South Africa Visitor Visas

Short term South African visas may be issued for those who wish to travel to the country as a tourist, to visit family and friends on a private visit or to undergo medical treatment. As South African immigration and visa specialists Global Visas obtain short term visit visas, private visa and medical visas and assist with longer term applications for work permits, permanent residency and citizenship. To find out how Global Visas can help you visit our online assessment area today.

South African Visitor Permits

The South African visitor permit is often referred to as a tourist visa, travel visa or visit visa and is designed for people who wish to visit South Africa for a short period. This visa service is granted for a maximum period of 90 days after which the candidate must return to their country of residence. Although a visit visa holder may study in South Africa so long as the course does not exceed the 90 day maximum, it is not permitted to work in South Africa on a visit visa status.

Visit Visa – Eligibility Requirements

As a short term South African visa service, the requirements of a visit visa are minimal, focussing mainly upon the candidate’s ability to support him or herself during their time in South Africa and their intention to return to their country of residence on or before the expiry of their permit. Unlike longer term South African immigration services such as work permits and business visas, no job offer or investment is required.

A visit visa is issued for a maximum of 90 days although a South African visa extension may be obtained for an additional 90 days in some circumstances. Where visa extensions are granted, applicants must be in possession of onward or return travel tickets.

Extended Visitor Visa

The extended visit visa is a distinct immigration category, separate from the standard visa and granted for a longer period that a visit visa extension. Extended visitor visas are still regarded as temporary residency permits and do not provide a route to permanent residency in South Africa, however they do permit their holder to remain in South Africa for up to three years. Unlike a standard visitor permit for South Africa, the extended visit visa is not open to everyone and applicants must fit into one of the qualifying categories.

Extended visitor visas may be issued to those temporarily relocating to South Africa in order to study, conduct research or engage in charity work. Applications for this type of visa require a range of supporting paperwork to be submitted and are generally more strict that a normal visit visa application. Although charity work is permitted on this type of visa, it should be noted that no other form of employment is allowed unless the candidate successfully applies for a South African work permit.

South African Transit Visa

Transit visas are issued to those visiting South Africa for less than 72 hours as part of a longer journey to another destination. A South African transit visa is valid only for the international airport transit zone and does not allow the holder to leave the airport other than to continue their journey to their onward destination. Transit visa applicants must be able to provide evidence of onward travel documentation as part of their application.

South African Medical Permits

The South African medical permit is issued for a maximum period of 90 days and allows a foreign citizen to visit South Africa for the specific purpose of undergoing medical treatment. Treatment may be carried out at either a public or private hospital or health facility however the location must be a bona fide medical institution. All applications must include a confirmation letter from the institution involved giving details of the treatment being administered, the anticipated time the treatment will take and the consultant who will be responsible for the treatment. Applicants must have medical insurance and must have sufficient funds to support themselves in South Africa.

You can begin your South African visa application today by paying a visit to the Global Visas online assessment area. To find out whether you qualify for a short stay South African visa, simply take a moment to complete one of our assessment forms and a specialist South African immigration consultant will contact you.