Frequently asked questions
- What documentation must I hand in at the South African mission if I want to apply for a visa?
Refer to South African visa page for details on procedures and requirements.
- How long does it take to process a visa application?
The normal processing period is 5 days.
- Why can visas not be issued at the airport?
A visa is permission to travel to South Africa and is therefore issued prior to travelling to South Africa.
- Do I need to apply for a visa before visiting South Africa?
To find out if you require a visa or pay South African visa tariffs, please see the list of countries exempt from visa control.
- What is the purpose of the expiry date on the visa and how must the period of validity of the visitor’s permit be calculated?
The expiry date indicates the last date during which you will be permitted to enter South Africa. The period permitted to stay in South Africa appears in the endorsement printed in the paragraph: Conditions.
- How do I extend my visa/Permit?
You may visit the nearest Regional office of the Dep-t of Home Affairs to
apply for an extension of the current visa/permit on the prescribed form (BI-1738). An extension cannot be done on a visa which has already expired. It must be done whilst the visa is still valid.
- May I apply on behalf of, e.g. my mother? She is old and from a country where South Africa does not have a mission.
The application must be submitted at the nearest South African Embassy or mission. The applicant does not need to go to the mission in person but may make use of courier services or travel agents to submit the application. The mission needs the physical passport to endorse the visa in the passport. And the applicant must sign the visa application form.
Refer to South African visa page for details, application form, etc.
- I want to get married to my fiancé, e.g. a Russian lady. What documents must be submitted to get a visa?
Refer to South African visa page for details on procedures and requirements.
- I am a South African and married to, e.g. a Russian/Belorussian, and want to bring my wife/husband to the RSA. What type of permit must I apply for?
A relative’s permit.
10. I am working in the entertainment industry, e.g. film producer, model, photographer and involved in the shooting of a film in the RSA. Do I need a visa?
If your visit is for a maximum period of six months you may apply for a visa for business purposes and include a request for authorisation to work on a visitor’s visa. The maximum period of such type of visa is 3 months and this period is subject for an extension for another 3 months.
11. I will be attending an international conference, what are the visa requirements?
The following documents will be required when applying for visas to attend conferences:
- Refer to South African visa page for details on procedures and requirements, application form etc.
- The application must be supported by an invitation for visas to attend conferences.