South Africa Visitor Visas

South African short-term visas are available for those who wish to visit South Africa as tourists or to visit family and friends. In either case a South African visitor permit will need to be obtained. South African medical visas are also available for those who wish to visit South Africa in order to undergo specific medical treatment. In all cases short-term South African visas are issued as temporary residence permits and do not lead to the opportunity to apply permanent residency.

See whether you qualify for a South African visa today by visiting the online assessment area now.

South African Visitor Permits

South African visitor permits are issued for a maximum duration of 90 days. Although as a temporary visa they do not permit the applicant to work in South Africa, there are nonetheless several benefits to the South African visitor visa. Unlike longer-term visas for study and South African work permits, visit visas place few requirements upon the applicant beyond their ability to support themselves whilst in South Africa and the obligation to return to their country of residence on or before the expiration of the visa. In some cases the 90 day duration may also be extended by a further 90 days, although applicants must be able to demonstrate that their visit is still intended as a temporary one and must be able to provide onward or return travel documentation to this effect.

Applying for an Extended Visitor Visa

The extended visit visa is issued for up to three years, substantially longer than the standard visitor visa, however, this type of extended visa for South Africa is only issued in certain circumstances. An extended visitor visa may be issued where a candidate is entering South Africa to conduct research, to study or to perform charity work. However, despite the extended nature of this visa, candidates are not permitted to remain in South Africa beyond its duration and as a temporary residence permit it is still issued to those who will be relocating to South Africa on a non-permanent basis. Although charity workers may reside in South Africa through this visa category, in all other circumstances candidates are not permitted to work in South Africa on this class of visa. Working in South Africa for any length of time requires a South African work permit application to be submitted. In addition, applying for this type of visa status requires a substantial amount of paperwork to be submitted. Your Global Visas immigration consultant will be able to discuss the requirements of your application during your consultation.

South African Transit Visas

South African transit visas are issued as a very short-term visa service for those who will be in South Africa for 72 hours or less. As a transit visa, applicants are not permitted to travel outside the airport international transit zone other than to depart on their connecting flight. The key requirement for a travel visa is the presentation of onward travel documentation.

South African Medical Permit

Applying for a South African medical permit allows a candidate to travel to South Africa for the sole purpose of undergoing medical treatment. The treatment may take place at a private or public hospital, although the medical visa extends to include several other types of institution, including residential homes, health farms and rehabilitation clinics. Medical visas are issued for a 90-day period though they may be extended if the medical treatment in question requires it. In some cases, medical treatment may be administered in South Africa without a visa, however, this would only occur where emergency treatment is necessary, and once the treatment has been given, a South African immigration officer will visit to ensure that a visa is issued.

All South African medical visa applications must include a letter from the institution where the treatment will be carried out. This letter must include details of the treatment, the time taken to administer the treatment and the name of the medical professional who will be responsible. Candidates must have valid medical insurance and must be able to finance their stay in South Africa.

Visit the Global Visas online assessment area today to set your visa application in motion. Our assessment forms are simple to complete and a qualified South African immigration lawyer will contact you directly.