Citizens who are holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of the following countries do not require visas in respect of purposes for which a visitor’s permit may be issued or by virtue of being a person contemplated in section 31(3)(b) [accredited in SA] for the period indicated and transit:

• Albania (120 days)
• Algeria (30 days)
• Angola (90 days)
• Belarus (90 days)
• Bulgaria (90 days)
• China (PROC) (30 days) (only diplomatic passport holders)
• Cyprus (90 days)
• Comoros (90 days)
• Croatia (90 days)
• Cuba (90 days) (diplomatic, official & service)
• Egypt (30 days)
• Ghana (90 days)
• Guinea (90 days)
• Hungary (120 days)
• India (90 days)
• Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) (30 days)
• Kenya (30 days)
• Mexico (90 days)
• Madagascar (30 days)
• Morocco (30 days)
• Mozambique (90 days)
• Namibia (30 days)
• Paraguay (120 days)
• Poland (90 days)
• Romania (90 days)
• Russian Federation (90 days)
• Rwanda (30 days)
• Slovak (90 days)
• Slovenia (120 days)
• Thailand (90 days)
• Tunisia (90 days)
• Vietnam (90 days)

Notwithstanding this Schedule, a foreigner whose visa exemption has been withdrawn shall comply with the visa requirements until notified by the Department that his or her visa exemption has been re-instated by the Department on petition or of its own accord.

Visas are not required by passport holders of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi that are entering the Republic as commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers provide their visits do not exceed 15 days, and on condition that they can produce a letter confirming their employment with a transport company on entry.

The same principle applies to Zimbabwean commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers, except that their sojourn may not exceed 30 days at a time. The afore-mentioned does not apply to commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers who transport goods for a South African transport company. Such drivers must be in possession of a valid work permit.

Staff members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) who travel on SADC laissez-passers are immune from visa requirements for bona fide official business visits up to 90 days and transit.

The following categories of the UN as well as their spouses, dependent relatives and other members of the households are exempt from visa requirements when visiting the Republic for periods not exceeding 90 days for purposes for which a visitor’s permit may be issued, and for official business purposes and transits and when accredited for placement at a UN mission in the Republic for the duration of their accreditation, provided, they are in possession of the relevant letters or identification documents to identify themselves at ports of entry as personnel of a UN agency.

Holders of United Nations Laissez-passers

Volunteers attached to the UN

Persons involved in any United Nations agency

persons performing services on behalf of the UN

Members of armed forces attending any military-related matters with the South African National Defence Force are exempt from visa and study permits requirements, irrespective of their duration of stay provided they are in possession of letters of invitation from the SANDF as well as letters of consent from the armed force of which they are members.

Where can I make inquiries about visas?

South African immigration law is very tough & complicated. Our FREE eligibility assessment is the first step in finding out if you qualify for temporary or permanent residency in South Africa.

Send us an email and receive your results within 24 hours. Our email id is info@southafricanimmigration.org.

South African Immigration is South Africa’s largest independent visa, immigration and relocation agency. Benefit from the experience of our South African Immigration Experts and get advice now.

We have helped thousands of individuals and companies in their immigration and relocation to South Africa, and we can help you with your South African Visa & Permit.

You can talk with the expert consultants for Home Affairs related issues,contact center is working for international callers & also for people are residing in South Africa:

Write us for more info if you need any kind of support about immigration via info@southafricanimmigration.org

South African Immigration´s immigration practitioners have been tested and are registered by the Department of Home Affairs.

How do I go about getting a visa?

South African Immigration will give you the lowdown on visa costs, processing time, where to apply, what to submit, requirements for people in transit, as well as information relating to your duration and purpose of stay, medical visas, and photographs.

Applying for a visa application form

gets a visa application form by email request on: Info@southafricanimmigration.org

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.

Types of the temporary residence permit

get a temporary residence permit visa application form by email request on: Info@southafricanimmigration.org

What if I want to stay in South Africa 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 Home Affairs customer service center in South Africa. You should do this well before your permit expires.

Home Affairs contact information

Cape Town,

Durban,

Johannesburg,

Musina Refugee Reception Center,

Port Elizabeth,

Pretoria.

What if I plan to work or study in South Africa?

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.)

Work permits for South Africa,
Study permits for South Africa,

Get your visa before leaving for South Africa

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.