South Africa has the right to
decide who may and who may not enter its territory. A visa
ensures that you are properly screened before entering the
country, and gives immigration officials the information they
need to ensure you are admitted to South Africa for the correct
purpose and length of time. A visa doesn't guarantee you entry
to the country, it only allows you to proceed to a South African
port of entry, where an immigration officer will check that
you satisfy the basic requirements for entry into the country.
A valid acceptable passport or travel
document good for a sufficient period to cover the intended
stay.
A valid visa, if required.
Sufficient funds.
A return or onward ticket.
Yellow fever certificates are required
if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow
fever belt of Africa or South America.
How do I go about
getting a visa?
The Department of Home Affairs' website
will give you the lowdown on visa costs, processing time,
where to apply, visa requirements (what to submit), requirements
for people in transit, duration and purpose of stay, medical
visas and photographs.
Visa
application form (241Kb) (right click on link &
select "SaveTarget As..." from menu)
What's the difference
between a visa and a temporary residence permit?
A visa allows you to proceed to a South
African port of entry. A temporary residence permit will be
issued to you at the port of entry. It replaces your visa,
and regulates the duration and purpose of your stay in South
Africa.
What if I want to
stay in SA for longer? 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 temporary residence permit valid
by applying for an extension at your nearest Department of Home
Affairs office in SA. You should do this well BEFORE your permit
expires.
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 a work, work-seeker's
or study permit. These permits are also issued outside South
Africa, and function as valid visas in allowing their holders
to proceed to a South African port of entry. (In other words,
if you're applying for one of these permits, you do not have
to apply for a visa separately.) See:
Get your visa before
leaving for SA If you are subject to visa requirements,
you should apply for your visa at least four weeks BEFORE
your departure for South Africa, and await the outcome of
your application before departing. Visas are NOT issued at
South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged
to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If
you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged
by law to refuse you entry to South Africa and to place you
on a return flight to your country.
The Department of Home Affairs
Directorate: Admissions and Aliens Control
Phone: +27 (0)12 810 8624
Fax: +27 (0)12 321 9896
Private Bag X114
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
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