Types Of Visas In South Africa: Explained

South Africa, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, offers a variety of visa options to cater to the myriad visitors it welcomes each year. Need to know more about visa types in South Africa? Worry Not! We’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re planning to explore the bustling streets of Johannesburg, soak up the sun on the beaches of Cape Town, or embark on a business venture, understanding the different types of visas is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of South African visas, ensuring you select the right one for your journey.

Let’s dive in!

How To Immigrate To South Africa?

South Africa is the most industrialised economy in the region, with a culturally diverse population of 59.4 million people and 12 official languages.

According to a survey conducted by HSBC in 2019, 62% of expats who moved to South Africa saw an improvement in their quality of life compared to their home countries.

Furthermore, 55% planned to reside in South Africa for over 20 years.

The county’s attractive climate, thriving outdoor lifestyle, and general quality of life were among the reasons for wanting to remain there longer.

In 2020, South Africa ranked as the 38th most appealing country for expats in HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey based on living, aspiration, and mindset criteria.

However, as a society, South Africa does have its problems. Indeed, general safety, security, and racial tensions remain the most significant concerns among expats living or considering moving to the country.

You can better understand South Africa by reading our guides on where to live, the society and history, and the cost of living in the country.

Furthermore, these help you make a more informed decision about moving there.

Who Needs A South African Visa?

Anyone travelling to South Africa will need a visa to enter the country for a holiday, visit family, join a partner, live, work, or study. However, some countries are exempt from this rule.

When travelling with a child under 18, you should always check the current South African visa requirements and child policy, as these sometimes change.

From 8 November 2019, for instance, foreign children travelling with their parents no longer need to present parental consent letters or birth certificates.

Nonetheless, it can be good to keep a parental consent letter and birth certificate handy, just in case.

Essentially, an applicant’s nationality and reason for entering South Africa determine the type of Visa they require.

Applicants must also petition in person and supply supporting documents, such as medical and biometric data, a passport valid for at least one month after leaving South Africa, and financial records.

If you reside outside of South Africa, you must book an appointment at the embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship or residence.

However, suppose you are already in South Africa and want to apply for a different visa or extension. In that case, you must book an appointment at one of the visa facilitation centres which VFS manages. Global.

It is also critical to stay updated with the latest travel restrictions to South Africa concerning the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

What Are The Types Of South African Visas?

Visas for South Africa are categorised under two main branches: Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) and Permanent Resident Permit (PRP).

The type of Visa you require, as well as the documents, costs, and processing time, will depend on your reason for entering South Africa, your nationality, and at which consulate or embassy you apply.

And because processing times can vary between consulates and may often take longer than expected, it is advisable to apply for your Visa well in advance.

The Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) is divided into several categories based on different reasons for entering South Africa. These are as follows:

Visitor’s Visa: for tourism purposes of no longer than 30 or 90 days
Business Visa: allows a person to enter the country for up to 90 days to work or invest in the economy
Study Visa: allows a person to study on a primary, secondary, or tertiary level for the duration of the course
Exchange Visa: for applicants who are 25 years old or younger wanting to participate in cultural, social, or economic exchange initiatives
General Work Visa: allows entry to a person with specific, in-demand skills for the duration of their work contract
Relative Visa: immediate family members of South African citizens or residents can apply to stay in South Africa for a maximum period of two years at a time
Medical Visa: allows a stay of six months for medical treatment
Retired Person’s Visa: pensioners with the financial means can apply to retire in South Africa

You can find a more detailed explanation of the numerous visa and permit types for South Africa further down this guide.

What Is A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

While processing times for visas under this category vary, they typically take up to 60 business days from submission.

However, it can take up to 10 days to process the Visitor’s Visa and Holiday Visa.

When applying for a Temporary Residence Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Hold a valid passport with at least two blank pages, which only expires a month after your intended departure date from South Africa
Ensure your temporary residence permit remains valid
Submit the online application and required documentation at any VFS. Global visa facilitation centre or at the South African embassy in your country of residence or citizenship
Provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate (when applicable)

The following supporting documents are not required for the Visitor’s Visa but for all other Temporary Residence Visas:

Radiological and medical reports
Biometrics
Criminal clearance certificates (not older than six months)
A completed BI-1738 form (not applicable for a Visitor’s Visa)

You can follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to apply for this Visa.

Notably, it is possible to transfer or rectify a Temporary Resident Visa in the case of damaged, lost, or stolen passports, but only if the passport is still valid.

What Are Non-immigrant South African Visas (Short-Term)?

Visitor’s Visa (Holiday/Tourist Visa)

Tourists wanting to visit South Africa can apply for a Visitor’s Visa, which allows them to enter the country for a maximum of 90 days.

Currently, 52 nationalities can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, and another 28 nationalities are exempt from visas when visiting for a maximum of 30 days.

Processing times typically range between 5 and 10 days, but applicants must apply well in advance to avoid delays.

The costs include an application fee of R425 and a service fee of R1350.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, tourists can extend their Visitor’s Visa at a visa facilitation centre or through a registered immigration practitioner 60 days before the visa expiration date.

Just be aware that renewal is not automatic and may be a different duration than the original Visa.

Because most visitor visas are only granted for single entries, you must lodge a new application to enter again once you have left the country.

You will also need to leave the country and apply from your country of residence if you want to switch to another type of Visa.

Other Types Of Long-Term Visitor Visas

Under the Immigration Act, there are 12 additional long-term visitor visas for purposes other than tourism. These are as follows:

Academic sabbaticals
Voluntary or charitable activities
Research (includes visiting professors and lecturers)
Accompanying spouses and children of temporary residence visa holders
Teachers at international schools
Film and television crews and actors
Foreign journalists working for foreign news agencies
Artists who wish to write, paint or produce sculptures
Foreign entertainers on tour
Tour hosts and leaders
Foreigner (state) witnesses testifying in criminal court cases

If you wish to apply for one of these visas, you will need to present the following documents:

A valid passport with at least two blank pages, expiring no less than a month after your intended departure
A return air ticket
Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
Proof of host address or hotel reservations

The new South African Electronic Visa (i.e., holiday or visitor’s visa) has been trialled with visitors from Kenya and India. It is expected to be launched and available to nationals of 14 countries in 2022.

Business Visa

South Africa is a country that welcomes much-needed foreign investment.

Therefore, a section of South African immigration legislation deals specifically with foreign individuals wishing to conduct business in the country or invest in a South African company.

If you are trying to start your own business, take over an existing business, or invest in a company in South Africa, you need to apply for a Business Visa.

Furthermore, you must invest a prescribed financial capital contribution; at least 60% of your workforce must be South African.

The capital requirement may be reduced or waived for the following industries:

Information and communication technology
Clothing and textile manufacturing
Chemicals and biotechnology
Agriculture processing
Metals and minerals refinement
Automotive manufacturing
Tourism
Crafts

You should also show proof of the following:

Certification by a chartered accountant of an amount determined by the minister or a capital contribution
A recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) regarding the feasibility of your business plan
Undertaking to register with an appropriate statutory body, depending on the nature of the business
An undertaking to register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS)

The processing time is within 40 working days, and the cost is R1,520 for the application plus R1,350 for the service fee.

What Are Non-immigrant South African Visas (Long-Term)?

Study Visa

Foreigners who want to study in South Africa, at any level, must apply for a Study Visa before they arrive in the country.

This applies even if you are coming to South Africa as the dependent of someone coming to work there.

International students applying for scholarships in South Africa may also require a study visa first.

Exchange Visa

Young people aged 25 and under can apply for an Exchange Visa to participate in economic, cultural, and social exchange programs in South Africa.

Notably, these programs must be affiliated initiatives between a South African state body or higher education institution and an international organisation or education institution.

It is important to note that these visas are only valid for the duration of the program and cannot be renewed or extended.

The documents required depend on the exchange program, and the processing time is within 40 working days. You must contact the embassy to determine the costs, which can vary.

Work Visas

Four primary types of work visas are available for South Africa, and these depend on the applicant’s situation.

In short, these main work visas are:

General Work Visa
Critical Skills Work Visa (GSWV)
Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT)
Corporate Work Visa

General Work Visa

The General Work Visa is the most common type of work visa for South Africa.

To obtain one, the employing company must show documentary proof that they tried to employ a South African citizen first and could not fill the position; for example, showing advertisements for the position in the local media.

Secondly, the applicant must submit proof of their qualifications and experience.

The South African Qualifications Authority must also approve their qualifications. General Work Visas are valid for the duration of the contract, up to five years.

Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV)

The South African government considers some skills in short supply in the local labour market.

This has allowed employers to recruit suitable candidates from abroad who meet these skill-shortage demands.

A person with these coveted skills or qualifications may obtain a Critical Skills Work Visa without securing a specific position at the time of application.

Having published articles, a doctorate, or being an expert in a field will also strengthen your application.

Some of the skills currently considered as critical are:

Agricultural engineer
Boilermaker
Business analyst
Financial investment advisor
Geochemist
Geologist
IT security specialist
Mining technician
Nursing professionals
Pressure welder
Soil scientist
Urban and regional planner

The most recent list of critical skills catalogues positions that can be filled by formally qualified foreigners who have a minimum of five years of practical experience.

You should be able to provide proof of the following:

Relevant qualifications as certified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), including authenticated copies of academic certifications or degrees; Notably, any qualification certificates not in English require a translation from a certified translator
Registration with the relevant South African professional body, trade organisation, board or council if your field requires such permission

The processing time is within 20 working days, and the costs are R1,520 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fee.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT)

It is not uncommon for multinational companies to transfer employees between countries. When a person moves to South Africa, they must apply for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT).

Notably, an applicant must have worked for at least six months in the company’s foreign office before applying to relocate to the South African branch.

An Intra-Company Transfer Visa lasts for four years and is not extendable. Applicants must also apply for a new ICT from their country of origin or permanent residence.

The processing time is within 60 business days, and the costs are R1,520 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fee.

Corporate Work Visa

Suppose a business, often in the farming, mining, or engineering sector, needs to recruit more international workers due to a domestic skills shortage.

In that case, it must apply to the number of workers required and provide specific job descriptions.

The employer must also prove they could not find employees with the relevant skills in the South African labour market.

If the Corporate Work Visa is approved, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will issue each employee a Corporate Workers Certificate.

The employer will then convert this into a Corporate Workers Visa. This is valid for up to three years in South Africa.

The processing time for Corporate Work Visas is up to 60 days, and the costs are R1,520 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fees; these are paid by the employer and employee, respectively.

Other visas under the Work Visa category include:

Treaty Visa
Volunteer Visa
Academic Sabbatical Visa
Research Visa

Relative Visa

Family members of a South African citizen or permanent resident can apply for a temporary residence Relative Visa if they fall within the first or second line of kinship.

This Visa applies to the following:

Spouses
Life partners
Parents
Children
Siblings

Life partners (heterosexual or same-sex) of a South African citizen or permanent resident must provide comprehensive and satisfactory evidence that their relationship is at least two years in length to apply for the Relative’s Visa.

Spouses or partners who want to work, study, or conduct business must apply for a Visitor’s Visa 11.6 (Reside with SAC and work). Notably, this Visa is not available to any other relatives.

In the case of dependent family members, the South African citizen or permanent resident must prove their ability to care for the applicant financially.

Furthermore, the applicant is not allowed to work and must prove kinship via a birth certificate. For spouses, a financial requirement is not necessary.

However, they may be subject to an interview to demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.

You can read the required documents on the visa facilitation website.

Relatives’ permits are valid for two years and can be extended. For certain immediate family members – such as a spouse or dependent children – the permits are issued free of charge (except for the VFS fee).

That said, there is still an additional application fee and different conditions for extended family members wishing to visit South Africa.

Processing time for the Relative Visa is up to 60 working days from the submission date. The costs depend on the relationship between the applicant and the South African resident or citizen.

Medical Visa

A medical visa is required if you enter South Africa to seek medical treatment.

The DHA issues this Visa for a maximum of six months and only if specific visa requirements are met. The permit holder is not permitted to work or look for work during this period.

Apart from the typical supporting documents, the applicant must provide a letter from their registered medical practitioner or institution stating:

The available space in the medical facility
Estimated costs of the treatment
The treatment schedule and period of intended treatment in South Africa
The prognosis

Additional documents include:

Proof of financial means or health insurance to cover all the medical costs
Proof of economic independence to cover living costs
A valid return air ticket
The particulars of the applicant’s companions (if applicable)

The processing time for a Medical Visa is up to 60 working days from the submission date, and the costs are R425 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fee.

Retired Person’s Visa

The Retired Person’s Visa is a temporary residence visa for any person who intends to retire in South Africa, regardless of age.

To qualify for this Visa, the applicant must show they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in South Africa.

To meet the necessary financial requirements, the applicant must show that they receive a monthly income of at least R37,000 per month through specific means.

These include a pension fund, an irrevocable retirement annuity, a net worth, or a combination of assets.

Who Are Asylum Seekers And Refugees In South Africa?

The South African government makes a distinction between an asylum-seeker and a refugee. An asylum-seeker has fled their country and is seeking recognition and protection, but their application still needs approval.

Conversely, a refugee has asylum status and protection according to the Refugees Act 130 of 1998.

Statistics for South Africa show that the country hosted 78,395 refugees in 2019 and 76,754 refugees in 2020.

Demographically speaking, they have fled from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and the Republic of Congo.

The Process For Seeking Asylum Or Refugee Status In South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) outlines the process for seeking asylum or refugee status in South Africa on its website.

When asylum-seekers enter South Africa, they are issued a non-renewable Section 23 Permit (i.e., Asylum Transit Permit) valid for 14 days.

The asylum-seeker must apply for asylum status – under section 21 of the Refugee Act – in person at a refugee reception office (RRO).

They must present their Section 23 Permit, proof of identity from their country of origin, and any travel documents (if possible).

Notably, due to long queues and delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions, this process can take days.

At the RRO, the applicant will be interviewed (i.e., an admissibility hearing) to establish their eligibility for refugee protection and complete the B1-1590 form.

The applicant will receive a case number and a Section 22 Permit, valid for three to six months.

This grants holders access to medical services, education, and the right to work. The applicant must renew the permit continually until they are invited to a second interview.

A Refugee Status Determination Officer (RSDO) conducts the second interview (i.e., status determination hearing) to verify information in the applicant’s file and look deeper into the asylum-seekers background.

The applicant may accompany a witness, legal representative, and interpreter.

The RSDO will conclude this interview by providing the date that the applicant can return to find out the outcome of their application. This process can take months.

If successful, the asylum-seeker will officially become a refugee with a Section 24 Permit valid for two years.

This permit can be continuously renewed three months before it expires.

If refugee status is refused, the applicant can appeal to the Refugee Appeal Board or the Standing Committee on Refugee Affairs within 30 days.

Requirements For Applying For A Permanent Resident Permit (PRP)

All refugee applicants applying for a Permanent Resident Permit in South Africa must provide the following documents:

Proof of their continuous refugee status in South Africa for five years
Certification from the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs verifying the applicant’s indefinite refugee status
An affidavit listing aliases used for refugee status by the principal applicant or any family members

What Is A Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)?

In South Africa, the step between a temporary visa and citizenship is a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP).

Before applying for this, applicants must submit a presentation to the Minister of Home Affairs that they are not undesirable or prohibited persons.

It is essential to be aware that applying for permanent residency in South Africa is a lengthy process with much paperwork and requires an applicant to have lived in South Africa for at least five years.

If applicable, the applicant (and spouse) must complete a BI-947 application form and book an interview appointment with a Home Affairs officer at a visa facilitation centre.

Permanent Residence Permits are possible on many grounds, including the following:

When you have a permanent work offer in South Africa
If you have exceptional skills and qualifications
You intend to establish a business in South Africa
If you qualify as a refugee according to the Refugees Act
You qualify as a retired person
When you are financially independent
If you are the relative (biologically or judicially adopted) of a South African citizen or PRP holder

In the extraordinary skills, general work, and business category range, the processing time for Permanent Residence Permits is within eight months.

However, all other forms of Permanent Resident Permits are finalised between 12 and 24 months.

The application fee for a Permanent Residence Permit is R1,520, with a service fee of R1,350. However, the application fee has been waived for refugee applicants.

What Is Citizenship In South Africa?

Suppose you were born in South Africa and have at least one parent who is a South African citizen or holds a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). In that case, you automatically qualify for South African citizenship.

Additionally, you may be able to obtain citizenship by descent or naturalisation.

Once you have lived in South Africa for five years with a Permanent Residence Permit, you can apply for South African citizenship.

However, just be aware that the process is involved and time-consuming and requires a great deal of patience.

Before applying, you need to request a Determination of Citizenship at the DHA to establish your eligibility for citizenship and which application to submit.

For comprehensive information on the process and all the requirements to become a South African citizen, you can read the full clarification by the Department of Home Affairs.

What To Do When Arriving In South Africa?

Moving to South Africa – or any country – can feel overwhelming, particularly regarding everything you must do in your first week.

Therefore, to help you put together a comprehensive checklist, here are the main things you will need to arrange before and after you arrive in the country:

Checking passport expiry dates
Checking visa requirements and processes to transfer from a temporary to a permanent permit
Sorting passport photos for various applications and registrations
Gathering your doctor’s records and registering with a GP
Make sure you are fully immunised
Arranging accommodation (renting or buying)
Transporting your belongings to South Africa
Sorting schooling (international school or South African school)
Opening a South African bank account
Arranging insurance (home, social, car, health, dental, contents, life, unemployment, pet, travel, and commercial)
Setting up your home utilities
Choosing a mobile phone, internet, and television provider
Getting a driver’s licence and learning about the country’s driving regulations
Buying a car (or learning about the public transport system)
Learning how to file your income tax in South Africa as an expat
Possibly arranging domestic help in your home

What If Your Visa Gets Rejected?

If your Visa is denied, you will have ten working days to submit an appeal. You will need to find out the reason for your visa refusal to overturn the rejection notice.

In addition, you will have only one chance to appeal; after that, you will have no grounds to appeal again.

You can do the appeal yourself or ask an immigration consultant to assist you. Some of the reasons why your Visa may be denied include the following:

Important documents should have been included in your application.
You have a criminal record.
You have a medical illness.
You need to be qualified for the Visa you are applying for.
You overstayed your visa in South Africa and submitted an expired visa.
You have submitted forged documents.
Lack of evidence to convince the Department of Home Affairs to issue you the Visa.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of South Africa’s visa options, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to choose the visa that best fits your travel plans or residency needs. With the right visa in hand, the beauty and diversity of South Africa await your discovery.

Remember, proper preparation and understanding of visa requirements are key to a smooth, enjoyable experience in the Rainbow Nation. Welcome to South Africa, where every visit has the potential to become an unforgettable adventure.

Pathways Open!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following: