Tourist Visa Canada: A South African's Guide to Obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Are you planning a trip to Canada and wondering what the process is for obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as a South African citizen? If you were searching for information on how the visa application process works, look no further! In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you'll need to take to apply for a TRV so that you can make your dream trip a reality

It's important to note that all South African citizens are required to have a visa to visit Canada. This means that regardless of the purpose of your visit or how long you plan to stay, you'll need to apply for a TRV to gain entry into the country.

The first step in the application process is gathering all required documents. These will include things like your passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of departure from Canada), recent photographs of yourself, and proof of financial support. You may also be asked to provide additional documents depending on your specific circumstances, such as a letter of invitation from a Canadian host or proof of employment. Once you have your documents in order, you'll need to submit your application through the appropriate channels. This can be done online or in person at a  Visa Application Center. 

It's worth mentioning that while there are Canadian embassies and consulates in South Africa, the visa processing is outsourced to VFS Global and applications for TRVs must be made at the Visa Application Centers (VACs) run by VFS Global in Cape Town and Pretoria. It's recommended that you apply for your visitor visa at least 30 days before your planned departure date, which will be enough time for the process and give you peace of mind for your travel planning.

Obtaining a TRV can be pretty costly. The visa costs $100 (R1047), while biometrics recordings cost $85 (R890). In addition, various service fees must be paid to VFS Global's Visa Application Centers, including an application handling fee, photocopy fees, photography fees, and courier fees. These fees can quickly add up to around C$280 (R2900). It's worth mentioning that all the fees must be paid in South African rand. So be sure to keep these costs in mind while planning your trip's budget and ensure that you have the correct currency to pay for your visa application.

After your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by a visa officer who will assess whether you meet the necessary criteria for a TRV. This may include an interview or a biometric collection (fingerprints, signature, photo) as part of the process.

Assuming your application is approved, you'll receive your TRV, which you'll need to present along with your passport at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada. It's important to note that the TRV is not a guarantee of entry, and you may still be asked to undergo additional screening or security checks upon arrival.

Once you've applied for and received your visa, don't forget to get travel insurance for your trip. Allianz Travel provides a wide range of travel insurance options that extend from simple Schengen visa coverage to exclusive annual multi-trip covers.

With Allianz Travel, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that you and your family are covered should anything unexpected happen while traveling.

We hope this guide has been helpful as you prepare for your UK visa application process in South Africa. Good luck!