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Consular Information
Visa Requirements
Click here to download all relevant application forms
Answers to frequently asked questions
Please note:
Please contact the South African Home
Affairs branch in the Consular section of the Embassy or visit the web site of
the
Department of Home Affairs for
up to date information before acting on information contained on this page
 Where
can I enquire about visas?
Answer: At the South
African Embassy
You can also make inquiries directly to:
Department of Home Affairs
Sub directorate: Visas
Private Bag X114
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)12 810 8911
Info &
enquiries on the Internet
-
General visa information
-
Supplementary visa information
-
Online questions and comments form (select "sub
directorate:
visas").
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Access/download your visa application form online (PDF file
requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader, automatic free download)
What's
a visa?
A visa entitles a person to proceed to an immigration officer
at a port of entry.
What is the difference between a Visa and a visitors permit?
A visitors permit is usually issued at the port of entry for
nationalities who do not require a visa, however, should you have a visa in your
passport the visa will become the visitors permit on entry into South Africa,
you will not get any other labels placed into your passport.
Please note that the validity will be counted from the date
of first entry.
A visitors permit may only be extended once.
Do I
need a visa to visit SA?
Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration
of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa at all.
Contact the Embassy to find out if you are not sure.
What
are the basic requirements for entering SA?
-
You must have a passport valid for no less than 30 days
after the expiry of the intended visit.
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Payment of the prescribed fee if applicable
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A vaccination certificate
Yellow fever. If you come from or have or journeyed through
or disembarked in a country in the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America,
you must have proof of inoculation against the disease.
Note that a yellow fever
inoculation certificate only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation - after
which it remains valid for 10 years.
What
if I need medical attention and need a medical permit?
A medical visa is only required for treatment exceeding
90 days, however, should you not be sure it is strongly recommended that
you apply for a medical permit
You will need:
-
a valid passport
-
payment of the prescribed processing fee
-
proof of financial means of people accompanying medical
permit holder in the form of:
-
A letter from the applicant's medical practitioner or
medical institution indicating the reason for treatment, period of treatment and
particulars of the treatment plans in the republic
-
Details of the person or institution responsible for the
medical expenses and hospital fees, if any. Should the applicant's medical
scheme or employer not be liable for the expenses incurred, proof of financial
means or medical cover must be submitted
-
Particulars of person accompanying such permit holder
-
Copy of a return ticket or a repatriation guarantee in the
form of a deposit equivalent to the cost of an air ticket to the country of
origin of origin or residence
What
do I need for a permanent residence permit?
- Application for a permanent residence permit
- Permanent residence questionnaire
- Radiological report (excluding pregnant women and children under 16)
- Medical report
- All the applicable requirements under item 9(1)*
* Please contact the Embassy for details of these
requirements or visit the link to the department of Home Affairs at the end of
this page
What if
I want to stay in SA for longer, or to change to the purpose of my visit?
It is best to request the full duration of your intended
visit when you first arrive, as extensions are subject to additional fees. If
you wish to extend your stay further, you must keep your permit valid by
applying for an extension at your nearest Department of Home Affairs office in
SA.
You should do this at least 30 thirty calendar days before
your permit expires.
A visitor’s permit may only be extended once.
What if
I plan to work or study in SA?
If you intend to be professionally active in South Africa or
to undertake any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for the
appropriate permit, numerous permits are available and it recommended that you
consult with the embassy on what may be the best option for you.
What
work permit do I qualify for?
There is several different work permits that you may qualify
for, it is recommended that you discuss this with the Embassy.
The options available are:
- General quota
- Extraordinary quota
- General
- Exceptional skills
- Intra company transfer
- Corporate worker
The requirements differ for the different applications.
Please note that a decision on a work permit should be done
within 30 calendar days and will be taken at the office where the application is
lodged.
I'm
just passing through - transit visas
If you are passing through South Africa from a place
outside its borders, you may need a transit visa, depending on your nationality.
If you're a seaman, regardless of your nationality, you will not need a visa
in order to join a vessel in South Africa.
Note that a transit visa does not
allow for sightseeing or shopping outside of the port transit area - for this,
you would need a visitor's visa.
Studying in SA: study permits
Please take note: This information is meant to serve as a
guide only. Requirements for studying in South Africa are subject to change, and
each application is treated as an individual case. Always make inquiries before
travelling to South Africa.
Where
can I make inquiries about study permits?
You should make inquiries at your nearest South African
office abroad - or directly to:
Department of Home Affairs
Sub directorate: Temporary Residence
Private Bag X114
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)12 810 8911
Fax: +27(0)12 328 3908
Who
needs a study permit?
Any person who will be attending a course, studies etc of
three months and longer.
Apply for your study permit before leaving for SA
Apply for your study permit, and await the outcome of your
application, before departing for South Africa.
The fact that you've been accepted by a South African
educational institution does not guarantee that you'll be issued with a study
permit.
How do
I apply for a study permit
Once you have confirmed your acceptance of a formal offer
from a South African educational institution, you should collect a study permit
application form from your nearest South African office abroad (see the box on
the right above) and complete and return the form to the same office.
In
general, your application should be accompanied by:
-
All requirements as set out under
basic requirements for entering SA
-
An official letter of provisional enrolment from the
institution concerned
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Details regarding arranged accommodation if any
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Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees,
maintenance and incidental costs
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In the case of a minor, the particulars of the person in
the republic who will act as the learner's guardian and confirmatory letter from
such a person or proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents
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An outline of the course or academic programme for which
the applicant has been accepted and proof of the required qualifications to
attend it, if any
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A police clearance certificate if required in respect of
all applicants of 23 years of age or older, in respect of all previous countries
of residence for periods exceeding one year.
-
Copy of a return ticket or a repatriation guarantee in the
form of a deposit equivalent to the cost of an air ticket to the country of
origin or residence
Note: Should you be enrolling at a state
subsidised institution and additional non refundable fee will be charged, please
contact the Embassy for details on this fee.
How long
will it take for my application to be processed?
Provided that all documents are in order the application will
be finalised in thirty (30) calendar days.
You are advised, however, to make your application as early as possible.
When
should I renew my study permit?
Study permits are granted for the duration of the course.
You should also apply for a new permit if you plan to change your institution.
I'll be
back soon - will I need a re-entry visa?
If you are in South Africa on a valid study permit, and you
leave the country temporarily, you will not need a re-entry visa, provided your
permit does not expire while you are out of the country.
This holds even though
your permit may have "single entry" endorsed on it.
I'll
be setting up and running a business in SA - what do I require?
Setting up a business is usually an
expensive, long-term endeavour.
If you're only planning to stay in South Africa on a temporary, short-term
basis, then you may apply for a work permit.
Otherwise you should consider applying for business permit or permanent
residence.
Business permit:
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All requirements as set out under
basic requirements for entering SA
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Proof of availability of funds to transfer from abroad
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Undertaking to register with the appropriate statutory body
if required by the nature of the business
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Proof of compliance with regulation 24*
Existing business:
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All requirements under item 13*
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Documents proving the investment, such as shareholders' or
partnership agreements
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Details of partners/directors
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Proof of compliance with regulation 24*
* Please contact the Embassy for
details of these requirements or visit the link to the department of Home
Affairs at the end of this page
What if
I want to stay in SA for longer, or to change to the purpose of my visit?
Work permits are issued for a maximum
period of three years and may be extended provided that the extension is applied
for at least 30 thirty calendar days before the expiry of the permit.
Will I
be allowed to change employer?
Yes, however certain conditions apply
and on some permits it may not be allowed, please contact the Department of Home
Affairs for more information.
Visa Requirements
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