The embassy said under the new system, applicants must first complete an online application on http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html after which they must pay an application fee at an ABSA bank branch. Applicants must first obtain a preprinted special deposit slip, visit http://southafrica.usvisa-info.com  or call the call center (080 098 0444 or 021 300 9700). 

Applicants must then make a visa appointment either online at http://southafrica.usvisa-info.com/ or by phone at the same numbers.

“The change in visa fee collection applies only to non-immigrant visa applicants.  Persons applying for immigrant or fiancée visas will continue to pay fees at the US Consulate General in Johannesburg using the existing application process,” said the embassy’s Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau.

Those who booked before 7 April but have an appointment between 7 April and 30 April 2011 will be contacted regarding their payment options.