nations at Africa COY 2026. If a delegate holds another nationality, check the official South African exempt list.
Eswatini passport holders do not need a visa to enter South Africa for this visit.
A yellow fever certificate is not usually required for this nationality, unless you transit through a yellow fever risk country.
Passport rules
Visa types
Visa exempt
Nationals of more than 90 countries can enter South Africa without a visa. Check the official exempt list if your passport is not from a participating COY country.
South African eVisa
An online visitor visa for eligible nationalities. Most applications are processed in about 10 working days.
South African eVisa portalSouth African ETA
Electronic Travel Authorisation for a small number of nationalities (currently China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico). Most decisions are returned within 24 hours.
South African ETA portalVisitor visa via mission
Apply in person (or by courier/proxy where there is no local mission) through the South African Diplomatic Mission responsible for your country of residence.
Directory of South African missionsChecklists vary by ETA, eVisa, or mission application. Start the official process to see the exact list for your nationality.
Request invitation letters from your Member Nation office, or email competition@ja-africa.org.
South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from travellers coming from, or transiting through, yellow fever risk countries. Certificates must be from a WHO-approved centre and given at least 10 days before departure. They are now valid for life.
Among COY 2026 countries, this currently applies to: Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo, Uganda.
South African yellow fever pamphletUse these only where they match your actual travel. All information you submit must be true and complete.
Expected date of arrival
Most delegations arrive on 1 or 2 December 2026. Use the date on your booked flight.
Expected date of departure
Most delegations depart on 4 or 5 December 2026. Use the date on your booked flight.
Place of arrival
Cape Town International Airport, unless you connect through another South African airport first.
Purpose of visit
To participate in the 16th JA Africa Company of the Year (Africa COY) competition, hosted by JA South Africa in Cape Town.
Duration of stay
Enter the number of days from your entry date to your departure date.
Number of entries requested
Single.
Name of organisation you will contact in South Africa
Junior Achievement Africa / Junior Achievement South Africa
From 1 July 2026
All travellers entering or leaving South Africa — including South African citizens — must complete an online traveller declaration no more than 24 hours before departure. If you connect through another country, complete it within 24 hours of the last leg to South Africa.
Complete traveller declarationQuestions about visas or letters?
Email competition@ja-africa.org and copy terah.zotorvie@ja-africa.org. Member offices should start visa files as soon as early registration is complete.
Return to registrationThis page is guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements can change. Check the Department of Home Affairs, DIRCO, and your local South African mission before you apply.
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