VFS is essentially a glorified post box, but we of course, all know that document that are handling was the largest short coming of Home Affairs. HA in Pretoria will still do the processing, but now based on a scan done by VFS. Results may be gathered in 30 to 60 days from VFS.
Contrary to gossips and some preceding drafts, there is no requirement for medical and radiological certificates and neither for any police clearances.
A difficulty might arise, if the extension isn’t done before the expiry of the original visa. If one needs to leave the country, for returning of between one and five years, a ban will likely be issued. This could again be appealed against, in the event the calibers are not bad. We can, however, only urge to think about applying for a long term visa/permit.
Why complicate your life and worry every year about your legal status in South Africa?
This is the way the law stands; this will be confirmed by a visit to the VFS website. We have, however, no practical expertise yet, swallow are only due to come from this moment onwards.
South Africa Visa Eligibility Assessment
The South African visa process is facilitated by Immigration from beginning to end. Our services include applications for Immigration to South Africa and other relocation services that are ancillary are also offered by us. Whether extending your visa, applying in South Africa for a change of standing or starting a business, our trained immigration advisers are on hand to assist. The visas that we help with are: Retirement, Business, Work, Study, Family, Spouse and Life Partner Visas, Permanent Residency applications and Citizenship.
You’ll be reached within 24 hours by one of our Immigration Agents for South Africa when you leave your question.
Visa Extensions / Renewals
South African tourist visa extensions
to apply to get a tourist visa extension applications need to be made 60 days before the expiry of the present visa extension.
As an average example, many visitors to South Africa are issued with a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival. This entitles them to stay for the stated 90 days.
In case the tourist wants to remain for a longer period of time the would have to make an application for a tourist visa extension. This should be done 60 days before the expiry of the existing visa.
Tourist Visa Extensions
Frequent Visitors to South Africa
For some visitors South Africa is much more than just a holiday destination, and in reality, it’s more of a second house. It could be looked at by Home Affairs that a visitor isn’t a tourist, and they are remaining in South Africa on a ‘more long-term basis’. If this is the situation, you might be refused entry or the entry period be reduced.
Indexes that would demonstrate a ‘more permanent basis’ are a large amount of entry stamps, every year remaining for prolonged periods, for example, six months or ownership of property.
In case you do fit into this category it may be that you must possess the appropriate visa in place, not keep relying on a visitor’s tourist visa.
Tourist Visa Extensions – Conditions
Tourist visa extensions are not a formality or an entitlement. It should be remembered it’s an application that Home Affairs can either approve or turn down. As an example, a written explanation should be supplied concerning the reason for the prolonged stay.
Tourist Visa Extensions
Tourist visa extensions could be used for in person in the section of Home Affairs, instead you may utilize a documented immigration practitioner. Immigration is pleased to get your enquiries in this regard.
Tourist Visa Extensions – Maximum Stay
Tourist visa extensions can only be implemented for once. In layman’s terms, the visa you’re initially allowed is simply extended by an extra period of time. If you’re allowed this additional stay, you can’t, then apply for another extension – it is a once off exercise, and also you must leave South Africa by this date.
