Get the step-by-step instructions for how to extend your South Africa tourist visa, then see our local Cape Town travel blog, Garden Route guide, and "Hectic Route" Joburg to Cape Town Itinerary for ideas on how to get the most out of your extra 90 days in this amazing country.
Warning!
The DHA is currently dealing with a backlog of applications. Many who applied for tourist visa extensions report not receiving replies in time for their departure, my family included. We arrived on Oct 31, 2023, applied for extensions in Cape Town on Jan 4, 2024 and hadn't heard back before departing on Mar 12. We showed our VFS receipt to the immigration agent at the airport and she accepted that, no questions asked, no ban.
Others were not so lucky. For instance, Gael and James have shared in the comments below that when they showed their VFS receipts at the airport, they were told they would be banned.
Katrin shared that she waited in SA for her extension, way overstaying her 180 days. The DHA gave her the 90 days from the date they processed the extension. This meant she ended up being able to stay in SA without doing a visa run for nearly 10 months. So if you can afford to wait indefinitely, you could risk doing the same and hope for the same result.
It's a crapshoot. The safest bet currently is to fly out of SA before your three months are up, then fly back. People in the comments have done so flying to Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius, and, of course, Europe.
Tilt the Odds in Your Favor
Based on all the contradictory online reports about how to extend your South Africa tourist visa, it seems like a crapshoot whether applications get accepted, rejection, or something in between.
Kim and I don't like crapshoots.
We can't afford to gamble either, so we went to the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS)* offices to get some answers.
Amazingly, we got some!
A surprisingly honest and helpful VFS agent assured us that if we follow the steps he advised, our South Africa tourist visa extension application would be accepted.
Guaranteed.
No crapshoot!
And guess what? It worked! We just got approved for an extra 90 days!
Here are the exact steps we followed.
Nothing is ever 100% certain, but these tips for how to extend your South Africa visitors permit should at least tilt the odds heavily in your favor.
*VFS is the company to which the South African Department of Homeland Affairs (DHA) outsourced the visa extension process.
13 Steps to Extend Your South Africa Tourist Visa
1. Go to the VFS online application page
2. Fill out the form and click "Submit"
As shown in the screenshot below select "Temporary Residence Visa," "TRV – Renewal Visa," "Visitors Visa Section 11(1)," and the city you'd like to apply in.
3. Create your account
Follow the steps by providing your email, confirming it, then setting a password.
4. Fill out the fields in the "Particulars of applicant" and "Visa details" tabs
- Get the entry and expiry dates from the stamps on your passport.
- For "Visa No.", use the little number under the date on your entry stamp.
- You can't leave the "Details of any subsequent visa issued to you, or the most recent thereof" section blank, so in those fields input the same data as in the preceding "Visa details section."
5. In the "Overview" tab click "Submit'
You'll be warned that once you click "Submit" you can no longer change the information.
If you make a mistake, though, it's not the end of the world. Just log in again (here) and create a new application—i.e. repeat Step 4—under your same account.
6. Add applicants as necessary
If you are traveling with friends or family members, click "Add Applicant" in the summary screen (the one shown under Step 7 below).
You'll have to repeat Step 4 for each new applicant, but then you can pay and schedule your appointments together.
7. Pay R1,975 per person
You can't schedule an appointment until you pay and you can pay with a credit card.
Save and print the payment confirmation that you will receive via email. You'll need it for your appointment.
8. Schedule Your Appointment
As you can see from the screenshot above availability was not an issue in our case.
⭐️ Important tip: Pick an appointment as early in the day as possible because the later your appointment is, the bigger the likelihood there will be a backlog ahead of you.
9. Save the Appointment Letter and Application forms
Click the "Appointment Letter" and "Download Form and Checklist" links to open and print these documents for your appointment.
10. Print off all 10 items in this checklist
Each person applying to extend their visitor's permit needs all items except #1 and #2 separately. For example, if you paid for two applications at the same time you'll need two copies of that receipt, one for each person's application.
- Your appointment letter
- From Step 9. You should get it in your email too. It's password-protected with your login password from Step 3.
Proof of payment of the 1,975 rands eachUPDATE: No longer necessary. The appointment letter suffices.- Message you'll read on VFS: "Dear applicant, please note that you will no longer receive a separate email as proof of payment when paying via online/card payments, your appointment letter which reflects your payment details will now serve as your proof of payment."
- Application form
- From Step 9 or log in and, in the table you'll see on your screen, click the "Print" link
- 3 months of bank statements
- They just want to see the totals. You don't need to print all the transactions.
- If your bank balances are low, Ruby commented that you can supplement with wage advance slips, invoices you’ve sent for work, proof of credit card limits and letters from hosts in SA/family members who are willing to financially support you.
- If you are financially supporting your family, include:
- A letter of financial support, "This letter is to pledge that I undertake financial responsibility for my wife, Kimberly Roberts, and my son, Zac Blachut, for the duration of their stay in South Africa."
- An extra copy of your passport bio page and passport stamp (#8 and #9 in this list) for every individual member you are supporting.
- Letter of why you want to extend
- The VFS staffer we talked to told us to keep it very brief.
- Here is exactly what we wrote:
- To Whom It May Concern, We wish to extend our visitors permits in order to remain in South Africa until April 30, 2019 because we would like to have more time to visit more parts of your country while it is summer here and winter where we are from (Canada). Thank you for welcoming us in your amazing country! Best Regards, Kim and Chris
- [If applicable to you:] Letter to apologize for not submitting within 30 days of arrival in South Africa
- Again, keep it short.
- Here's exactly what we wrote:
- We apologize for our delay in submitting our application to renew our Visitors Permit, which we should have submitted before December, in other words within 30 days of our arrival in South Africa on November 1, 2018. During the time we should have extended our permit, we were doing a road trip across the country and by the time we returned to Cape Town, the offices were closed for the holidays. We sincerely apologize for our transgression and request you please be understanding of our situation.
- Return flight ticket
- The date should be within the extra 90 days you're applying for.
- If you don't have one yet, buy a ticket on Expedia, save the ticket, then cancel it within 24 hours for a full refund. Visatraveler.com has complete instructions.
- Photocopy of your passport bio page
- Ensure it doesn't expire before the date you're extending to.
- It needs to be a photocopy, not a photo.
- It can be black and white.
- Photocopy of your passport stamp
- It needs to be a photocopy, not a photo.
- It can be black and white.
- [NOT OFFICIAL REQUIREMENT, BUT READER REPORTED] Proof of accommodation
- A couple of people have shared in the comments below that everyone without this was sent away. An email from a friend she's staying with was enough in one person's case. Ideally, have a utility bill or something with the host's name and address as proof of their identity, too. Another reader, Myf, commented that in Durban they asked for a copy of the host's SA ID, so you might want to have that ready, just in case.
- For our application in 2023, the pages on our lease with my name and Kim's name and the signatures of our landlord and myself were enough.
- For parents:
- Separate copies of all the previous 10 documents for each child.
- A copy of your child's birth certificate
- Note: During our 2023 application, the lady who took our application asked us for Zac's. We told her it's in storage in Canada, so there was no way we could get a copy. She shrugged and continued with putting our file together.
- A letter explaining you are financially responsible for your child.
- As already mentioned regarding the financial statements.
- Photocopies of your and your spouse's passports.
- So for Kim, Zac, and I, I needed 3 copies of my passport page and passport stamp (1 for my application, 1 for my financial support for Kim, and 1 for Zac), 2 copies of Kim's passport page and passport stamp (1 for her application and 1 for Zac), and Zac needed 1 copy of his passport page and stamp.
11. Go to your appointment to submit your application
- Everyone who is applying must be present. You can't bring all the documents for your family and submit on their behalf.
- Here are the addresses of the VFS office locations across South Africa
- You don't have to be right on time, but don't be too late. Our 12:45 appointment started about 20 minutes later than scheduled.
- Count on it to take just over an hour in total to go through the three steps of the appointment:
- Quality control: An agent checks your documents are in order
- Submission: Another agent officially submits your visitor permit extension application
- Biometrics: They take your photo and fingerprints
- ⭐️ Keep your application receipt in your passport. You'll need it when you return to pick up your visa (Step 13).
12. Wait
The VFS agent and website told us to expect to wait 8 to 10 weeks to get the final word on whether our visa extension application would be accepted or not, but in our case it took only 3 weeks.
Over that period, we received seven automated emails from VFS updating us on the status of our applications.
Tips
- If you're not getting updates, you can go to this link to check your progress.
- If you're facing delays or challenges, send a direct message on Twitter or Instagram to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They'll respond with an email address of someone who can help you with an update.
13. Pick up the verdict
The emails you get don't tell you whether your application was accepted or not, so the journey to the VFS office to get the verdict is a nervous one.
Don't make it worse by having to wait forever. Get to the VFS as early as possible to avoid huge lines. Also, make sure you have your receipt from Step 11 or you won't be allowed upstairs.
In Cape Town, pickups start at 10 a.m., so we came at 9:45 and were fifteenth in line. For some reason, the agents didn't actually show up until 10:40. From then, we waited another 50 minutes until our number was called, so altogether we waited for 1h45min.
It was worth it, though, because we got the good news that our visa extension application was accepted!
The agent stuck the extension approval to our passports and we were free to leave and enjoy South Africa for a full 180 days.
By the time we left the VFS offices, the waiting list to pick up was at least sixty people deep. Like we said, go early.
Important Things to Know
What happens if I don't bother with all this mess, and overstay my visa?
You'll be declared an "undesirable person" and banned from returning to South Africa for anywhere from 1 to 5 years.
Can I just do a visa run instead?
There is no official word on whether, or in what circumstances, you can get a fresh 90-day visa by leaving South Africa and returning again.
Here's what we've seen in practice:
Doing an overland visa run to neighboring countries won't work.
Unless you get lucky and get a generous or unobservant immigration agent at the border crossing, you may only get a couple of days to leave South Africa or not be allowed back in at all.
[Jan 2021 Update:] Kim and I got lucky. On returning from a five-day trip in Namibia on January 2, the immigration agent initially gave us only an additional five days to our visitor's permit. But we asked if she could extend it an extra 30 days, to the date of our flight, and she gave it to us. Her supervisor was there and had zero issue with it.
Flying to non-neighboring countries does work.
For example, we flew to Rwanda for a week and got a fresh 90 days upon our return to Cape Town airport, no questions asked. If you fly outside of Africa for your visa run you're just about guaranteed to get a new 90 days. People we know have repeated this every three months for years without issue.
The DHA and VFS say I have to apply for an extension within my first 30 days of arriving in South Africa. What if I apply later?
You can still extend your visa.
In fact, the insider VFS agent we talked to told us that DHA agents who receive applications have a bad habit of extending visas 90 days from the extension date, not the expiry date. So if they receive your application a month before your initial 90-day visa expires, your newly extended visa may expire a month sooner than the 180 days you had hoped for.
Not ideal.
But if you wait until towards the end of your initial 90-day visa to extend, as we've done, you face the risk of not getting your verdict until after your initial 90 days have expired. This isn't an issue so long as your extension is approved. (See next question.) But if it's rejected you will have overstayed you will need to appeal, which can take 2-to-3 months. If your appeal is rejected or if you need to leave before you hear back from your appeal, you will be banned from returning to South Africa for up to 5 years.
So it's a trade-off. Do you want to extend early and risk the DHA agent screwing up and not giving you the full 180 days? Or do you want to extend later and risk being rejected and banned?
What if my initial 90-day visa expires while I'm waiting on the response to my application?
According to the VFS staffer, your tourist visa extension application receipt from Step 11 counts as a temporary visa extension.
You can't leave and re-enter South Africa during this period, so if you want your full 180 days in South Africa but also want to explore neighboring countries, don't plan on doing any international travel during the 8-10 weeks it can take for the DHA to receive and respond to your tourist visa extension.
What if my 90-day visa expires while I'm waiting on the response to my application and they deny my extension?
You have two choices.
- Appeal within 10 days of your visa expiry. It can take 2-3 months to get a verdict on your appeal
- Leave and be banned. The DHA says you'll have 10 days to leave the country without penalty, but that's not the reality. You'll be banned from returning for up to 5 years.
The latter happened to an unfortunate fellow reader, T. The DHA stupidly rejected T for having insufficient funds because they misread his bank statements as being in rands, not euros. T couldn't stay an extra 2-to-3 months to appeal, so he went through all possible lengths to see if he could still leave within 10 days without being banned. He talked to lawyers, the DHA, and the VFS. No luck. He ultimately was banned from returning to South Africa for 5 years.
Click here to read T's the full story in the comments.
I'm from [whatever country]. How many days can I stay in South Africa without needing to extend my tourist visa?
Some nationalities only get a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. Check the official DHA site.
You didn't answer my question. Now what?
Do at Ctrl+F in in the comments to see if it's been asked before. If not, ask away.
My knowledge is limited to my experience, but a lot of people with a lot of different experiences read this post, so someone probably has been through what you've been through. In that vein, if you ask a question, please help the rest of us out by sharing how it turns out for you.
What to Do While You're Waiting…
(Or Once You're Extended!)
Kim and I only moonlight as pro-bono immigration advisors.
Our real "job" is to share ideas for extraordinary experiences that will hopefully help you escape the ordinary.
Thank you so much for this! Do you know if applying for this jeopardizes your chances of getting another 90 days in the future? For example, if I apply for the extension and get the maximum of 180 days. Then I return to my home country (USA), if I decide to come back to SA this year, will there be an issue getting the 90 day tourist stamp again?
Good question Cathy. I tried getting an answer because I may want to do the same thing, but couldn't find an answer. The DHA site is currently down and their phone number doesn't work either, so I emailed them. If and when they get back to me, I'll share their answer here.
Hi Cathy,
I've had clients get the full 90 day extension (so 180 days in total), return home when it expired and return to get a new full 90 days in the same year. As long as you don't try to re-enter on a current visa, and get 90 days on top of that, I believe you should be all good.
Hi there,
Thanks so much for your tutorial! 🙂
Question. Do I understand correctly that it's recommendable to plan your appointment (step 11) close to the expiry date of your initial 90 days permit, since the receipt you get can be used as a temporary visa until you get an official approval of your extension? In other words, as long as you manage to make an appointment before the expiry date, you're good?
Best regards
Sarah
Hi Sarah, Yes, correct. You don't have to push it to the very last day, though. The agent we talked to recommended we do it towards the beginning of our third month. We didn't ask why not even later, like you say, but maybe pushing it like that puts you at risk of annoying a DHA agent for really flouting their "rule" that you apply for extension within 60 days before expiry. I'm just speculating, though.
Thanks for taking the time to advise!
I will do just that. If all fails then the only risk is an overstay of a month, resulting in a one year ban which I will survive I guess.
Happy travels!
Sarah
HI. . Great article. I thought I read somewhere that if you overstay your visa you can get a fine up to R3000 per person in addition to being banned from reentering South Africa. Is this true?
Wow, this definitely helps us in applying for an extension!
Just 2 small questions:
1. If you apply within 30 days, I assume you don't need such apology letter?
2. Is it correct that you will have your passport whilst waiting for 8-10 weeks on the DHA? Or do you have to hand it in during this period?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Emily,
1. Yeah, no need to apologize if you don't break their rule.
2. They only take a photocopy of your passport, not the passport itself.
Hopefully your extension goes as well as ours did. Enjoy SA.
Hi there. Where does one go to extend a tourist visa if VFSVisaOnline no longer supports USA citizens getting South African visas? Thanks
Thanks for the information
I have been waiting for outcome of my wife visa extension application . It’s been exact 2 months from application submitted at VFS. Now we need to leave in a month as my visa is expiring.What options could we exercise for my wife s visa as the same is expired now I.e. 90 days
Hi Pardeep, They tell you it can take up to 10 weeks before you hear back, so I suspect you'll hear back on your wife's application within the next two weeks. You or she have been getting the emails tracking her application's progress, no? If 10 weeks pass and you don't hear anything, definitely contact VFS.
Hi! I have a problem that is slightly different than the one treated above. Nevertheless, I hope you can help me out! I will be going to South Africa in a few weeks in order to study in Pretoria for one semester. However, I would like to extend my stay in South Africa with two months after I have finished my semester. In other words, I would like to change my study visa into a tourist visa. Do you maybe know what is the best way to handle this? Can I for example go to another non-neighboring country and return after a few days and get a tourist visa? Or should I try to apply for a tourist visa while I am in South Africa under my study visa?
(Btw, I have a Dutch passport)
I hope you can help me out!
Hey Jannie, Sorry, I have no idea. Ask the immigration agent when you get in. They'll probably know. Who knows, maybe they can extend your visa then and there (…ok probably not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.) Speaking of ask, if you find the right person at your school in Pretoria I'm sure they know. And when you get the answer, please share it here for future readers in similar situations.
Hi! What ended up happening for you? I'm in the same situation with a study visa but I'd like to stay here for a bit on a tourist visa to see things.
Hey guys!
Thanks a lot for this helpful step-by-step plan, really helpful!
I was wondering if you do the application on the beginning of your third month and you only get the outcome 7 weeks later, you are good with this temporarily visa extension permit if it get’s approved, but what happens if it is denied. How many days do you have then to still legally leave the country without being banned?
Thanks again for the info!
Good question, Gust. When we picked up our extensions at VFS, the guy in front of us got denied. Poor guy. I overheard the VFS agent tell him he had 7 days to leave the country. I'd take 7 days as a best-case scenario, though.
Hi there!
Thank you so much for this helpful guide!
I'm also travelling from Canada and applying for the visa renewal later than the 30-day window (I decided I wanted to stay longer to explore more of SA quite late). Regarding the apology letter, I was wondering if there were any "unacceptable" (or other acceptable) reasons for the late application that you know of.
Thanks again for all your help?
Hey Justine. The DHA says you "must" apply within the 30-day window and doesn't list any acceptable excuses. Your is a good one though. "Sorry for not applying earlier. I thought I was going elsewhere but there's so much more to see here in SA that I'm scratching those plans and staying here. Please let me stay."
Hi Guys,
Quick question, I was in SA for 2,5 weeks in April/May. When I returned in June the guy at Border Control told me I can only stay till July 28, 2019. I didn’t get a new 90 days visa, so I immediately applied for a extension. I only need an extension till August 20, what if I haven’t heard back from VFS before my flight back? Can I just leave and show them the receipt?
Regards,
Niels
Hi Niels, I don't know the answer. If you want to be sure not to be banned from returning for a year or more, you should probably follow up sometime in early/mid July. Fingers crossed that you'll get your approval before then, though.
Hi Guys,my uncle is visiting South Africa and suddenly got sick and had to go for surgery.how do i apply for extension without him been present
Hi Claudia. Oof, I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. Terrible. And I'm sorry that I don't have a good answer for you. All I can suggest is A) Go to the VFS office and ask on his behalf and B) Consider not extending? If your uncle doesn't extend, he'll be banned from returning for a while, but if it's a one-time trip to SA maybe that's not a big deal. I'd like to think the South African embassy back at his country might even have some leniency given his situation. All the best to you and your uncle.
Hi, thanks for the information. I don't like crapshoots either, so this is encouraging! You may or may not have insight into this question, but I'm preparing to head out to South Africa and hoping to get the extension and be there 6 months. Regarding flights, do I basically have to book my return date for within the original 90 days, even though I hope to extend and would have to change that? I'm worried that if my round trip is outside the bounds of the initial 90 days I might get into trouble at the airport, but I'd love to avoid the fees in changing it.
Hi Ryann, nobody asked us for departure flights when we arrived in Cape Town. We didn't have any in any case. We just told them we're visiting for three months. Worst case scenario, they force you to get a flight and you get something on Expedia that you can cancel for free within 24 hours.
Hi,can i extend my visa using a foreign bank statement
Hi Claudia. Yes, that's what we did with our Canadian statements.
Hi,
Do they accept bank statements that you can print off yourself online or do these need to be officially stamped by your own bank?
Rgds
Nick
Yeah, printed from online's fine.
Hi guys hope I can get clear advice what can I do
I’ve been applying my visa xtension last July 03,2019
and I feel worry if I get my xtension or not my departure is on July 24,2019
my application is still at DHA as used to track thank you so much
Hi Ginalyn. If you only applied on July 3, it's unlikely you'll hear back by the time you leave on July 24. As we wrote above, we were lucky that it only took three weeks (which would just get it in time for you), but the DHA says it can take 8-10. You could go to VFS to ask what they advise you do in your situation. I fear you won't get it on time and you'll be at the mercy of the immigration agent when you leave the country.
Hi Chris & Kim. Thanks for putting together such a useful set of instructions! I followed them and I have just received my 90 day tourist visa extension. My girlfriend and I also used your 'The Hectic Route' guide to plan a Joburg to Cape Town road trip we did in November last year, so we're both really grateful for your awesome blog!
I have some questions about my options for staying in SA for more than 180 days, and I'm hoping you, or any of your readers, may be able to help. I've included a quick version, and a slightly longer more detailed version below for anybody who has the time 🙂
Hi Jay…..my name is Missy……I also am in the process of extending my visitors visa an additional 90 days and have followed Chris and Kim's 13 steps to the tee. I am very encouraged to hear that your visa extension was approved just recently. I am at the 4 week mark tomorrow, waiting to hear from the VFS to get the decision. I am curious how long it took for you to hear back for you and your girl friend once your application was submitted by the VFS to Pretoria. Thanks for any feedback you can give!
Thank you for the information its very helpful
Thank you for this information. I have been weighing the options between doing this all myself and paying a company to handle it for me. The only thing is, these companies charge 3500 rand per person before the VSF fee! From your experience, how DIY is this process? Thank you 🙂
Hey Tyler. The process of filling out the forms and preparing the documents is simple, especially if you follow this post. The worst parts are 1) The hassle of having to go to VFS and 2) The uncertainty. If the company you hire can go to VFS for you (which I doubt) or can guarantee you'll be approved (only slightly less likely) they might be worth it. Or if you're loaded, why not. Otherwise, do it yourself and spend that R3,500 on something more fun like a celebratory gourmet meal and wine!
Hi there, great article thank you! I see on the visitor's visa section of the VFS SA website you require a radiological report and a medical report.
Did you need this or did you just need the documents below the heading "Visitors Visa – Renewal"? Thanks!!
You need the documents below the heading “Visitors Visa – Renewal”
You dont need medical report for holiday visa extention.
Hi, thanks a lot for this helpful information,
I followed the above steps, i got 3 months holiday visa extention. It took me about 4 weeks.
I want to know if i can apply another extention
Thank you so much
Hi Ahmed, You can spend a max of 180 days per calendar year in SA. Unfortunately like you I'm also not clear on whether you can, for example, stay the last 90 days of one calendar year, then the next 180 days of the following year. Nobody I've reached out to has been helpful with this. If you find this out, please let us all know.
this isnt right. You can enter and leave SA and renew your visa several times in one year. I have friends who have been here years doing that. It is not a case of you can only stay for 180 days per year.
Robbie's right. You can fly in and out of non-neighboring countries every 90 days and otherwise stay in South Africa indefinitely. Many foreigners do that here. They get away with it because the immigration system isn't designed to catch this. If an agent were to check stamps on other pages, they could turn you away for exceeding the 180 day limit.
For that reason you cannot extend your visa through VFS multiple consecutive times. They'll see you're exceeding 180 days and turn you down. You have to fly to get around it.
Hi! Thanks for your nice page. The info is very good. Also the comments are very helpful. I was just wondering what would happen if my extension is denied and nevertheless stay in the country for an extra 3 months. Perhaps you have any info regarding this question?
Thanks!
Hey Jeff. You’ll be declared an “undesirable person” and banned from returning to South Africa for anywhere from 1 year (if you overstay for 30 days or less) to 5 years (if you overstay for more than 30 days).
Hi Chris, thanks for your answer.
Hi, according to the VFS website it says you need medical and radiological reports to extend a tourist visa. Did you have to get these?
Sorry I’ve just read your comment above about this! 🙂
Better late than never! Good luck with your visa extension, Rosalind.
Hey Chris,
I visited my very good friend who lives in South Africa last year and now I'm planning to return there again.
This time I want to apply for a 90days tourist visa however, I don't have a concrete itinerary. We're very spontaneous but I'm worried it could be an issue and SA embassy wouldn't approve my 90 days tourist visa.
Any advice?
Hey Nikola, Sorry, but my experience is only with extending existing tourism permits, not on getting them, especially since I'm lucky to get one on entry with my Canadian/Swiss citizenship. Best of luck to you.
Thank you for this great guide. Really impressed how well its done and all information is well compiled and displayed!
I also deal with international volunteers and had a similar guide on a word dodument, but yours is much more detailed. Often I find people struggle with the VFA forms. So thanks a lot for the screenshots.
Will definitely recommend your site.
Just additional points:
1 – Change of visa in south Africa is not permitted, you have to go back to your home country to do that (question above to change from study to tourist visa) – only exception is for spousal visa as this was challenged in court.
2- Tipp if there is any challenges/ delays: send a direct message to the minister of Home affairs on Twitter or Instagram. You will receive a response with an email address that you can check with for an update. They ususally respond quite fast.
Thanks for the tips, Jana! I especially like the second one, which I've updated the steps above to include.
Hello!
Many thanks for this guide it is super helpful!
I'm applying for an extension myself at the moment but I've got some concerns:
I'm staying in SA for a PhD stay at the University of Cape Town for 3 months, so that worked with the Tourist Visa of 90 days. However, due to some miscalculations I have my return flight at day 92 of my stay; hence, me applying for the visa extension since I don't want to have a ban to enter the country in case I want to come back. My question is if I should state that the purpose of my extension is only for "Tourism" or a "Research stay"? Given that I'll be leaving only two days after my visa extension and that could seem counterintuitive…
Hey Marina. Ouch, sorry to hear you have to go through this rigamarole just for 2 days. If you came on a tourist visa, definitely say the purpose of the extension is to tourism. Saying "research" risks raising flags/confusion. All the best with it!
Hi guys thank you so much for the information provided on your blog, I m from the democratic Republic of congo, currently in South Africa Johannesburg for holiday purpose I entered South Africa last week, but I was granted 30 days stays only, I wonder if this type of visitor visa can be extended as I would like to stay for another month , any advices will be much appreciated, thanks
Hey George. Sorry, but I don't know. I fear that since they can take more than 30 days just to respond, 60 days even, it wouldn't be a possibility. If you can't find the answer anywhere online, it'd be worth stopping by VFS offices to ask. Good luck!
Hi,
Thanks so much for this blog post. It’s been super helpful and informative. I have a question about the ticket leaving SA. Would I show them a ticket out of the country for the original date in my passport or for my new desired departure date?
Hi Jacky, Your new desired departure date.
Thanks so much! Appreciate all your info. I'll let you know how it goes.
For the Residential Address, is this your temporary one in South Africa or your home of record?
Hi Lauren. We put our address in Canada (we're tourists after all) and that worked for us. Best of luck with your application!
Thank you! We put our address in the United States and they seemed to accept it! Still waiting to hear about whether we get an extension. Btw, we went to the one in Johannesburg, so maybe it depends on which one you go to (Re: Rosalind's comment about it having to be the address in South Africa).
Hi, this is a good question and one which we have just faced doing the wrong thing on the application. We put our UK address, and in Port Elizabeth they said we had to log in again and change it to where we were staying in South Africa. It is confusing as the application form just says address, but you'll notice when you print out the application form that that field is labelled: Address in the Republic (South Africa). So, it's better to just put where you are staying in SA to save you the hassle and inconvenience of having to do a new application. We were very lucky to get a sympathetic VFS worker, who changed it for us.
I hope this helps 🙂
Hi there chris and kim. Thank you for such an informative page. I have a query. My parents are going to extend their visitors visa on Thursday 30th october. Their visa expires on the 22nd November. Once they get a receipt can they stay until they get a response or must they leave by the 22nd november? They have already changed their return ticket to february 2020….
Hey Aliya. They can stay. If, for some unfortunate reason, their extension application is denied, they'd then have a certain number of days (sorry but I don't know how much. Not many) to leave the country. Good luck to you and your parents!
Hi chris and kim. Am so happy to let you know that my parents' visa came through. Thank you again for putting such a comprehensive guide to applying for this visa. We would have been lost without it. Please dont ever take this page down. Best wishes to you guys.
Whoop whoop! Cheers to your parents wherever in South Africa they are out celebrating!
Hi Chris & Kim!
First of all; how amazing that you guys made it work with your extension! I hope you both had the loveliest of times in SA <3 Thanks so so much for this post, it's super duper helpful. I do have one question though, been scrolling through the other comments but couldn't find it.
Was this your first time going to SA? The reason I'm asking is because I've been here for a year in total on a different visa that expired on the 1st of Oct. So I've been in my home country the month of October and I'm back here in SA now on a tourist visa, that I'd like to extend. But I guess they can see that I've been here over the past 12 months 😉 It seems so easy the way you guys write it down but I'm stressing my ass off haha. Thanks so much in advance for your answer, have a great day!
Thanks T. Yeah, we had such a lovely time in SA that we just came back for more (and likely for another visa extension in a few months… ugh). And yes, it was our first time.
If you're in SA already on a 90-day tourist visa, you should be ok since your extension would start in 2020, when you'd be entitled to a new 180 days without any tax or residency issues. I'm no immigration expert, but that's my take, at least. I hope it helps and works out for you!
Thank you so much for your tutorial! After reading so many forums about failed attempts I’m relieved to find some hope in here haha. I wanted to know when exactly did you apply in your last month? Was it like 30 days before your expiry date or like 2 weeks? And was your visa granted from the expiry date or from the day you applied?
I’m asking because my visa expires on Jan 27th and my flight back home is on April 7th. So ideally I would like to apply on January 7th (that way I’ll be fine even if they give me an extension from the day I applied). But I’m afraid applying 20 days before the expiry date is too late? Since I’ll ignore the 60 days rule anyway does it make a difference if I apply 30 or 20 days before the visa expires?
Hey Julia. If I remember correctly, it was something like 25 days before our expiry date that we applied for the extension. And they gave the full 90 days from the date of expiry, not the application date.
For your case, I'd apply whenever convenient after the holidays. 30 vs 20 days shouldn't make a difference. And the "application date" would be the date your application gets to the DHA agent, not the day you apply to VFS, so at least a couple of weeks after.
Hi Chris,
Did you both receive your final outcome emails at the same time? My husband and I applied together. We got two emails today saying that he would receive his outcome in one business day, but we have received nothing for me.
Hi,
Me and my boyfriend are in the same case than yours: my application is ready to be collected but we haven't nothing for him.
Did you get any info ?
Hi Mag,
No update for us yet. Hopefully soon. Let us know if you hear anything!
Hi Mag,
Update! They just forgot to email us. Just check your status here – [link broken]
We are going on Monday to pick up our decisions. Good luck!
Hi Lauren ! They also forgot to email us and we also used the online tracking. We went last Friday (the 22th) to pick up our decisions and it's ok ! We've got 90 more days. Good luck to you !
Hey Chris,
Your report is literally perfect! Thank you. I am here in SA for a week now and also want to renewal my visa for further 90 days. One more question:
When I pay the application fee, I can chose an appointment right? How is the availability of the appointments? Few days or could it also be a few weeks? Thank you.
Hey,
I can answer to you according to my experience. When I chosed my appointment in October 2019 I had a lot of availabilities, from a few days to a few weeks.
I hope it'll help you 🙂
Hey Hendrik,
Same answer as Mag!
All the best
Hi,
I need your guidance in my case. I have applied for extension of my BV11.2 and application is currently in DHA. My current visa is expiring on 07Dec2019. I am ready to wait for the outcome of my application.
My concern is what if i get my visa outcome after my visa has expired and the out come is Visa Rejected. Will i get some days to travel out of South Africa to my home country or i will definitely get the overstay ban.
Hi Sidhu. As I've understood, you'll get something like a week to travel outside of the country without penalty. Hopefully it doesn't come to that, though!
Thanks a lot Chris. You are doing a great work putting disturbed minds at peace.
Warm Regards.
I checked with DHA. They communicated that my VISA is with printing department since 28th and will take another wee. Looks like they will at-least take a week more.
Fingers crossed.
Oh man. The wait and the uncertainty's the worst. Fingers crossed.
Hi Chris. Got my visa and outcome is positive. Thanks a lot for all the advice.
Best Regards.
Hello!
I wanted to thank you for this page – as someone who really struggles with bureaucracy I found it so, so helpful and I'm happy to say that by following these instructions I have been able to extend my visitor's visa for an extra 90 days!
The main thing that differed to the above is that I had to provide some proof of an address in South Africa. Although I provided an invoice for accommodation and hoped for the best (the VFS person gave me time to run to the nearest PostNet and get it printed), she initially wanted proof of my host's ID, utility bank statement, and a written / signed statement that I was staying with her. It's not mentioned anywhere on the VFS checklist for a visitor's visas, but it was still something that was seemingly required (at least in my case).
Another thing: a VFS staff member told me is that, if you are applying for your extension within your first 90 days (the maximum length for me as a UK citizen), you are allowed to leave the country when waiting for the decision as long as you return during that timeframe (i.e. the first 90 days). I think the problem lies in situations where you return once your first visitor's visa has expired. I would not take this as sacrosanct, but it might be worth double checking with VFS, especially if you plan to visit different countries during your stay but will be returning to SA during the time your first visa is still valid.
Of course, I'm not too sure if the VFS expect or require you to collect your visa outcome within a specific time period, once they have made a decision.
One more thing: I found that even though I submitted my application just after the first 30 days, I still received the full additional 90 days I requested (similar to you, it took just over 3 weeks for a decision to be made. That was a huge relief!
Finally: your advice about getting to the VFS office as early in the day as possible (at least for Cape Town) to collect your result couldn't be more accurate. Initially, the receptionist in the main lobby (nothing to do with the visa collection itself) wouldn't let anybody sign in until 10am (the time you're allowed to begin collections; his colleague decided otherwise). Luckily I was third in the queue at the actual VFS collection point; nobody arrived to begin the process until 30 minutes after the official collection time began, and at that point, the room was completely packed with people standing. I honestly think I would have been there for a few hours had I not turned up at 9.30 or so.
Anyway, thank you again, so much! Really appreciate the advice given here :)(and the screenshots).
Our absolute pleasure, Sarah. We're glad you found these steps helpful and thanks to you for your own research and insights into this messy process. I'm comforted to hear that you got the full 90 days when you applied in your first 30 days. Maybe—hopefully—they've addressed that issue of extending too early.
Very curious about the address. What would people who are moving around the whole time be expected to do?
And yes, as long as your initial 90 days haven't expired you can leave and enter the country as much as you'd like. It's only when your 90 days are up and you're awaiting your "verdict" can you not leave.
Thanks again Sarah. Enjoy the summer down here!
Hello,
Regarding the accommodation, I’m not entirely sure what people would do if they were traveling around. I was so surprised to be asked for proof of address, any rational questions went out of my head! Although she did want to know if I was staying in a guest house, B&B, AirBnB etc.
Perhaps her response would have been different if I told her I was traveling around.
But given it wasn’t on the checklist, I’m half tempted to assume she mistook me for a student (I think proof of address is needed in that circumstance).
I think it’ll always remain a mystery – but still, super happy it all worked out!
Hi, i have a multiple entry visa of South Africa and it's gonna expire on the 20th of January. And right now, my application for visa extension is on process. It's gonna be out by around 1st week of January. Would the visa extension application get cancelled once I leave the country? Thank you!
Hi. You can leave and return the country as you wish until the visa you're on expires. Then you can't leave and come back until you get your extension.
Hi!
I need some advice 🙂 i am here with my partner and son of 3 years old. We want to do the tourist extension of three months. It expires on the 28th of January. Do you recommend to apply for it now? Before the 19th of december? After that they close. Or would you suggest to wait when they open again thats on the 6th of January? But thats gonna be short from the 6th till the 28 of january (expiring date)
Can I not leave just 1 day before the expiring date 28th or january to Mozambique or any african country and wait for the outcome of the visa? Then I go back to South Africa come in and tell them that I am going to fetch my visa extension: your allowed anyway 7 day back in the country?
Yes you get creative of this system. Haha please let me know! Lovely regards
Hi Amanda, If I were in your case, I'd apply now. That way, you'd hopefully hear earlier (doubtful, though because of the holiday) and avoid your crazy… I mean creative!… scheme, haha.
If I were in your position, I wouldn't risk leaving the country and trying to return to pick up your verdict (which you don't know is positive or negative until you go to VFS to pick it up). The agent could deny you entry in SA entirely, for example. But if you're desperate, I wish you luck. Please let us know how it goes.
I've been reading through the comments to figure out about leaving the country while applying for extension.
Once you have applied for a visa extension can you leave the country for a few days for a vacation elsewhere then return? Or you have to stay in the country awaiting the decision/ Or before your 90 days you can just leave the country for good I suppose.
Or would it be better for me to not apply for the visa extension and then leave to go back to the US/Europe before my 90 days are up then return afterwards to get 90 more days?
Any idea what happens if you lose the slip they give you for in your passport? Mine must've fallen out in transport..
No. All I know is security required that slip for our appointment and wasn't letting us through without it, so you'll probably have to make another visit to VFS (or at least extra early the day of the appointment) to talk to the front desk there and see what the solution is. Hopefully it's not too big of a deal…
Hello Chris and Kim
Congratulations for your work, it's very useful. Trying to go through all the information I get from websites as well as people in South Africa I'm asking to is a total mess. I'm Canadian too and need to extend my actual visa only for about 10 days. It's going to expire at the beginning of March and my scheduled flight is in the 3rd week of March. As I don't need an extra 3 months, I plan to apply now. My question is about the collection. Does it have to be at the same office as where I apply? I'm going to apply in Nelspruit, but could be far from there at time of collection.
Thank you.
Hello Nicole. Hmm that's a good question that I don't know the answer to, sorry. If you get the answer, please let us know so we can share with others. Have you considered not extending at all? If you don't plan on returning to South Africa within a year, it may be the best option.
I will find and let you know for sure. As I usually come here at least 2 times a year, I prefer to be as legal as possible. But not being to come back for a year, if it's the worst case scenario, could be an opportunity to visit other places.
Previous post : "My question is about the collection. Does it have to be at the same office as where I apply? I’m going to apply in Nelspruit, but could be far from there at time of collection."
Update : I called to change the collection office. They said I need to send an email and they will let me know. I sent the request on March 12th, when I just got the email saying the answer was ready for collection at Nelspruit, and got an answer at the end of July, saying it's ready to collect, but doesn't mention if it's Nelspruit or Cape Town !!.
Anyway, I'm back in Canada since 18th March.
About border when I left (OR Tambo) : I've been banned from SA for a year because my visa had expired nine days before. I explained and show the papers from VHS, but they said the procedure is to fill some papers and send them to Home Affairs within 10 days to ask for a "forgiveness" and it should be okay. So far, 1st September, I still didn't get an answer.
Will let you know when I get an update.
Thanks Nicole. And ouch. Sorry to hear of the hassle you've been through. So I take it if you want to change the collection notice you need to give them at least a few week's notice. (Or months, if a lockdown happens like in your case.)
Hopefully you'll get your ban forgiven.
All the best.
Hi again – based on this statement …"Kim and I only moonlight as pro-bono immigration advisors.
Our real “job” is to share ideas for extraordinary experiences that will hopefully help you escape the ordinary. COME ON LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THE GOBSMACKING extraodinary experiences you have missed…:-)
Gobsmacking. Great word! If you're offering to gobsmack us, Anthea, we're ready. info@theunconventionalroute.com. Thanks!
Hi, really great post!
I was wondering if you have any knowledge about how long you can stay in SA with dual passports. (read in one comment that you have dual Canadian/swiss citizenship).
Lets say you visit & recieve a visa extension with your passport from one country, so you stay 180 days. Then later you return on your other passport as a visitor within the same year. Do you think immigration will pick up that it's the same person re-entering the country?
Hi Paula. Funny enough, I just had a conversation with a friend about the same thing recently because I might be trying the same thing after our trip to Rwanda at the end of the month. I don't know what the answer is, sorry, but I'd be surprised if the immigration system's sophisticated enough to catch that type of thing.
The VFS website says you need a medical certification and a radiological report – did you not? And did you do this in Cape Town?
Please refer to the answers to people who've asked this question above.
Sorry I didn't see before! Thank you 🙂
Hi Guys, that’s for the tutorial. I am from Zambia and should be entitled to a 90 day visitors visa according to DHAs website. However, at the border I was only given a 30 day visitors visa and they refused to grant me the 90 days. Do I still have to apply for an extension and pay the fee or can I get the additional 60 days some other way?
Thanks for the help in advance.
Ryan
Hi Ryan, I wish I could help, but I can't. I suppose you'll have to go to VFS to see what can be done in your situation. Best of luck.
Hi Chris
Thank you for such an informative and step by step article explaining the process. Very grateful for this. You mentioned that we have to provide bank statements for the last 3 months and they want to see the totals. Do you know what the minimum amount they want to see in the bank? For instance is it £20 per day, £30 per day etc?
I am currently in South Africa and my visa expires on the 23rd February.
Thank you.
Hi Jessica. I don't know. That's a good question. When you're at VFS could you ask them and share with us here, please? Thanks.
Hi Chris
No worries. Sure I have my appointment next week. So will ask them and share over here. Thanks
Hi Chris,
It was a nice and good step-by-step write up. In my previous experience with the VFS (I am also a Canadian), the biggest challenge was making an appointment in time. I was in Pretoria and trying to make an appointment before the visa expire, however they were all full and I was not able to make the appointment to submit the applications before the visa expires. At the end, I have to return back to Canada.
Wondering if you have any tips about this kind of situation (about fully booked appointment)? Or they have improve the situation better as with guarantee appointment slot?
Hi Frankie. Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Our experience in Cape Town was the opposite: tons of appointments. Did you go to the VFS offices or call them to ask what you can do? Having to fly back to Canada seems extreme. Even in the worst case that there's truly no way to get an appointment, it'd be cheaper to go to a country like Rwanda (which we just did) or even to another city in SA where appointments are available, no?
Thank you Kim & Chris! So awesome!! So helpful!! wow what a fantastic, inspirational and truly helpful page you have!! Love it! Next I am checking out your Namibia trip tips!! Great stuff!
Continue spreading the magic and enjoying this beautiful world.
Best wishes and loads of thanks!
Victoria
Thanks Victoria. Kim and I appreciate the kind words. Seriously. And I'm impressed by your high spirits, especially after scrolling through such a boring post about frustrating visa extensions. Sound like you'd make an excellent travel companion!
Hi Chris!
I am within my first 30 days of arrival in SA and wanted to go to Home Affairs in Cape Town tomorrow to extend my Visitor's Visa for another 90 days. Now I found your page (great advice btw. 🙂 and read about the online application via VFS. My question is, could I also go to Home Affairs directly or do I need another service like VFS for example. Do they (VFS) charge anything for their service? I was in touch with a company who specialises in Visa inquiries – they do all the work but they are very expensive. I heard that the waiting times at Home Affairs CT are enormous, so any alternative solution makes great sense. Thanks so much, Katrin
Hi Katrin. As far as I understand, the DHA has hired VFS for all the visa processes apart from the final approval, so there you have to go through them. Whatever VFS earns is part of the R1,775 and I don't think that's avoidable.
Thank you Chris. R 1,775 is totally acceptable. The other company I was in touch with would have charged three times as much.
I've followed your advise, but I cannot tet to a payment page
How do I get to a payment page? I've followed your advise to the letter, but I only get as far as a representation of my application and a clickable number that leads to no more helpful info. I have less than a month now, and it's really worrying me. I could use a company that does this, but it would cost me another 3,500Rand or so. Help please!
Hi Ian. It was a while ago that I went through the process and I didn't have any issues like you, so I'm afraid I might not be able to help you. Do you not see the "Payment" button like under step 7 above? Maybe double check you've filled out everything and ask a friend to give it a second look? I hope you manage to sort it out.
thank you so much for this brilliant guide! i wish i had found it earlier! could you give me a tip about handling overstay appeals? is it advisable to get an immigration lawyer to do it (and if so, do you have a recommendation for a cpt lawyer=) or do you think one can go the DIY route? (same problem here: have to leave the country and my renewal still in pretoria) overstay would be less than 30 days so i hope i will not be banned for more than a year from this beautiful country
Hey Cat. Sorry, we can't help you there as we've fortunately avoided that situation. I really hope they'll be reasonable in your situation. Please let us know if you come across any info we can share with others here.
Thank you so much for this – I have been stressing myself out but this has helped me a lot.
Me and my family are emigrating to SA in December hopefully, my husband is south African so i have applied for my permanent residence permit. This can take up to 18 months, so whilst im in SA i will apply for an extension whilst im waiting for my permit to come through- if it hasn't already .
My question is, as im moving there i wont have any return flight info – as i will be living there . will this cause me trouble when applying for extension, as it an temporary solution whilst waiting for my permit. ?
Thank you,
Laura
Hi Laura. How exciting for you to be working towards permanent residency in South Africa. As I've never been in your situation before, I can't say what to do. Try without a return flight and if they stubbornly request it, buy and cancel one. Hopefully it doesn't come to that, though. All the best with getting your residency sorted out soon!
Hi Chris,
I am wondering about the return ticket. Do I have to book a new ticket that would be within my new 90 days if I got the extension, or do I use my original ticket that is in the first 90 days that I was given? Thank you so much for all your great tips!
Hi Frankie. The ticket should be within the new 90 days. If you don't have one yet, get one that can be refunded within 24 hours.
I'm going to update the post to make this clearer. Thanks for pointing it out.
Hi everybody!
I just wanted to let you know that it is a bit tricky to do it like this. I read the article and I thought yessss let's do it! So I applied for my extension quite close to my expiration date. I picked up the result last week and it was rejected.
They weren't paying attention apparently and mistook my bankstatements in Euro's and thought it was Rands. Obviously €5000 is a very different amount than R5000, so it was denied on grounds of 'insufficient financial means'.
Since my previous visa expired as I was waiting, I thought I had 10 days to leave the country and it'd be fine. I just want to let everybody know; this is not true! They don't look at your proof of application, they don't look at your letter, all they look at when you leave the country is the stamp in your passport that'll say expired. This means that as I'll leave the country, I'll be banned for 5 years no matter what.
I did a lot of research and even Home Affairs told me I'd have 10 days after my rejection to leave without any problems, so I didn't expect this at all! Just want to make everyone aware so it won't happen to anybody else, since being banned for 5 years is not ideal for a lot of people I guess 😉
Also, if anybody has any advise for me on how to go about this or knows anyone who might be able to help, it's more than welcome, since I don't see any solution anymore
All the best!
Oh man, I'm so sorry for you, T. What a ridiculous situation. Thanks for sharing.
Have you left South Africa already and gotten the ban? Or is there still hope for reason?
T was gracious enough to detail is ordeal with me via email. Here's his cautionary tale:
So, before extending I obviously did some research, where pretty much every single person I spoke to told me; if it gets rejected you have 10 days to leave without being banned.
As I picked up my results at Home Affairs on Longstreet and it was rejected, I went to ask the lady there instantly to see what my options were. She said:
1. Go into appeal within 10 days, but it might take 2/3 months for them to get back to you in which you can't leave the country, or
2. Leave the country within 10 days; go to immigration at the airport, ask for a written statement that you did apply and you'll be able to leave without being banned.
So I was like, sure! And the next morning I drove to the airport full of hope that it'd be sorted. As I arrived they led me towards the immigration office, where I spoke to an immigration officer who told me that it wasn't true, and my only option was to appeal. I couldn't believe it since I was told otherwise at Home Affairs, so I asked to speak to his supervisor. He led me to his supervisor, who told me exactly the same; you can not leave the country, also not within 10 days. If you leave, you will definitely get banned. They will not look at your proof of application, they will not look at any letters, they'll see the date on the stamp in your passport which is expired and you'll be banned 100% guaranteed. There is no other option than the appeal.
After that I spoke to several lawyers and immigration offices, and they all told me the same; appeal within 10 days or a 5 year ban upon departure. I still didn't want to give up though. I got a contact number from a guy at home affairs, and he told me to go to the immigration office on 56 barrack street and I could simply ask for a letter called an 'order to leave'. That way I could leave without getting the ban. Since it was someone working at home affairs I had my hopes up again, yay! So I went there, again, hoping () and after a 3 hour wait they told me that they indeed USED to write these letters, but they no longer do it (since like months). Also, that there was nowhere else I could get such letter and; that the only way really was to appeal.
Because of the Corona Virus happening right now, I didn't have the choice of going into appeal since the Dutch government all told us to come home asap. Besides that, my mom is old and I really want to be close to her in case anything was to go wrong. So I went to the airport, within the 10 days, with my proof of application and everything (even though I knew it wouldn't help) and at passport control they indeed only look at the stamp in your passport, and I was declared undesirable and got a 5 year ban on my name. I explained the whole situation, I explained I had to go home because of the corona virus, I explained it was initially a mistake at home affairs to reject my application and that I applied before it expired, etc etc; none of it mattered.
So yeah, now I'm in The Netherlands. Very happy to be with my mom, after all; the fact that my family is healthy is obviously way bigger than all of this. I arrived Friday afternoon, and will call lawyers tomorrow to see how to get this ban lifted off of my name. There must be a way! I'm not giving up, I love South Africa way too much. Even though their visa regulations are a nightmare
I hope you can use this information. I really feel like I tried everything I could, but maybe I was wrong. Rules and regulations change all the time, which makes it very confusing.
Hi Chris !
I just have a question concerning when one goes into appeal. I understand that you are not allowed to leave the country. But am I allowed to take a flight inside SA ? For instance from Cape Town to Hoedspruit ? Because if I take this flight, the company will ask for my passport and they will see that my visa has expired… Will I be able to prove that I went into appeal ?
I worry that they will force me to leave the country and make me face the consequences of leaving SA while being into appeal.
I have also the same question with the application receipt that you receive after the first meeting, do you know if one can use it as some sort of temporary visa when traveling inside SA by plane ?
Warm regards.
Hi T! If you have any luck in overturning the ban, please let me know what you had to do. I'm in a situation where I've got the proof of application but I need to leave the country quite possibly before the visa is processed and after my current one expired.
Thanks!
Bianca
Just wanting to drop a quick huge thanks to you for this extremely useful and thorough blog post that has helped me massively with my extension applications in this crazy Coronavirus times (and when I did not get any useful info from the named institutions). Thanks and enjoy your well-earned 90 extra days!
Thanks for the thanks, Cris. Here's hoping you manage to make the most of your extra 90 days!
hey there:) that helped me sooo much – thanks!
Just submitted my documents and the waiting begins.
A small information you might want to add to the blog post:
I (and everyone else I met today at the office) was also asked to show a provement of where I am staying the rest of the time in South Africa (my room mate simply dropped me an e-mail with a confirmation and I was able to print it out at site). I could not find any official information that you have to bring it and it is not on their provided checklist as well but everyone not having the information ready was sent away.
Hey Lena. Thanks for the heads up! I wonder if this is specifically because of the lockdown? In any case, I've updated the checklist accordingly.
I was asked for this proof as well both in June of 2019 and February of 2020.
I used a copy of my host's electric bill but was told that hotel/Airbnb reservations would also suffice.
Hi Lena!
I'm going through the process now, and was wondering what the email from your roommate said? I'm subletting a place, and just want to make sure the person I'm subletting from includes the right information in their email!
Hi guys, I see you were planning to be in SA until 29 April and I wondered if that is still the case. I am visiting SA from New Zealand and my visitor visa expires on 18 May. I've applied for an extension but my first appointment with VFS is 17 April (the day after lockdown is supposed to finish – we'll see…). I'm worried with all the coronavirus craziness the 17 April appointment might be cancelled (eg if the lockdown gets extended) or that VFS might take longer than normal to process things.
Currently I can't fly back to NZ before my visa expires anyway because there are no flights at all before end April, and the only ones in May are through Singapore which doesn't currently allow any transits. I figure I'm not going to get into trouble with immigration if it isn't physically possible for me to leave before my visa expires.
But that may change if some flights to NZ start back up, or if Singapore starts allowing transit passengers again. And my concern is really that it will be possible for me to fly back to NZ but that I wouldn't have heard back about my visa extension by then.
So, I thought I would get in touch in case you guys are also waiting for VFS appointments at the moment and have any glimmers of hope or ideas about how the visa extension process might work in the time of coronavirus?!
Hi Katy, We're in pretty much the same situation as you and don't know the answer. All we know is that the Home Affairs Minister has said, “We don't expect people to apply for extension during the lockdown, we will understand, and we will deal with the matter after 21 days.” Now 35 days, I suppose.
Until the lockdown's over, we can't do anything. We'll see what happens after. They won't be able to handle the post-lockdown rush and will have to do something. I imagine (hope) they'll be reasonable. And I think if we act in good fait—i.e. make attempts to extend our visas when possible, follow whatever guidance they give, and not blatantly use the chaos as an excuse to skate by and stay without extending—we shouldn't get banned. But you never know…
This has some useful information. It doesn’t quite apply to me since my visa expires after the lockdown ends, but might cover you guys. At the very least I’m taking it as a positive sign that the govt is inclined to be reasonable towards those whose visas have been affected by Covid-19!
Hi Katy, hope you're getting on okay. Did VFS cancel your appointment or have you scheduled it for a future date? My visa expires on 24 May. I have just booked an appointment in Johannesburg to realise that under level 4, the centres are still not open. I am pretty sure that the government will act in good faith towards those affected by Covid-19, even if the visa expires beyond 'lockdown' (I think level 4 is surely still some level of lockdown?) Sitting tight here in the meantime!
Hi there,
I'm currently stuck in South Africa, and my visa process is stuck at the now locked down DHA.
Some important information can be found at the DHA website. Here are some highlights:
"EXPIRY OF VISAS
Holders of temporary residence visas which expired from mid February 2020, who did not renew their visas before the lockdown, will not be declared illegal or prohibited persons.
Any person whose visa expired before or during the lockdown will not be arrested or detained for holding an expired visa.
Those who opt to return to their countries of origin or residence after the lockdown instead of renewing their visas will not be declared undesirable upon departure."
"DEPARTURE OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
During the lockdown, except for cases relating to expatriation initiated by another state, all foreign nationals who are currently in South Africa may not depart."
Hey Joe. Big thanks for this and your other two comments! I've added this info to the top of this post to make sure worried people in similar situations to ours see it. Cheers!
Just a fact for anyone getting married in South Africa.
You can transition from a tourist visa to a spousal visa without having to leave the country. Maybe this will help someone at some point in the future 🙂
Also, the 180 day limit renews at the start of a new year. I spent 180 days in South Africa in 2019 and was able to return to South Africa on January 1st of 2020.
Hi joe, this is what I am actually trying to do , but one of the requirements is to get police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12 months or longer since you were 18 (I have 5) – and not sure how it would be possible to get these documents during this time as governments are in lock-down and have other priorities. I wonder if they would be relaxing this requirement too.
Oh wow! Fortunately for me, I only have to obtain two countries' background checks. I was able to apply for one at an embassy in Pretoria. I searched for 'Criminal background check [country] overseas' to obtain a form.
\
If the background checks are required during my application, I'll be sure to report back. Best of luck!
Hey Joe,
Did you use an attorney to help with the process? Can you lend a recommendation?. This is my next step in visa applications so I can definitely use your help. Thanks!
I don't believe an attorney will be necessary. I'm still not finished with the process, but it seems to be just as straight forward as this tourist renewal. It is also a Temporary Residence Visa, not to be confused with the Permanent Residence Spousal.
https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/relative-visa-content.html
Hi Kim & Chris, thanks for this detailed info. I submitted my application and now am prepping for the appointment right after the end of the lockdown. In the invitation letter, it talks about prohibited items… It looks like nothing except application docs is allowed? No phone? Wallet?? Would be great if you guys have any insights… Thank you!
(From the invitation letter)
Due to security reasons, the following items will not be permitted inside the Visa Facilitation Centre, nor stored in the premises:
– All battery-operated or electronic gadgets such as cameras, audio / video cassettes,
compact discs, MP3's, floppies, laptops, or portable music players;
– All bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your documents necessary for your
application would be permitted;
– Sealed envelopes or packages;
– Any inflammable item such as matchboxes / lighters / fuel, etc.
– Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives…
– Any weapon or weapon like objects or explosive material of any kind.
The list provided above is not finite. Other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion.
There is no facility at the Visa & Permit Facilitation Centre to store prohibited items.
Hi Maki, When we last went to VFS, security guards checked our bags, but we were allowed to bring them in along with our phones. So unless they've clamped down significantly in recent months, you needn't worry about going to your appointment with nothing but a folder and I.D.
Thank you, Chris, for your response. Hope you two are well. I have an appointment this Wednesday, I hope all work well… I am little concerned about what's written on the top page their website, "Non-South Africans with a legal residency permit in South Africa can apply for a visa or permit at these centres," but I hope they are also accepting all the applications… Thank you again!! – Maki
Hi Maki. Are you sure VFS is open? According to their homepage, "VFS does not fall under the current Level 4 restrictions and should continue to consult our website for further updates as to when we will be able to accept applications."
Hi Chris. I am bit confused. I was only looking at the top page of the website… but now I see, the comment. So I guess, it is not open yet…
Just a quick follow-up: As someone else also mentioned, Twitter seems to be the most responsive platform – no phone, no email.
I addressed the question at @HomeAffairsSA replying them as well as @SAgovnews and @OfficialSASSA to one of their office opening update posts adding @VFSglobal. @VFSglobalcare responded. Not much details except being redirected to their announcement link, but at least they respond:
https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/covid-19-customer-advisories.html
At the end of the day, we are still under the lockdown (even it has lifted bit, the official says we are still under the lockdown, lockdown level 4), I believe that the already-announced temporary measure to deal with the immigrants should apply. (DHA twitter responds with this link whenever visa/passport/vfs related questions are asked).
Hello everyone,
I had an appointment scheduled for today, 05/05 at 08.00am at the Durban office, I was there not long ago to find out that the VFS offices are still closed.
I really have no idea when they are going to reopen and what to do to extend my visa before the expiration.
Thanks for confirming, Lorenzo!
Hi Lorenzo,
I am in a similar position, as I have an appointment booked in the Johannesburg office today.
So are VFS still allowing you to book appointments through their website even though the actual office isn't open? What is the point of this? Were you able to re-schedule an appointment or did you have to start the whole process again? I've just tried to call the number on their website to confirm if the Johannesburg office was open today but nobody answered the call. Appreciate any guidance anyone can give.
Thanks!
Hi Eric, did you manage to have your visa appointment in Johannesburg yesterday? I have mine booked for next week on the 13th. Jess
Hey! Thanks for such a great read. Really
helpful-especially with updated information regarding Covid.
I have a couple questions;
How much is a safe amount to have in your bank account? I have dollars (coming from the US) and not sure if it will enough. I heard you should have three months worth and if that’s the case I do- but nervous the first month is a couple hundred- and now it’s a couple thousand- will this affect their decision, and do you recommend I write about it in my letter? Also, with the letter what’s the main topic I should speak about? I basically wrote how I am from NY where the state was hit the hardest and it was safer to remain in RSA. However, my long term boyfriend is South African and I heard to not mention a relationship. Is that true? Any suggestions?
I’m currently on an expired tourist visa extension. Came into the country in Oct and was supposed to leave April 22 (during the lockdown). My meetings may 6th. Assuming they’re back open.
Any suggestions help! I’m so nervous to get banned.
Also, in your article it says I need a copy of my application form but I can’t go back and see a copy. There’s tabs that say “particular..”, “visa details”, “overview page”, “print” but they’re grayed out and can’t go back to the application. Any ideas?
Hey Michelle. I wish I could help you with your questions, but honestly I don't know. If the site has changed since we last extended our visas so it doesn't match the screenshots, I won't be able to find out until we apply again (which will likely be soon). On how much to have in your bank account, all I know from readers' input is that R5,000 is not enough (poor Tyler). I imagine if you truly have enough cash to cover your next couple months, whatever that is should be enough. All the best!
Thank you soooo much!!!
Hey Chris. Thanks so much for all the help here. I reviewed your step-by-step instructions again after submitting payment and documents on the VFS site, only to realize that I only paid the VFS fee of R1350 and not the actual Visa fee. Despite only paying the R1350, the site still allows me to schedule an appointment. I'm concerned that I'll be turned away, or worse, my application is rejected for this error. However, I can't find a viable way to pay the remainder of the fee that I owe.
Do you know if there's an option to pay the remainder at the Home Affairs office? I've realized this is mostly my error, but any helpful advice is appreciated! Thanks!
Also, seems strange to me that the site would even allow a partial submission of funds…
Hey Michael. No idea, sorry. But I'm super curious to hear what happens, so please keep us posted. It was an honest mistake on your part, so hopefully they'll be reasonable about it. I wouldn't be surprised if it falls through the cracks, too. Hopefully so!
This is definitely late, but for anyone else that's looking for information now, like me, the Terms and Conditions state: "However, if you elect to only pay the VFS Global service fee upfront, you may pay the outstanding visa fees by credit / debit card at the VFS Global Centre or pay into the VFS Global bank account with Standard Bank using the banking details provided. Please note that no payments can be made in cash at the VFS Global Centre."
Nonetheless, it can be that the actual people working there might be nice about it.
Hi Michael, hi everyone, I think it is normal. When we got our visa renewed in 2017 we have paid the VFS fee online to be able to schedule an appointment and then, once there, we have paid the visa fee.
So I believe you will be able to paid at the VFS office.
But the question is: on the VFS website is clearly reported that last day for applications submission was 25th March and to consult them again to understand and know when they can work again the applications. For this reason, I have not submitted the application even if my Visa will expire in few days. The note of the minister seems to be quite clear: person which choice to leave the country without renew the visa after the lockdown will not be declared undesirable. I hope to have done the right choice not submitting, Chris, what do you think about?
Bye
Paolo
Paolo,
Thanks so much for your insight. This is really helpful. Did they accept debit/credit cards at the office when you renewed in 2017?
-Michael
Hi Michael, we did the renewal at Durban office and at that time they accepted the credit card to pay the fee.
So yes, they were accepting and, I suppose, they still accept.
Bye
Paolo
Bye.
Hi Chris and everyone!
Does anyone know whether VFS offices will be open on level 3 of the lockdown? I've been trying to make an appointment online for the Cape Town office, and strangely, there are only slots available in May (when the offices are definitely closed!) and none in June. I'd really like to start the extension process before my visa expires in early June, so I'm quite worried! I've tried contacting them on twitter and just get redirected to their website, which hasn't updated since March.
Also, is it clear what levels of the lockdown the notice from Home Affairs refers to? E.g. if your visa expires during level 3, are you still ok? Or are they referring only to Level 5 ("full" lockdown)?
Rita, I pretty much have the exact same questions as you do… so hopefully we can all get clarity on this soon! My partner lives here so getting a 5 year ban from SA would be devastating. My tourist visa expires mid-June.
I am glad to hear I'm not the only one in this position – this is so stressful! I'm hoping to get in touch with VFS on Monday when their office might re-open, but I don't have high hopes.
Hello, I think we are all in the same position and the rules are pretty clear here: [link no longer exists]
What I got is: borders are closed, offices are not accepting applications (it is clear reported on the site) = you can't be ban. The rules are valid until 31st July, my visa expires tomorrow and I have not submitted any application (and I owe a property here in South Africa), I will submit immediately when they report that they are accepting once again (maybe from next Monday we 1st June). It is only to be in good faith and only the fact that we are trying to keep ourselves as much informed as we can means that we are totally in good faith. If someone gets banned when borders to exit are closed, it is something that can be adjusted very easily by any lawer here in the country. I hope to have provided a little help.
Thanks Paolo – this is very helpful! I think I am a little nervous after reading stories like T's above, but it is good to hear that such a ban could be remedied as well. I do hope that they accept we are all acting in good faith. In any case, there's nothing we can do differently right now, given that everything is still closed!
Hi Paolo, I 100% agree with your understanding. Kim and my visa expired on May 3 and we're on a repatriation flight on June 6. We'll see what happens and update everyone here in the comments.
Thank you Paolo,
That was also how I interpreted the home affairs statement, that until July 31st (unless extended by government), we would either be able to renew expires visas, or leave the country without penalty. But from reading a lot about immigration officers at the airports not being aware or compassionate about the rules coming from hone affairs, this makes me a bit nervous. My other dilemma is that if the borders DO open here, but I cannot get back to my country of residence (qatar, as borders are closed there as well, even for residents), or struggle to find flights to my home country (Canada), that it is unclear if there will be a “grace period” here for foreigners to leave once the border opens in SA. I will also prepare my documents to be ready to submit when TFS/home affairs opens… however I was recently told by multiple immigration specialists that this will NOT be during phase 3. If anyone finds out more information it would be greatly appreciated if you could share it here!
I’m hoping that they will update it here when visa services resume in SA, as they seem to be updating this page regularly:
https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/covid-19-customer-advisories.html
They just issued an update that they're still closed under Level 3, and that everyone with an appointment will be able to reschedule it whenever they re-open.
https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/important-information.html
FYI – Kim and I just went through immigration at Cape Town airport en route back to Canada. We had zero issues despite our visas having expired over a month ago (on May 3). The lady who checked our stamps told us that for now they are not penalizing anyone who arrived before the lockdown and overstays their visa. This policy will change at some point after VFS offices re-open, but they seem to be very pragmatic about it.
Thanks Chris!!! This is really great to hear. Hope you have a good flight!
"Department of Home Affairs is pleased to announce the opening of the Visa & Permit Facilitation Centres in 9 provinces and 11 cities within South Africa. Visa and Permit applications will be accepted across these 12 centres in South Africa. These applications will be assessed by Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Non-South Africans with a legal residency permit in South Africa can apply for a visa or permit at these centres."
-https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/index.html
-A similar announcement was made over the radio on RSG.
Hi Joe,
the announced above is there on the website since long time.
The last information we have for re-opening is this :
IMPORTANT UPDATE
VFS remains CLOSED under Level 3 regulations.
Once we are able to resume operations, all clients with appointments would be given an opportunity to reschedule, in order to have a valid appointment to present at our centres – please continue to monitor our websites for further updates.
So we have to wait for further updates.
I feel like that south africa will move to level 2 in July and to level 1 in August. Probably from August we will have the choice to renew our visa or to leave the country without consequences.
It is just a feeling, we will see in couple of months.
Bye
Paolo
In that case, it would be logical to assume that they will extend the date (July 31st) that was indicated by home affairs, that people will “not be considered undesirable” if they leave on an expired visa? I know logic hasn’t always seemed to come into play in a lot of these decisions…
Hi Heather, looking on how cases are increasing in South Africa and considering that peak is expected at the end of August only, it is very probable that date will be extended.
We can only wait and keep us as much informed as possible.
Personally I am not worried and I am enjoying this long period here in SA.
Bye
Paolo
I’m definitely enjoying it as well 🙂 I just don’t want to jeopardize my re-entry in the future. Otherwise I’m actually quite happy to be stuck here 🙂
Hi,
I too am enjoying a longitutde stay in SA. I'm comfortable and happy living with friends (especially considering I'm from the UK and my government's handling it…badly to say the least), but I am getting slightly concerned now that we're into July and there's been no news from the president.
With VFS not open and flights still not going, we surely will not have it held against us if we stay even past the 31st of July at the moment?
Based on our experience leaving SA on expired visas and what the agent told us, I wouldn't worry about it.
Text message from VFS for those who are looking to collect a visa. Follow the link, create an account (it's not the same as the account you created for your visa), and book an appointment. You'll receive an appointment letter and confirmation. You can show up to the selected VFS location to pick up your visa.
"Owing to the COVID -19 development and directives by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs Visa Application Centres will now be able to operate for Collections Only as per the level 3 regulations as from the 01 July 2020.
Please note only collections by appointment will be assisted , no walk-ins or enquiries will be dealt with at the office.
Please visit the below link to book an appointment for collection:
https://r3.vfsglobal.com/LithuaniaAppt/Account/RegisteredLogin?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/BWlyZol1gRYjMQZM+LqKtMH9lc1bFD2TudZCs0l3NXhEzTNGsHKP2PGBS5lYwyIBv+K0iPPNzpdEUiVrJNQd2o= "
Thanks a lot Joe.
Not useful to me as I still need to start the entire process of renewal, but it is a good news for many which remained stuck with the renewal process.
Maybe the idea of VFS is to work all the pending Visa and then open to new submissions requests (maybe in August). Meanwhile for whom wants to leave the country, there are several repatriation flights to Amsterdam (KLM), more informations here https://za.usembassy.gov/health-alert-announcing-upcoming-repatriation-flights-u-s-embassy-pretoria-south-africa/. Those flights are basically three times more expensive than a normal one way flight, so I prefer to wait and remain here.
Bye
Paolo
Hi Paolo, thanks for the link and the tip that the flights are overpriced.
\n
I just picked up my renewal tourist visa this morning. It says that it expired on June 1st. I told the employee that I would like to apply for a change of status. She told me that all submissions can be done when VFS opens and that an announcement will be made online.
Hello Guys,
If anyone has any Update on the grace period (31st of July) if it will be extended for foreign tourist that has expired visa please update us here. If the Home affairs are already accepting visa extension application? This is my only source of news on updates for Tourist. The Home Affairs is kind of confusing for me if its updated.. I dont want to be banned for 5 years since my soulmate(bf) is living here 🙂
Hi Jasmin, no updates:borders are closed, no commercial flights, no application accepted for visa renewal. More, looking on how it has been managed the immigrants law update when first lockdown came, probably there will not announcement of extension of grace period before 31st July. Lockdown came at 27th March and law for visa extension came on 14th April. We have just to wait and keep us informed. Definitely, in case some news will come, I will post here.
Ps: if you don't want to risk, there are more and more repatriation flights with KLM, Lufthansa, emirates, South Africa airways and air France.
Have a nice weekend.
Bye
Paolo
Hi All-
Of course my tourist visa has expired. I have a flight scheduled to depart SA September 3rd. I am waiting to see if they are going to extend the July 30th grace period. I have not applied for a visa extension and know the VFS offices are open. I would rather not go through the process if I don't have to.
Other people's thoughts about applying versus waiting….
Thanks
Hey Tume, the VFS offices are not yet open unless you are collecting a visa that has already been applied for and approved. If the offices open before your flight on Sept 3rd, I'd personally look into applying for an extension to avoid any issues in future. In the meantime, you'll be covered by the grace period until the VFS offices open (whenever that is), since you cannot apply for a visa until they are open. Take care 🙂
Hello Paolo,
Thanks for replying and updating us, really appreciate it. 🙂
Uhhmm when it comes to taking risk thats my middle name. Heheh my visa has already expired on 2nd week of june and i am on a multiple entry. When it comes to repatriation flights the ones that are available are super expensive and I have not seen any going to the philippines and there is no direct flights going there too.. I am afraid also to go home since flight protocols are confusing, majority of the time they would cancel flights and i dont want to get stranded in a other countries airport. I am actually enjoying my stay here but also a hint of fear but according to everyone here also as you say, Home affairs are not open yet, No commercial flights, no renewal. So its safe to say that we will just need to sit back and wait for the announcement since its not our fault that there is PANDEMIC and as their home affairs immigration says we that has expired visas are pardoned during the duration of Lockdown. As of now we are on level 3 Lockdown. (Correct me if i am wrong)
Best Regards,
Jasmin 🙂
Hi guys,
I am a UK citizen. My 90 day tourist visa expired in mid-June. I am aware the grace period of 31st July is getting closer now, and the government still hasn't announced whether it will be extending this or not. Do we assume that no announcement means no extension?
I have looked into the repatriation flights back to the UK detailed on the government website and almost all of them seem to be unavailable/sold out, so even if I wanted to leave before 31st July, it doesn't seem possible. Surely we can't be punished for overstaying if there are no available flights to get home?
Wondering what the best course of action is?
Current thoughts are to stay beyond the 31st July and hope that the South African government either announces an extension to the grace period or simply chooses not to punish those who have overstayed this date. How likely is this? Are those planning on overstaying, willing to accept the risk of a ban?
I'm also contemplating overstaying but making sure I leave by at least 30th August and take the 1 year ban from South Africa rather than 5 year ban… (seems like the lesser of two evils)
Does anyone have a way of chasing up the Department of Home Affairs to find out their position on it? The uncertainty is killing me and I can see that several other people are in a similar situation. Really hope we can get the answers we need to soon!
Eric
Hi all, I'm in a very similar position to Eric above. I've been looking at the VFS website and it suggests that visa applications are now being accepted, would it be worth trying to apply for a visitor visa renewal now?
The lack of an update from Home Affairs on the 31st July deadline is starting to be worrying – only two weeks away now and there are still no flights available.
Thanks,
Rob
Hello Guys,
I think if anyone already accomplished to submit renewal starting August then it just means that the grace period is over. I don't think that they can Ban us easily (I hope so..) of overstaying due to this Pandemic since its the first time we are all experiencing this. If no one cant submit anything yet even after grace period (31st July) and without flights available, I guess we have no choice but to wait announcements.
Please everyone, Update us on the status or any announcements.
since we are all in this together 😀
Thank you!
Jasmin \^_^/
Hello guys, many people in this situation yes, but let's be realistic: we are not and we cannot be the priority of the government now. I don't expect any announcement from government before 31st July, but I expect within half of August (obviously if they don't open the borders, an extension of grace period). In the meanwhile if the borders will be still closed, if vfs does not accept applications renewals and if no commercial flights: the ban is a far option and, if someone get it, any good layer here in the country can get it canceled. Let's have faith and trust in people which are trying to manage this difficult situation. Consider even that this week, just to understand better, I have tried to call KLM, Lufthansa and Air France and all their repatriation flight planned within end of July are full, so relax and think positive as we don't have an other option than stay here and wait. All will be fine with our passports, I can not guarantee but I don't see any fault on our side so cannot be considered our fault. Enjoy the weekend and enjoy the sun. Cheers
Paolo
Hi Guys,
Of course im in the same situation, my visitor visa expired on June 15th, im legally married in South Africa and i was supposed apply for my spouse visa but due to the regulations i was unable to do so.
Here below its part of the statment issued by Home Affairs,
""Holders of temporary residence visas which expired from mid February 2020, who did not renew their visas before the lockdown, will not be declared illegal or prohibited persons.
Any person whose visa expired before or during the lockdown will not be arrested or detained for holding an expired visa.
Those who opt to return to their countries of origin or residence after the lockdown instead of renewing their visas will not be declared undesirable upon departure.""
It's true that the measures were made to be in Place till july 31st but its Also true that we are still under an unexpected prolonged lockdown which initially was supposed last few weeks,
It clearly says, "" Those who opt to return to their countries of origin or residence after the lockdown instead of renewing their visas will not be declared undesirable upon departure.""
It doesnt say you must repatriate before July 31st, instead, if you Wish to leave After the lockdown you are free to do so.
I belive we are safe, if anything you can Always take the case to court with the above mentioned statment as prove.
Regards
Lorenzo
Hi All!
First off, THANK YOU Kim and Chris for your blog. And thank you google for helping me find this post! I’ve been checking this comment thread since late March. And all of you who’ve contributed, have not only been my best/main source of info, but also been a great source of comfort during these times. Glad to meet everyone else on this boat!
I’m American, my 90 day visa expired end of May. Just popped back on this thread to see the latest on the July 31 extension. It seems we are all on the same page. I too have very much enjoyed this extended stay in South Africa. And honestly a little afraid to go back to the US Even my parents are saying to JUST STAY here.
Though I am very much appreciative to Kim and Chris and this blog ❤️ I’m wondering if we should maybe start a group? Facebook? WhatsApp? This is such a unique event in all our lives. We are all experiencing this pandemic in the same subcategory. Also I’m just curious what everyone looks like? Where you are stuck in SA? I am in Kalk Bay Cape Town. Again why I don’t want to leave! Too pretty here
Any suggestions on what to name the group? …. “Stranded” in South Africa? Emphasis on the quotes
Much love!
Miriam from Montana
Miriam I think that’s a great idea, as it would save me checking His blog every day or two . I’m happy got anyone on here to shoot me a what’s app, I’m from Canada, stuck on Cape Town.
+01 403 9294009
Great idea! Please add me too, my whatsapp is +44 7366 265 294
Hi everyone,
I’ve started a what’s app group… please feel free to contact me directly if you’re not comfortable posting your details here.
+01 4039294009
So glad you agree Heather! And thank you for starting the group. Will find you on WhatsApp! Also don’t mind anyone shooting me a message +1 406 334 9226 — I’m curious if there are other Americans?
Hello everyone,
Please see below link, apparently about a month ago they reconfirmed what stated on April 16th.
31st July its the last day we Will be allowed here legally.
You must download the PDF file at the end of the Page.
https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-directions-temporary-measures-during-coronavirus-covid-19-level-3
Thanks for that.
What's your situation, Lorenzo?
Hello Hugo,
My visitor visa expired on June 15th, im legally married in South Africa and i was supposed apply for my spouse visa but due to the regulations i was unable to do so.
Yeaterday i sent an email to my Ambassy asking detailed info, i Hope the can help,
Keep you posted
Hello guys,
Grat news, the grace period has been extended. I have been praying.
EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF LEGAL PERMITS
At the beginning of the lockdown we announced that all permits and visas that expire intra-lockdown will be deemed to have been extended up to the 31 July 2020.
I am happy to announce that the Department will review this extension from 31st July 2020 to 31st October 2020. I will be signing a Government Gazette to amend the Regulations to provide for this in a short while but definitely before the 31st July 2020.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Njabulo Nzuza for a good working relationship.
Hello guys,
Grat news, the grace period has been extended. I have been praying.
EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF LEGAL PERMITS
At the beginning of the lockdown we announced that all permits and visas that expire intra-lockdown will be deemed to have been extended up to the 31 July 2020.
I am happy to announce that the Department will review this extension from 31st July 2020 to 31st October 2020. I will be signing a Government Gazette to amend the Regulations to provide for this in a short while but definitely before the 31st July 2020.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Njabulo Nzuza for a good working relationship.
Thanks, Lorenzo and…Hell yeah!
In the WhatsApp group created
they also shared it.
It needs to be confirmed but seems it's just a bureaucratic step. The decision seems taken, right?
So happy, dude.
Hi everyone. Thanks for the post, thanks for the comments. Is good to know I'm not the only one without having any idea about what to do with the tourist visa extension, haha.
An employee from Home Affairs told me last week I can already apply for an extension, but I really don't know what to do: should I start the process? Should I wait expecting they'll extend the grace period? And if I choose the second option and they will not extend it: will be the same in legal terms to apply for an extension comparing with our rights before July 31?
Almost a week left…
I hope you guys could post your updates with any news that may help.
Again: thanks everyone!
https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/home-affairs-extends-permits-visas-for-foreign-visitors/
Hi all! Due to logistical issues, my SA partner and I decided to return to the Untied States this week. We found that repatriation flights are much cheaper than they were a few months ago, although still more expensive than usual ($800-$1000 for a one-way ticket). My visa expired in early March, and there was absolutely no issue at all with passport control when I exited (not even a comment!). Just wanted to let people here know in case any of this information is useful. Best of luck to you all – it's been very helpful having these comments & resources available!
Sorry for the typo, my tourist visa expired in early June, not early March!
Hi all such a great blog thank you Chris and Kim!
My UK visa expired mid June and the new amnesty expire 31st October, does anyone know when VFS will open again? I had submitted an application for my extension and my appointment was May but they were closed by then and the online calendars are still not showing available dates for appointments.
Thanks
Simone
Now that level 1 has come into effect, VFS' online calendar shows available appointment times. Good luck!
For all those looking to make an appointment at VFS, they are now open for scheduling. Good luck everyone!
I just visited VFS this morning to submit a spousal visa application but enquired about tourist visas.
I was told by two VFS employees that they are not accepting tourist visa extensions right now but that they will begin accepting them in January 2021. That means you can reside in the country until January of 2021, and apply for a three month extension, giving you one very long tourist stay.
Please feel free to visit VFS to confirm what I mentioned as they are answering questions at the facility. I hope it helps someone.
I apologize for the multiple posts. VFS homepage says the following, which contradicts what I just mentioned in my previous comment.
"Important Notice : Reopening of Visa Services following the announcement of Lockdown Level 1.
As of Tuesday 22 September 2020 visa services will resume at all Visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa.
All categories of temporary residence visa’s, including applications of waivers of the prescribed requirement will be accepted.
The resumption of other immigration related applications will be faced in over a period of time.
Please note that adherence to all COVID -19 health protocols at all VFS centres are mandatory."
Hi guys,
I hope everyone is keeping well and thanks for the information above. I previously posted about being a UK citizen and my 90 day visa expired in mid June. I was also working under the assumption that I would need to leave South Africa by 31 Oct 2020 as this was the end of the (extended) amnesty period.
I have recently tried to apply for a visa extension via the VFS website, however, the 'Visitors Visa Section 11(1)' is no longer an option in the drop down menu. There are only Visitors Visa Section 11(2) and 11(6) as well as four different types of 11(1)b visas – none of which apply to my situation.
Does anyone know whether the South African government are not currently accepting application for 'Visitors Visa Section 11(1)' extensions? Is this likely to change in the near future?
Is anyone else in a similar situation and intending on staying beyond 31 October 2020? Do you think the usual penalties will apply? (i.e. 1 year ban for overstaying by up to 30 days, or 5 year ban for overstaying by over 30 days).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I'm in a similar situation and expect that the government will have to extend visas beyond the 31 October deadline or give people a grace period to leave the country after that date.
As Joe stated above, the DHA's site reads:
As of Tuesday 22nd September 2020, visa services will resume at all Visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa. All categories of temporary residence visa’s, including applications of waivers of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted. The resumption of other immigration related applications will be phased in over a period of time. https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/index.html
I take this to mean that they are currently only processing temporary residence visas (not tourist visas). I track this page via Visualping, so am immediately updated when this information changes and suggest everyone do the same, as it relieves a lot of anxiety about the situation! 🙂
Good luck and stay safe!
Hi Rachel. Thanks for the information, but I want to clarify something here. I might be mistaken, but my understanding is that temporary residence visas include work visas, study visas, relative visas, medical visas, several others AND visitor's visas (holiday or otherwise). If my understanding is correct, this would mean that those individuals still in the country on a visitor's visa are required to apply for an extension given the instruction from the DHA update as of 22 September. Now, if the employees at the VFS office are saying something that contradicts what's posted on the site, then I'm not sure what's right.
There seems to be an extension until 31 January (audio not clear):
Link disappeared, another attempt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3qNQLuHPwA&t=8m13s
Or here:
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/lockdown-travel-government-releases-updated-list-high-risk-countries
[
Motsoaledi announced that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will extend the validity period of legally issued visas, which expired during the lockdown period.
The validity of these visas will be extended to 31 January 2021.
“When the lockdown started, we announced that all those who are on visas, which will expire intra-lockdown, were extended to 31 July 2020. We then extended it to 31 October. It is clear that by 31 October 2020, things would not have changed.
“All those with [legally issued visas] will be regarded as valid until 31 January next year. Anyone, who has a visa that has expired, has nothing to fear,” he said.
However, this only applies to visitors already in South Africa.
Holders of such visas are permitted to remain in the country under the conditions of their visit.
Those wishing to be repatriated to their country within this period can depart without being declared undesirable.
“We want to assure such people that if you arrive with a visa that has expired, because we deem it to be valid until 31 January 2021, you won’t be declared undesirable [when you leave],” said Motsoaledi.
]
And also on the website of the Department of Home Affairs:
The Department of Home Affairs is extending the validity period of legally issued visas which expired during the lockdown period to 31 January 2021.
Holders of such visas are permitted to remain in the country under the conditions of their visas until 31 January 2021. Those wishing to be repatriated to their countries within this period can depart without being declared undesirable persons.
]
VFS Global might reply as follows to queries about "Visitors Visa Section 11(1)" (see Eric's comment on 2020-09-23):
[
Kindly note ,that section 11(1) visitors visas (between 3 months to less than 6 months) will also not be accepted as they are now valid until January 2021. Appeals & PRP applications remain closed for submission until further notice.
]
Does anyone know if your extended visa is multiple entry? Meaning you can fly out of south africa and come back in during your visa period?
Thanks so much!
I Have only 7 day visa , May i eligble for visa extention.
will result come out in 7 days period
thanks
Please reply
Thank you for this information, it has been very helpful. I to am responsible for assisting with visa extensions for our clients and every day i'm learning something news!
Thank you for this information provided. It worth reading over and over. However, my issue is someohow complicated. I have a study visa that will expire 3 months to the expiring of my passport and I wish to renew. What can I do plesse. Also, I plan to travel out of South Africa soon to another country (for about a year) to continue my study but will still need to come back to South Africa to finish my study and by that time my study permit would have expired. I am so confused on what to do at the moment. Please advice. Thank you.
Sorry Ademola, but I have no knowledge of South African student visas, so I cannot help you. All the best with figuring it out!
Hi! Thank you so much for this post, it was very useful. I have just been down to VFS in Cape Town and submitted my papers. However, I'm now a bit worried about my bank statements which I submitted. I submitted savings account statements showing £1500 in the last statement. However, I have three questions:
1) Do you have any idea if £1500 is enough for 4 more months staying in SA?
2) My bank statement doesn't actually say the currency on – I'm worried they'll assume it's R. -did your's have Canadian currency marked on it somewhere? Do you think I should go into the VFS office to clarify?
3) I just printed mine out from my online bank accounts – they didn't have a certifcation stamp on – do you think this will be okay? Were your Canadian statements certified in any way?
Sorry for all the questions!
Hi Ruby. I can help you on your 3rd question: printed, uncertified statements were fine. On the other two, I don't know. One commenter had the bad luck of the agent reading his $5,000 balance as R5,000, so he was denied. Hopefully £1500 gets read correctly and is deemed sufficient. It's too late to do anything about now, I suppose (unless you race back to VFS). Let us know how it goes. Fingers crossed.
Thank you for your help! That's a relief re. uncertified docs! Thankfully I will probably hopefully have plenty of time to appeal as I submitted in the first 20 days of being here – I actually will have more money in my bank account by the time I would need to appeal – I didn't realise that you can actually submit wage advance slips, invoices you've sent for work, proof of credit card limits and letters from hosts in SA/family members who are willing to financially support you! This could possibly be a helpful addition to your blog.
Thank you again – I would have been totally lost without this page!
Oooh, good information. I'll update the post with that now. Thanks, Ruby!
Hi Kim & Chris,
Thanks so much for putting this together, immensely useful!
Quick question for you: does the return flight have to be within the original 90 days, or does it have to be in the next 90 days (when we're actually hoping to leave)? Or does it not matter?
Thanks!
Phil
Hi Phil. Within the next 90 days. I've heard anecdotes that sometimes people get extended up to the date of that flight, so you're safest to show flights for the date you intend to leave, or get refundable flights for the latest date possible.
Hey, quick question.
At VFS, did they return the passport to you after you submitted the docs??
I found that odd, but not completely crazy since the visa is basically a sticker and (I guess) they don't want you to move around without your main ID.
Still… I thought it was odd.
Hey Malola. Yes they did. And, yeah, in other countries they hold onto it while they submit the application. I guess maybe because they don't want to screw you over even more by taking so long that you need to leave already but can't because you don't have your passport?
thanks so much guys this is very helpful. My question (if you don't mind) is whether the TRV- Revewal Section 11(1) is the right route to take on the application (though I cannot see a better alternative) where (like me) you are exempt from needing a s.11(1) visa. I have an Irish passport and the stamp on my passport giving me 90 days does not look like yours. It doesn't say 'visitors permit' or 'Section 11(1)'. It just says name of airport and date of entry and date it expires (90 days). If you are visa exempt how can you extend the visa that you don't have?
I need to apply by Tuesday to be within the 30 days and then won't be around for an appointment until late December as we are going to Kruger so hoping that leaves enough time. But mostly I don't want to pay fees x 5 of us (family) if this is the wrong route. All ideas Welcome! thanks so much, Ruth
Hi Ruth. Maybe I'm wrong or missing something, but I don't believe your Irish citizenship entitles you to a different visa (or visitors permit) than the ones I've gotten in the past using my Canadian passport once and Swiss one the other time. I believe you and your family will have to go through the whole process. If so, and if you have over a month left in your passport by late December, you should be fine for timing. Sounds like your family's having quite the epic trip. Enjoy!
So in theory tourist visa renewal is open again, in practice when you go to pay it previews the "Earliest appointment dates" on the right. The earliest available date is Jan 25th (currently Dec 13th).
Obviously between the 1.5 months there and actual visa processing time this is useless for doing a renewal inside the original visa window. Any idea if the "Earliest appointment dates" preview is accurate, or do they actually have availability right now (Cape town office)?
Reached out via phone and email to the office, no response aside from they are not accepting walk ins due to covid.
Hi Hank. Thanks for the info and question. I don't know about the windows. Yikes. We're also going to need to extend in CT around the same dates as you, so if they're that backed up, it could be a bit of an issue for us, too. As long as you're planning to leave later than late Feb, an appointment the end of Jan shouldn't be an issue. You can stay in the country while you await your extension and if you apply on, say Jan 25, you should get your extension before you need it.
Based on what Annika said below I went ahead and tried to pay to get access to the full calendar, but had 3 cards from 3 different banks fail to go through (2 credit, 1 debit, all visa/mastercard that otherwise work fine down here).
For extra fun the VFS office just got evacuated due to a confirmed covid case, so they cancelled all visa appointments for at least the rest of the week.
Can't do the stay in country while awaiting extension trick due to potentially having to leave abruptly (family members with health conditions). Also the fun horror stories about not hearing back for 9 months!
Got a payment through on a different browser (firefox worked, chrome didn't). No appointments available in Cape Town through Mar 2021 (there was availability in other cities)
Thanks for the update, Hank. That's bad news. What's your plan? Kim's going to beg for an extension when we go to Namibia over New Year's. I'm gonna swap passports to get a new stamp. But if Kim doesn't succeed and there are zero appointments, we're in the same boat as you. Maybe have to fly somewhere before the 90 days expire?
First of all, thanks for writing all this down, it helps tremendously! Just wanting to share my experience. I thought I'd apply within the first 30 days of my arrival (I arrived 2 weeks ago). I just went for my appointment at vfs in CT and the officer told me that I should come back in 2 months, because if she submitted my application now, I would only get an extension from the submission date. So it seems like this is still a thing. She also said that I could overstay as long as my visa process is still ongoing, only if I were to leave after my first 90 days without waiting for the outcome of my extension would I be banned.
She also said that proof of accommodation is needed, apparently best to have a letter from a local including a utility bill or something to prove their identity.
Thanks Annika! Disheartening but helpful to hear that getting 90 days from extension date is still a thing. Kim and I returned in early Dec to stay 4 months, so we'll apply late Jan / early Feb to play safe.
I'll add the detail you shared on the proof of accommodation, now. Thanks again!
Hi, how long did it take for payment to go through and to be able to schedule an appointment?
Sorry, Tom, I don't remember. I don't have that marked in my notes, either, which I suspect means there wasn't much delay.
Hi,
what if the calendar is not showing any available dates for 2021 at all, payment went through already ?
Hi,
I applied for extension of 6 days ( I thought I will leave that day) but I couldn't get an appointment because of Christmas time, so I had to say to have my appointment.
If I applied for 6 days am I getting 6 days or 30 days visa extension???
Should I make another application for more days ( I paid arleady – do I pay again?)
Hi Natalia. I don't know. Please let us know how it turns out for you. Maybe the lesson is to always ask for the full 90 days, just to be safe.
Cape Town update: they released some appointments for Jan 5 – 15th (booked one for early Jan 5)
Visa runs to another country got harder as multiple CT labs are denying PCRs for travel purposes due to shortages
Thanks, Hank for the update. Congrats on snagging an appointment.
Hi there,
Thank you for helping out people with this so valuable information. My question is that, if someone is a positive of Covid-19 and confined to the place of residence, how can he\she approach the VFS Global to extend the visit visa which is due to expire in short while.
Are there any government approved agent help in this regard, if so, could you please provide with there contact number.
Thank you & best regards
Hi Arif. Sorry, I have no idea. I highly doubt there are any special practices for visa extensions for COVID positive people.
Hi!
I cannot believe there is so much uncertainty around something so important!
My boyfriend is in a similar situation, been here since March 2020 and the visitor visa expires 30th Jan 2021. I am luckily a South African Citizen.
VFS told me this morning to apply for an extension and he will not be required to leave if he has submitted the extension. We are applying with only 19 days to spare.
It's unclear tho, will we be allowed to leave the country while we await the verdict of the extension?
After reading the horror story of it being rejected and having to appeal and while waiting for the appeal you cannot leave the country, we are nervous of going the extension route! That could mean that we cannot leave the country for months without consequences. Have I understood that correctly?
We am considering just travelling to Zanzibar for a while and then pleading with border control officer to renew the 90 days. Do you know a lot of success stories or any more advice for travelling to a non-neighbouring country for Visa renewal?
Thanks so much!
Hello Cassidy,
I have the same dilemma as your boyfriend. I came here in March 2020 and grace period will expire on Jan 31st 2021. I also have the same questions as you do and now, my country has banned travelers from South Africa and even if I'm allowed to go home, I cannot get any flights right now.
I already ask people and neither they don't know the answer as it is unsure. Just hoping that the grace period will be extended. I'm applying for the extension no matter what, so that I can at least have proof that I tried to submit it even if there are no appointments available or whatsoever.
The things is.. everything now is uncertain. There is a Pandemic going on and it is the first time in our generation that we are experiencing this, that even the Governments from all over the world are having difficulties to subdue it, and now new strains are popping. As I see it, we are not the priority right now and I am just hoping they will not be that strict with us.
oops, I wrote a comment instead of a reply! (haha)
Hi Jasmin,
It seems that Cyril will be speaking tonight at 8pm.
I am so sorry to hear about your situation! I had no idea that some people were unable to get flights home. My boyfriend is from the UK and so there are flights available.
I am just nervous about him not being allowed to leave SA once applying for an extension and afterwards, during the appeal, if rejected.
I think we will just go to Zanzibar and hope for the best when coming back into SA.
Good Luck!
Good news for those of us who have been here since before lockdown!
Update with the gazetted regulations:
Foreign nationals in the Republic with visas that have expired and were automatically extended to 31 January 2021. due to their inability to travel during the lockdown due to COVID -19. will have their visas automatically extended to 31 March 2021.
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202101/44066rg11223gon11.pdf
This is good news. Thank you for sharing this. I arrived in SA end of November and my visa expires end of February. So hopefully the March extenstion applies to me as well.
This is good news. Thank you for sharing this. I arrived in SA end of November and my visa expires end of February. So hopefully the March extenstion applies to me as well.
Yep, it does! Enjoy not having to go through the rigamarole!
This is a very useful article! I applied for an extension yesterday and I sailed through the process. I';m sure I wouldn't have done so had I not found this article.
Lets just hope I'm accepted now!
Thanks for all your efforts!
As per the government notice commenced in 11 Jan 2021 "A foreign tourist who arrived in the Republic prior to the
commencement of this regulation. will have his or her visa automatically extended to 31 March 2021."
That means: The extension also applies to any foreigner who has travelled to South Africa in the last ten months and is still unable to return to their country of origin.
Thanks, Istvan, for sharing!
I imagine Sam's application is to stay beyond Mar 31. My fingers are crossed, for you, Sam!
Hi,
Thanks for the useful update re extended grace period to 31 March. I'm hoping to stay longer than that so I applied for the renewal and attended my VFS appointment yesterday (although with just under a month to spare). I had a letter from my partner (an SA citizen) stating that I'd be staying with him for the duration of my stay, as well as support me financially if necessary. Although I'd brought proof of his accommodation and bank statements as suggested here, they insisted on seeing his ID book and taking a copy of it. Luckily, he was waiting for me and had his ID with him and they were willing to let me return a few minutes later to complete the application. I thought it might be useful for others to know that VFS may also need to see the ID book of any relatives/friends who have written letters as your proof of accommodation or financial means. This was at the VFS in Durban. Hopefully they'll now grant me the visa extension!
Thanks Myf. I'll add a note on that above. Wishing you the best with your extension!
Hi Guys. I'm in Cape Town on a 3 month tourist visa. I've a quick question (that I need a reply to ASAP please if possible) re : document requirements prior to going through the application online for a tourist visa extension.
Do you need a medical and radiology report if applying under V11(1)? I rang VSF and asked but they could not say and kept telling me to check on a computer with internet explorer to check the requirements! I'm on a mac with no access to explorer. Also the supporting documents you mentioned in your article, do you need to attach those online or just take them to the appointment (giving more time to collate them 🙂 I've 55 days left on my visa and ready to get an appointment to extend. Many thanks. Jo
Hi Jo. See the answers in previous questions to your radiology question. And as Step 10 says, you need to print the documents.
Hi all,
Firstly this thread has been so helpful, however I want to gain further clarity – I arrived in SA in November 2020 on a 3 month tourist visa from the UK which expires 10th Feb.
The UK has currently banned all flights from the SA so its impossible to get a flight out before my 3month visa ends.
Am I right in thinking from the announcement made by the President on the 11th of Jan that the visa will be extended until 31st March? Its not just relevant to visas that have expired already?
Do I need to visit VFS to get this approved or have this in writing in order to stay past my current visa date or is just now an automatic status.
All advice welcome I really do not want to be in a position where I overstay wrongly and not able to visit again in the future.
Natasha
Hi, I’m in the exact same situation as you Natasha. Hoping someone will be able to clarify if those of us that have arrived since the initial lockdown will be included in the recent tourist extension. It would also be really helpful to know what documentation or anything we might need to be sure we don’t have trouble with immigration when we are able to leave. Please share any insights if you get them. Thanks!
Hello! First I’d like to say that this article was extremely insightful and helpful. I am an American that arrived to South Africa Nov 30th and my visitors visa will expire Feb 28th. I’m wondering if anybody out there has tried the visa run method recently and what success they’ve had with it. With how terrible the VFS and application process seems I’m wondering if I should visa run to Rwanda (as I was there for 10 days prior to arriving to South Africa) on the day my visitor’s visa expires and return 7 days later to joburg and cross my fingers for 90 days more. Any anecdotes shared with the visa run method would be most appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Matthew, I would also welcome hearing about the visa run too.
Although with the presidents announcement on the 11th Jan I’m led to believe (from this thread mostly but it does state on the government website also) your visitors visa will automatically be extended until 31st March. So there an additional month for you!!
Hi Matthew. Like Nathasha said, visitor's visas have been extended to Mar 31. To extend further, I've written above that we had success doing a visa run to Rwanda last year. And this year upon return from a 4-day trip in Namibia we asked for an extra 31 days and the agent was kind enough to oblige.
Thanks for sharing here’s my story.
I arrived to SA 30 October 2020 did my visa extension application 8 days later – meeting at Vfs and got sms confirmation 27 November application was forwarded to DHA – everything looked perfect.
1 February 2021 94 days after my arrival to SA the application is still not processed at DHA.
According to border control at Cape Town airport they don’t have any instructions saying the 31 March rule applies to everyone only those who have been stucked since March 2020.
Thanks for sharing, too, Peter. I'm sorry to hear you haven't heard back from the DHA still. Hopefully whoever you heard from at CT border control is mistaken so the March 31 rule applies to you, too. Let us know how it works out for you.
Hi all,
First of all, thank you for the page.
My situation is I arrived from UK in Cape town 5th Dec on a 3-month, so this would otherwise expire on 5th March. My return flight was cancelled on 9th Jan.
It seems there is slight uncertainty over whether the announcement on 11th Jan would mean my Visa is extended to 31st March. According to BusinessInsider: "the extension also applies to any foreigner who has travelled to South Africa in the last ten months and is still unable to return to their country of origin before April". What does it mean exactly to be unable to return? I can no longer fly direct, but (I think) I probably could manage to return to the UK via other countries – although I shouldn't really and don't want to. Am I worrying about nothing or is there potential for quibbling?
If the Visa extension does apply to me, then do I need to do anything – or will border control just accept that the extension applied to me? I'd feel far more comfortable with a new stamp or some sort of letter.
One more thing – when attempting to sign up with VFS per the instructions, it tells me my password doesn't meet the correct format (it does), so I cannot progress this.
Thanks for any help
Hi Edwin. Unfortunately, I'm not 100% sure about the Mar 31 extension. Maybe 95%. Based on what I've heard from people who've left recently and the most common interpretation of the Jan 11 announcement, nobody who leaves by Mar 31 should be concerned about being banned, but Peter's previous comment makes me slightly uncertain.
And sorry, but I don't have any ideas for you on your password issue. All the best with sorting it out.
The password format error message "Minimum 8 characters atleast 1 Alphabet, 1 Number and 1 Special Character (except ? symbol)" that I saw and copied sometime last year seemed to be wrong. I had more luck on a second attempt with both lower- and uppercase letters, and using only '@' as the special character, so you could try that, but I did not want to spend time to figure out the exact rules, and maybe things have even changed since then.
Thank you for the great detailed article! Went to VFS yesterday in Cape Town and just wanted to add a few things specific to enquiries by families:
– I had to provide a copy of my child's birth certificate
– I had to write a letter to explain that I am financially responsible for my son
– I had to make 3 copies of each document (e.g. accomodation reservation, flight confirmation, etc.), one per applicant, as they are processed independently
Hope that helps anyone!
Thanks for the info, Thomas. I've updated the required document list to include these items.
Hello there,
First of all, thank you so much for this information! It has been such a great help. I do have one question and forgive me if it has already been answered.
I have filled out my application, paid, scheduled an appointment and now just printed my documents. During the the visa application part, it asks for your Residential Address, now I assumed that meant for Canada, so I proceeded to fill out my families details with this Canadian address. Now, I realized after printing the forms, it now says "Residential Address in the Republic". Question is, do I have to start all over again with the application? Cancel my appointment, ask for a refund etc…?
Hi David. Sorry, I don't know. Ryan, in the comment below, says he made the same mistake and didn't have an issue (though he hasn't gotten approval yet). Probably best to ask VFS.
I did this exact same thing and just submitted my application anyways with my United States address. I made it all the way through the process with no issues so I think it is okay. I applied on January 13th and still haven't received a single email or notification a month later though so I don't have high hopes of my application being processed before March 31st. Am I correct in thinking that I need to leave before March 31st if I don't want to risk being banned for 5 years while waiting for my visa extension?
Hi Ryan. Thanks for your insight on David's question. On your question, if you stay beyond Mar 31 you'll be ok so long as you get your approval back from the DHA before your extension's over and have to leave. If you don't ever hear back, you're probably going to get banned. And if they reject your application you'll be given a few days (not sure on the exact number) to leave the country.
Hi I wanted to ask wat do I put for previous reference number
Thanks for this. Very helpful as we need to get an extension.
Hi, I am very late to renew my visa (appointment for the 1st of March).
Now I wonder: can I still apply but leave the country on the 31st if I don't hear from them (to avoid a possible rejection past my visa dates and exclusion)? Will I be banned if I leave with a pending application?
OR Should I just cancel, go home and come back later? Is that a safer option at this point?
Thanks!
Hi Ella. If you apply, don't hear back, and leave before the 31st you won't be banned since you're leaving before your permit expires.
Hi Chris,
Thanks SO much for such an informative blog… I've read many of the comments in a bid to gain clarity but can't quite find the answer I'm looking for, so hoping you could confirm!
Planning on coming to SA in October on a 90 day visa… as I understand, should we want to extend this beyond 90 days, we're best doing this within the first month? However, if we do this in the first month, there is risk that the visa extension of 90 days, will be from that date as opposed to the end of the original 90 days? I'm also confused because if the extension approval process exceeds the end date on the visa (i.e. takes over 2 months), we'd have to leave the country not knowing if we'd been granted an extension or not?
My second query is around leaving SA to another non-bordering country, and returning in a bid to renew the 90 days. It sounds like you've heard success stories of this? But also sounds like this is best done on say day 85, and returning no sooner than 6 days later? I guess you have to assume you may not be granted back, and therefore pack up everything with you / end any rental contract etc?
Hope that all makes sense!! Thanks so much!
Hi Nicola. Your understanding of the risk of applying early. If the extension process goes beyond the date your initial 90 days expires, you can stay in the country until you hear back, but if you leave, you'll be leaving on an expired permit and be punished accordingly.
Flying to a non-bordering country does seem to work. There's no risk, that I'm aware of, that you won't be allowed back in, so no need to pack everything. If it doesn't work, for whatever reason, you could go to VFS and apply for an extension as your back-up plan.
I'm no expert, so don't take my word for anything. Just my understanding. Hope it helps.
HI This is so useful but I have not looked at all the comments so hope you haven't answered this question already. Last year I extended my 90 day visa by saying I needed to be here to continue building my house. I want to renew my 90 day visa this year but don't know what reasons they will accept. Last year a friend said she was working as a volunteer with animals, they did not accept this as she had to be working with people to get the extension. She reapplied saying she wanted to travel more round SA and was given it. What reasons are acceptable? Thanks Jayne
Hi Jayne. I'd keep it simple and keep it to "I want more time to travel around SA and enjoy the weather here."
Hi Chris. This has been an informative site. I made a renewal to VFS in January 2021 and I was successful. Looking back, I realized I put a different Visa number (the number that appears on my actual permit) and that my letter was addressed to home affairs, but to the cape town branch. Do you think this would be an issue in getting acceptance?
Hi Wilson. I can't say for sure, but I presume the agent at VFS reviewed your docs before sending them, so hopefully that means it's good enough. Neither minor mistake should affect the sticker you'll get from the DHA to put on your passport, with the extended date, assuming you're approved. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks Chris. I also believe that the documents would have to be checked quite thoroughly before going through. It eases my mind a little more to hear someone else agree too. I truly want to believe that the DHA aren't unreasonable people and that they won't such minor mistakes against me. It's been just over a month since I applied so I'm hoping to get some response back soon.
to be more specific, i put the control number in the visa number space
I am aiming to put the visa control number that is on my stamp there…. Is this incorrect?
Chris, praise be to you my friend for all the people you've helped.
A quick summary of my situation in case I can provide assistance:
Arrived March 2020
Applied for a 90 day extension on January 12th, outcome delivered to VFS on February 23rd. I can only see the result when I pick it up on March 12th (I've tried).
Regardless of the outcome I will have to do a visa run at some point. It seems flying to a non-bordering country is the best option.
Does anyone have recent experience doing this?
Is there a certain amount of time I should stay out of SA before returning? Lastly, does anyone have experience flying (not overland) to a bordering country and back?
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions of your own. Thank you 🙂
Visa extension was approved, so to summarize the timeline:
Booked appointment on December 10th
Appointment on January 12th
Outcome delivered to VFS on February 23rd
Collection by appointment on March 12th
I've done a significant amount of research on a visa run, and Rwanda seems to be the best option. However I haven't found anything on how long one should remain out of the country.
Hi Tomas,
This is great news for you. Can I please ask did you use the same reason in this post as to why you wanted the 90 day extension or did you use Covid?
Natasha
Hi Natasha,
Here's what I wrote:
I wish to extend my Visitors Permit in order to remain in South Africa until April 30, 2021, as I wait for my job aboard cruise ships to recommence. I have attached a copy of my letter of employment and seaman’s visa.
I am a UK citizen, but have not lived there for over 20 years. My family resides in Honduras, and due to the pandemic it is extremely difficult and risky for me to return, as flights are very limited and would involve traversing multiple countries severely affected by the virus.
Thank you for welcoming me into your amazing country, and for your time and consideration.
I feel you could use both reasons—they want tourism, and Covid is still incredibly relevant in terms of travel/flights/etc.
Hi Chris,
Thanks a lot for this article, it helped me a lot finding answers I couldn't get anywhere else!
I just have a few questions:
– I am supposed to go to SA the 10th of May and want to stay there for 6 months to do a field guide formation, so I'll need to ask for a visa extention. If I apply for my extension at the beginning of June and they grant it to me, does it mean I can stay 90 days more starting at the end of the date of my previous visa which will be the 8th of August or 90 days more starting the day of my application? Will I be able to do 180 days straight in SA then or not?
– If they don't grant me my extension visa, is it still possible to fly out to non neighboring countries at the end of my 90 days and then come back to SA and have a new 90 days visa? If it is the case, how long do I have to stay in that non neighboring country before I can come back? Or can I fly back to SA right after? I am from France originally and was wondering if it is better to go back to France or just fly to a close non neighboring country and then come right back to SA the next day or so? As I wanna be back to SA as quickly as possible for my formation 🙂
Thank you again for your help!
Alexis
Hi Alexis. If you apply in the beginning of June, they should extend you to give you a full 180 days, but some people report DHA agents only extending 90 days from the date of extension. That's why some advise to wait later into your initial 90 days before applying for an extension.
Yes, if you fly out within your first 90 days, it doesn't matter whether or not you applied for an extension or not. You'll get an exit stamp, then a new entrance stamp, and 90 days, upon your return. I don't know how long you need to leave the country for. Technically, you need to return home, but as I've reported above and many others have reported, too, the agents don't seem to care where you're flying in from. They'll just give you your stamp.
Hello Alexis, why not applying for a student visa?
I applied for a renewal of my current 3 year visa in October 2020 and still haven’t heard anything. I’m curious if they get processed separately, given that you (Tomas) asked for a 90 day extension and your decision has been received by VFS already.
I’m finding the waiting game very stressful.
Hi Katharine,
May I ask what kind of visa it is? Have you received any emails whatsoever?
Hi Tomas,
It was a renewal for my current 3 year visitor visa to conduct volunteering. I received confirmation that my application had been received by home affairs and then again when it went for adjudication.
Hey Katharine,
Did you receive both the Inscanned and Outscanned Adjudication emails? I got them on the same day, and the final outcome 4 days later, though I figure yours would probably take longer. What do they say when you call/email?
And when you track it online? From what I'm seeing on the VFS site the max processing time for a temporary visitors visa renewal is 60 days :/
When I track online it just says it’s with home affairs. I’ve contacted vfs and they’ve also confirmed it’s still being processed. I just got one text message about adjudication so I’m guessing only inscanned? I’ve not been getting email info, just texts. I also saw 60 day processing time, but I do know others who have waited a long time. Also, I’ve heard that the court orders that applications should be seen to within 30 days so I really have been waiting a long time!
Hi all,
I know there hasn’t been anything official announced just yet – but do people think the visitors visa will be extended again past 31st March 2021?
There are still no direct flights back to the UK and not to mention the very expensive quarantine hotels that’s expected if there was.
Should I apply for the extension tourist visa – do I have enough time still?
Am I likely to even get an appointment now before 31st March.
Many thanks,
Hey Natasha,
I just called VFS. They have no information on whether there will be another extension past March 31st at this time.
The only way to see if there are appointments available is to fill out the application. There is an option to refund, but I don't know what the stipulations are. I was also told that if the appointment were to be after March 31st, it would be considered as overstaying. I would give them a call (012 425 3000).
I would also like to know any thoughts on whether there is likely to be another extension past 31st March? It would be incredibly difficult and expensive for me to travel back to my home country. I applied for an extension in mid-January anyway, but have heard nothing back from DHA. It seems very few people are getting responses – or am I wrong in thinking this? My other question is whether anyone has done a visa run to a non-neighbouring country in the last couple of months? I don't want to get trapped somewhere! As to your question Natasha, I was able to book an appointment for a few days after filling in the forms and paying online, and there seemed to be plenty of options. I think you should get an appointment before 31st March, although how long the reply will take is another matter!
OMG thank you so much for posting this! you are a life saver and you are an amazing person!
I am just Wondering about the flight with cancellation, because looking at expedia now, they do not have flights with the 24 hour cancellation option
Hey Iris,
This might help:
https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/
I bought a bus ticket to Botswana on Intercape. I get my outcome on Friday so I'll let you know if it worked. That said, I'd double check the current land border policy.
My extension was approved, so the bus ticket worked in my case.
Awesome. Congrats, Tomas! Thanks for letting us know. And thanks for being so helpful so many other people's questions here in the comments.
I always go to Flight Center in CPT, the one closest to VFS building, walk in and mention the fact I would like to have an itinerary ticket to show I'm leaving he country in time, for my visa extension. They know exactly what you mean and you'll receive it immediately by email.
Costs: R250!
Been approved every time.
Hi Tamara,
thanks for the piece of information.
what's the address for this?
Many thanks
Hey tamra! Have you applied for a tourist visa extension more than once?
Tamara! Apologies for misspelling.
Hi
I entered on a UK passport and my visa is up in 10 days, can I leave on my UK passport go to Namibia and come back on a Irish passport ? Has anyone any experience with this. Thank you
Hi Shane. I tried this with my Canadian and Swiss passports. The Namibian agent on the way into Namibia wouldn't stamp me in with a different passport than I used in SA. She gave me a bunch of shit for trying. So then when I returned to Namibia from South Africa, I didn't have Namibian stamps on my second passport, so I didn't bother trying to give that unstamped passport to the SA agents. Didn't seem like it had a chance. They'd see there was no Namibia stamp and ask questions, too. The SA agent gave me the extension on my first passport anyway, when I asked.
First of all THANK YOU for this article and the information in it.
I too am in the same situation as Natasha and Myf, I haven’t submitted the application for renewal yet but I will probably do it tomorrow, and cross my fingers I get an appointed before the end of March.
Do you think flying to Zanzibar would work, otherwise?
Although borders are open here in SA, it doesn’t mean they are where we came from, for me going back to Italy would be very complicated, they’re back to complete lockdown again. Thanks again!
Hey Luna. I have friends that have extended their visas going to Zanzibar in the past so it should work. That was pre-COVID. Not sure if they're clamping down now, but I highly doubt it.
Thank you Chris for your answer. When it rains it pours, they say, and I had a medical emergency for which I will need surgery, on Wednesday, making it impossible for me to travel for at least 10 days after that, not to mention check ups etc. So, I will apply for a renewal, do you think it would be useful to mention this in the letter for the renewal? Thanks again for taking the time to answer to our comments!
Hi there, this is incredibly helpful. Thank you, thank you. I note that you caution against overland visa runs to neighboring countries. Do you know anything about flying to/from neighboring countries for getting a new visa for SA? Thank you!
Hi Kelsey. I've heard anecdotally that it works. The immigration agents at the airport don't ask you where you're coming from. They just stamp. But, as you probably know, the policy says that shouldn't happen, so you're taking a bit of a risk of not getting your extension if you try.
So, you can apply for two extensions.
When I picked up my outcome a few days ago, one of the agents mentioned something about applying for a second one. I just called VFS—twice—and they told me it is indeed possible.
I asked what would happen if while waiting for the outcome of the second extension I overstayed, and the agent said that the receipt allows one to remain in the country until the outcome. If the request were denied, it would include a letter with instructions on what to do—leave promptly, I assume.
As per VFS, if the application is denied you are given 10 days to leave the country. Currently there are appointments available from March 23rd until the end of the month.
PLEASE NOTE: I just called DHA and they told me it is not possible to get a second extension. They're closed now, so I'll call again tomorrow to verify.
3 different DHA agents told me it's not possible.
Moral of the story—double check what VFS says with DHA.
Update: there is nowhere in writing that officially states you cannot apply for more than one extension—just that per extension you can get a max of 90 days. I have spoken to several people who have done it, including a highly recommended immigration lawyer.
Hi Tomas: I'm also wondering if I should apply for another extension (mine has been extended once thus far, I'm here doing research for a fellowship.) A woman at VHS told me I could submit an application for another extension–have you heard back about the outcome of your application? And if it gets rejected, do you know if you get banned or the rejection gets noted on your permanent record or something?
Thanks! –Sarah
Hi Chris
Thank you so much for your article.
It has been so super helpful for my German Boyfriend.
So kind of you to take the time and research all of this.
Hi Caryn. Thanks for the thanks! I'm glad our experience is of some help to you and your German BF.
Hello.
First of all, I would like to say thank you so very much guys for such a great blog and help.
I think I made a mistake with my resident address in my form.
I put my Chilean address instead my South african one.
And I've got already my appointment.
Can you give me any advice regarding this?
Thanks so very much once again.
Hey Fernanda, I put also my address from home in the UK as residence but still didn't submit my application… is this a problem? Were you able to find out or sort it out?
Thank you
Mario
I also put an overseas address – for some reason, the form just asks for your 'residential address' when you complete the application, but when you've completed it and print out the documents, this question suddenly appears as 'residential address in RSA'. It must be a mistake in the system. The VFS agent accepted my application and didn't mention the address, so I think it shouldn't be an issue. I'm still waiting for the outcome though.
Thank you! I'll make the application again using my residence in SA.
For those who have made it through the process, I'm currently tracking my application with the VFS online tracking. Since January 14th it has just said it has arrived at DHA, but today it finally updated and says that it was forwarded to VFC. What step of the process is this? Do you know how long it will likely be until I can collect a decision? I really hope I can collect before March 31st so if the decision is yes then I can stay further.
You should get an email tomorrow with the link to make a collection appointment. I had to wait 2 weeks to actually collect it, but there seem to be more appointments available now, so fingers crossed.
There's a group on Facebook—South African Visa Forum—that also has a wealth of info on these topics.
Hi Chris and all,
I still haven't applied for the extension for different reasons and see there are few spots before 31/03/2021 to get an appointment. I would only need to stay 30 days more to return back to UK.
If let's say I submit my application now before 31/03 and the response doesn't come in time when I have to leave (30 days), from what I've seen very likely given the current delays…
Can I leave without that response and without being declared undesirable? If so, how? Showing the application extension at the airport, does it work?
Thanks in advance for your all your help, I truly appreciate the time and effort put here to help others…
Best
Hi All – something to add to my previous question if you wait for the response and let's say you're rejected, can you leave the country during those days without being declared undesirable? I read the previous comment from somebody who was banned but VFS and DHA both say this shouldn't be the case… has anybody else has experienced this banned or can explain further if I am missing something?
Thank you very much in advance to all,
Cheers
Stephen
Thank you for that info – I've joined the group and have already found it really useful and would also recommend it. Someone on the SA Visa Forum claimed that a further extension would be announced soon. They seem to have spoken to an official. Although I can't be certain that this is the case, it appears likely that some announcement will be made this week that will give us all some clarity. I know many people have been waiting a long time for the outcome of a renewal!
Thanks Myf – that would be awesome!
When was this posted exactly on the SA Visa Forum?
Looking forward to get automatically extended… 🙂
Cheers
It was posted yesterday evening in the comments section, so it should still be relatively easy to find there.
Thank you – just joined the group, waiting to be accepted by admin…
Best
Hi Myf – that is great news!
Can you post any update here when you have it please? I'm not in the group nor FB.
Thank you very much,
Sure – I'll write here if I hear anything further.
Hi Myf – any update on this? Haven't found anything, anywhere.
Thank you very much
Hi all,
It’s official ! Just realised extension till 30th June.
Woohoooo
Yes – finally – there will be an extension! Only announced an hour or so ago. Government has extended the visas to 30th June in another government gazette, so this appears to be legitimate. I'm not able to attach files here, but here is the relevant wording:
Amendment of paragraphs 12.3, 19, 20 and 21.1 of the Directions
2.1 Paragraphs 12.3, 19, 20 and 21.1 of the Directions are hereby amended by the substitution for
the date 31 March 2021 referred to in these paragraphs, of the date 30 June 2021, as the date until
which the validity of visas and permits is extended and the date until which a person holding such
visa or permit may leave the Republic without being declared as undesirable, respectively.
2.2 The extension of the validity of visas or permits referred to in paragraph 2.1 above –
(a) applies to visas issued for a period of less than 90 days which expired during the national
state of disaster; and
(b) does not apply to-
(i) visas issued for more than 90 days up to 3 years, study visas, treaty visas,
business visas, medical treatment visas, general work visas, critical skills work
visas, retired person visa and exchange visas which expired during the national
state of disaster, whose holders must apply for visas at
on or before 31 July 2021; and
(ii) any visa or permit obtained on or after, or to persons who entered the Republic on
or after, 15 March 2021.
If you google '26 March 2021 government gazette' you should also be able to find it there.
Hi Myf
great news. Thank youuuuuuuuu, amazing.
Which is the website where we can download the official gazzette?
Not able to find it.
Paolo
Hi Paolo
Look for the gazette 44335 26-03 HomeAffairs
Cheers
Nick
Amazing. Thanks so much guys.
Enjoy South Africa, enjoy the sun.
That's awesome!!
Thanks a lot
This automatic extension until 30th June is indeed great news. It's just annoying how they leave it to the last minute.
Like so many others I'm sure, I had an appointment scheduled to submit my extension request next week so I paid the R1,775 fee and now by cancelling and requesting a refund a R850 cancellaton fee will be deducted and I'll eventually get back R925. VFS must be making some good free money with these last minute extensions.
The same happened to me. I ended up hiring an immigration lawyer and the plan is to reschedule the appointment for June. I asked about having to amend my forms, but she told me it's not necessary. You can specify the dates in your letter, and apparently most of the time they just go three months from the time they adjudicate the application.
Hi there! Thank you for the post. I'm looking to get visa renewals for my family and have 2 questions: 1: on the payment page there is an option for 'Premium Lounge' for an additional 500 Rand – do you think the would make much of a difference. 2: Is there a way to get a child's appointment at the same time as yours? Thank you!
I just caught up on the thread – and I may not need it now with this extension…Do you know if you have to go anywhere to get this approved/verified in your passport? Thanks!
Hi Rumana. You don't have to do anything. Until June 30, the immigration agents will let everyone leave no questions asked (or visa extension needed).
Hello everyone! I'm a UK citizen and in waiting for the visa extension in March, I applied for a visitor visa extension on 24th March just before the announcement was made. My application is still being processed which means I can't leave the country in the meantime. However with my visa having been extended to 30th June anyway, should I still be waiting for my application to be approved?
I'm looking to leave the country within the next month.
Thank you!
I’m facing the same issue. I applied for an extension on March 8th 2021. I still haven’t heard anything, but I must go home soon due to personal circumstances. My flight is on June 12th. As visas are extended till June 30th, can I just leave? Or do I have to wait and pick up the decision (god knows when). Does anyone know what could happen if I leave before I get the verdict from VFS?
Hi! Thank you so much for the step by step.
Im just reall struggling with the uncertainty surrounding these informations…
Ive called the Department of Home Affairs (April/2021) to ask if I could go to my birth country (Brazil) and come back 1 week later for another 90 days and they told me I am only allowed to stay in South Africa 90 DAYS PER YEAR.
Im so confused… I went to Zambia and Namibia for 8 days and I got the same deadline when I came back to SA. Now Im willing to go to France or even Brazil in order to be able to stay more three months and, according to DHA, I cant.
But Ive read your comments here and it seems to be pretty common… Should I take the risk?
Hi Gabriela. Technically that may be the case, but the DHA doesn't keep track. Tons of people do it.
As for Zambia and Namibia, yeah, if you go overland they are unlikely to extend you. If you fly, they are unlikely not to.
Quick version:
I'm British and I arrived in South Africa 17th Nov 2020. I submitted my application to extend my tourist visa with VFS on 8th Feb 2021, and I received the approval on 12th April. My extended tourist visa is valid until 24th June 2021 (which is kind of irrelevant as all tourist visa are extended to 30th June anyway).
I need to stay in South a little longer, as I can't go ahead with my original plans to travel through Asia, due to Covid. I don't know how long I will need to stay for, but another 90 days would be ideal to give me a bit of time to wait and see which other countries open up to tourism.
What are my options? Can I apply for a 2nd extension through VFS, and how likely is it to be approved? Can I fly to any other country (ideally somewhere in Africa or Mauritius) and expect receive a new 90 days when I return, or does it have to be my home country (UK)? If it has to be a flight to the UK, would an immediate turnaround (i.e. flying to and from the UK within 24 hours, to avoid leaving the UK airport and having to quarantine) work? I have a second passport (USA) – can I use that somehow?
Sorry – this was supposed to go up top! 🙂
Hi Chris & Kim. Thanks for putting together such a useful set of instructions! I followed them and I have just received my 90 day tourist visa extension. My girlfriend and I also used your 'The Hectic Route' guide to plan a Joburg to Cape Town road trip we did in November last year, so we're both really grateful for your awesome blog!
I have some questions about my options for staying in SA for more than 180 days, and I'm hoping you, or any of your readers, may be able to help. I've included a quick version, and a slightly longer more detailed version below for anybody who has the time 🙂
Long/detailed version:
Background: My girlfriend is South African and I'm British. We met in Dubai in 2015 and lived together there for 5 years. In March 2020, we left Dubai permanently, and our plan was to travel Asia for a year (we weren't sure where we'd go after that). Our first stop after Dubai was the UK, where we planned to stay for 3 weeks, but we ended up getting stuck in lockdown for 8 months, living with my parents. In November, we came to South Africa, as we felt it was the best place for us to "wait out the pandemic", before we could start our travels.
We arrived in South Africa 17th Nov 2020. I submitted my application to extend my tourist visa with VFS on 8th Feb 2021, and I received the approval on 12th April. My extended tourist visa is valid until 24th June 2021 (which is kind of irrelevant as all tourist visa are extended to 30th June anyway).
We would like to stay in SA a little longer, as any other travel options are still very limited. Also, it's likely my girlfriend will need surgery in June, with a six-week recovery period, so we'd like to stay put while she gets through that. Of course, as a South African citizen, she can stay as long as she likes, but I will need to extend my visa somehow.
Cont….
I'm wondering what my options are…
VFS have told me I can go ahead and apply for a 2nd extension, but they can't tell me whether or not it will be approved, and from what I'm reading online, 2nd extensions generally aren't approved (I'm not sure if any special allowances will be made because of Covid-19).
I assumed the alternative would be to take an international flight somewhere, and get another 90 days on my return, but the manager at VFS told me I would only get another 90 days if I flew to my home country (UK). He said if I flew anywhere else, I would be given a lesser number of days on my return (anything from 1 to 15 days most probably).
Flying to the UK is difficult as I would need to do a mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine, and I'd have to pay the government over £1,000 for the privilege. I'm wondering if an immediate turnaround flight to the UK (i.e. I don't leave the airport, therefore avoiding having to quarantine) would result in a new 90 day tourist visa when I return?
Alternatively, the manager at VFS advised me I should simply submit a 2nd extension application mid-June (a couple weeks before my current extension expires). He said I could stay in the country while the application is processed (last time it took 8 weeks). He said if it isn't approved then I just need to leave within the 10 days (or whatever they tell me), and he didn't seem to think I'd get a ban. He said, even if I did, I could simply go to the SA consulate in my home country, explain the circumstances, and they would lift the ban. However, from what I've read on this blog and comments, if my extension is rejected, I will receive a ban.
Also, I do have a second passport (USA). I'm wondering if I can use this to my advantage somehow?
It seems quite difficult to get a definite answer on anything. I'm considering driving to the airport to see if I can speak to anybody at the immigration office there. I've also just requested to join the 'South Africa Visa Forum' group on Facebook so I will ask these questions there as well.
I’m hoping another blanket extension of all tourist visas will be announced, but there’s no way of knowing if that will happen until it does.
Does anybody else have any other advice? Are there any other types of longer terms visas I might be able to apply for?
Thanks a lot!
Jay
Hey Jay. I'm glad you've enjoyed SA as much as Kim and I have and found our Hectic Route guide to be useful. Too bad we missed you there over the summer.
On visa stuff, I have no more expertise than you do, so I can only speak from experience, anecdotal evidence, and the little I've gathered from reading DHA gobbledegook. From experience and evidence, flying anywhere and back will get you an extra 90 days. They don't check if you went back to the UK or not. For instance, Kim and I did that flying to Rwanda in Feb 2020. Lots of people report it works flying to Mauritius, as you mention, too. Technically, you shouldn't be allowed to stay more than 180 days in the country, so I don't understand how they'd approve a second extension. But if VFS says it's worth a go and you'll have some days to leave without penalty if you're rejected (which I've read should be the case) it only hurts to try in as much as it's a pain in the butt and costs money. If I were you, I'd do the flight option. Go somewhere cool. But again, I'm no expert. Best of luck. Let us know how it works out. And, all the best with your gf's surgery and speedy recovery.
Hi Jay–reading your story, and I'm in a similar situation. Could you advise me your current status on applying for a second extension? Has it gone through, or have you tried to do a visa hop? Thanks!
I see that there are those who say that after spending your tourist entry stamp as a tourist, then leaving the country, one can return. We left SA in April, came back to the US and would like to come back in July. We are putting materials together for a temporary resident visa as a volunteer. Here in the states we have to have a face to face appointment and the earliest we can get in in September.
So my questions are, will we be allowed back in in July with a new 90 day tourist stamp? Can we apply for the volunteer visa while in SA and do we still need a face to face visit in the US? We have our paperwork ready but can't submit anything till September in the USA, we are told. Is this doable?
I have been getting so many conflicting answers that it is frustrating.
Hi Delores. You'll be allowed back into SA as a tourist for sure. I have no idea whether you can apply for your volunteer visit while in SA. Maybe someone else can chime in? All I know is for the retirement visa we're looking into, we have to do the face-to-face meeting in Canada, too. No way to do it in SA.
Thank you so much for writing all of this up it's so, so helpful!!
I was wondering with the copies of the passport and bank statements do they need to be stamped/certified or can you print off the statements and passport copy and hand that in?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Laura. No, no certification needed. Good luck!
I was wondering that too. Can the printed copies of our financial statements be notarized by the back or financial institution? Can we print the primary page with dollar amounts, not the full statement?
Hi! No notarization needed. And yeah, just a page with the amounts and your name are needed, not all the transactions.
Hi everyone,
I was just wondering whether the people who applied for an extension in March has heard anything back? I too applied for an extension for my temporary visa, but have not heard anything since. When I track my application only, it just says 'application received on March 5th'.
I have to go home on June 30th, and I'm worried that I may not have a response before that time. Can anyone else share their experiences?
Hi Nick, the visa grace period has been extended until 30 June anyway, so you shouldn't have an issue leaving on 30 June.
Hi Rob, that's my concern. As far as I know, you are not allowed to leave the country while you're awaiting the decision of the extension. But I don't know if that still applies now that all temporary visas have been extended. I submitted my application before the government announced that.
Hi Nick. Same thing here. Applied on the 8th of March. Still nothing. Only that it has been received by DHA on the 9th of March. Will call VFS and DHA today again…
Thanks Andy, much appreciated! I've sent an email to VFS SA today, so hopefully I'll get a response soon. To be continued…
They told me I have to stay in South Africa until I receive the outcome of my request, despite all visas being extended till June 30th. And if I do not have an outcome before June 30th, I still have to wait.
I might call the presidential hotline today. Cause so far I also haven’t heard anything back from DHA. Sent a couple of e-mails, but nothing…
I applied for an extension at the start of May and of course haven't heard anything back yet. My main worry is that by the time I receive the extension, it will have already expired. VFS have told me that as long as I'm waiting for the outcome, it's fine to stay in country and there shouldn't be any penalty with leaving. No sure how much I trust that though…
Hi Rob. I feel your concerns and I'm also worried that I'll be banned even if it's fine to stay in South Africa. Also, it's will be much more stressful to leave the country on such short notice with limited flights, getting covid tests, etc. Fingers crossed we will receive an outcome soon. Let's stay in contact with all the others here that are still waiting.
They just said that I can’t leave if there’s no outcome before June 30. You have to wait for the decision. And it just doesn’t make any sense. I mean… all visas have been extended. So even if I would’ve receive a negative outcome, I can still leave before June 30 without issues (I hope). So what’s the point of the whole extension?! Yes I paid. But basically they could’ve just cancelled it… Now I’m stuck because of it and it’s really frustrating. Also, don’t know who to believe anymore. Even from VFS I’ve heard different things…
Hi Andy, any news on your extension yet?
Damn…I think I'm just gonna try my luck and just try to leave on the 30th. One of my friends left in May and just got back this week. He told me that as long as you can prove that you have worked/volunteered somewhere, then it should be all right. Not sure if you would be able to get such a document somewhere. According to my friend, the border officer was just concerned you haven't overstayed because of partying. But then again, you can't overstay if you leave before June 30th…it's all very confusing indeed….
Hi Nick, any news on your side?
Hi Yulia, unfortunately not. When I check my application online (https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/DHAOnlineTracking/OnlineTracking.aspx), I'm still getting the same message: Application has been received at DHA on 05 Mar 2021……
Hi Nick, I'm also in quite the same situation.. My tracking shows me the message that my application was inscanned on 12 March 2021… I also haven't heard anything since.
The information I got from a lady working for vfs is that I could still leave before 30th June without fearing a ban. She told me that that would be part of the automatic extension… So I'm a bit confused now.
Still, I want to stay longer. What worries me more is, that I applied for an extension until 29th July and overstaying the 30 June would mean I have to wait for the outcome of the whole thing before leaving. Does anybody have a clue if they will respond before my, not even yet granted, extension of the visa runs out? Otherwise there might be a lot of hectic stuff like rebooking flights, extending insurances and so on going on for me… But I'm sure some of you are in quite the same situation. Good luck to all of us.
Hi Nick, Leonie and everyone else who is waiting for a miracle to happen!
I am in the same boat, applied on 13.03.21, docs received by DHA on 15.03.2021 and nada… I have been calling DHA in Pretoria for the past 5 weeks and have been told that decision will definitely reach me by the end of the month. I am not 100% convinced now when looking at days ticking!
I understand we are legally allowed to be in SA once applied but what happens if the decision would take another month, or two or three or six (as no one knows anymore!) and we have to leave in the meantime?
Can you show your VFS Receipt on the border?
Why is DHA not considering another automatic extension after the most recent speech? 🙂
Anyways, I shall keep you posted on the progress! Stay safe!
The blog article itself is fantastic, it helped me to apply for it myself and for my friend, who recently applied! I am also amazed to see the community that has grown around it!
Hi Leonie. I know, this whole situation gives me sleepless nights to be fair. My plan is to leave on the 30th and hope for the best.
As long as you have proof that you applied for a visa extension, then you should be fine staying in SA, even if VHA responds to your application after June 30. I assume they probably will respond before July 29, but it's not guaranteed.
Hi Nick, Hi Yulia,
thanks so much for being there and just dropping your opinions and experiences. And also Yulia, quite crazy that you phoned the DHA so much and put in that effort! We'll see what happens by the end of the month then.. At least we know now that it should be in process and doesn't just lay around on tables.
Nick, I wish you all the best with your plans and really hope it will turn out well.
Let me know how it goes for the two of you.
Hi Leonie and Yulia,
Today my status changed that I can collect my outcome. However…I am leaving next week and just have no time to go and collect it…I'm really hoping they'll let me out of the country without any troubles or consequences. These visa issues are a nightmare…Hopefully, it will go better for you and all others who are still awaiting their outcome.
Hi Leonie and Yulia, any news on your extensions yet?
Nope 🙁
Hi Nick, hope you are good! How did your travels go? Were you able to leave without collecting your outcome and without getting banned?
Hi Chris & Kim,
Thank you very much for providing this platform and the detail about how to extend the tourist visa in SA. This has been extremely helpful.
1. I want to share a few updates based on my experience in Cape Town
– I only got the first two emails from the VFS Mailer
– After not hearing anything for 2.5 months, I received 4 SMSs between the time when my outcome left DHA (I paid for the SMS notification option) and arrived at the VFS for collection (in the period of 3 days)
– The last SMS before collection has the link which directs you to book an appointment (time slot) to collect the outcome
2. Below, I will share a bit of what I have gone through in case any info would be helpful to others.
– Initially submitted my application right before the first lockdown last year. I could no longer make a new appointment when the VFS reopened so I had to book an appointment with and pay for the Premium Lounge in CPT by emailing cptpl-appointments@vfshelpline.com
– My lounge appointment was on 1st of March 2021, and collected my outcome on 28th of May 2021
– My visa was approved, but unfortunately it expires on 30th June, the same as everyone else who's got the automatic extension :'-(
– I will probably go to Nairobi for a few weeks for visa-run, and get my fresh 90 days upon re-entry (fingers-xed)
(continued)
3. FYI – I just read about this latest discussion re. issuing a 1-year nomad visa in SA. I guess it will take time, but I really hope this happens…
https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20leads%20charge%20for%20remote%20work%20visa?
Cheers.
Hello everyone. Last time I posted here I was in South Africa from December to March and decided against a visa run to Rwanda and returned home to America. I came back at the end of April and applied for a tourist visa extension and had my appointment and submitted all necessary documents may 13th. I have yet to receive any emails from VFS or DHA and only see that my application “has been submitted and accepted may 13th” when I use the tracking link on the VFS website. I will keep everybody posted what happens next just to compare notes with people in a similar situation
Did you have to provide #10, proof of address?
I messaged my Airbnb host about it and he said he would write me one and I should send my name and passport number. I'm a little iffy about giving him my passport number, but I guess it's okay. Did you have to provide anything more in addition for proof of address?
Hey Ty, I provided a proof of address and my host wrote a letter with my name and passport number on it too, so I wouldn't be that sketched out about it if yours asks you for it. My host also provided their south african ID and a bill or any document that proves they in fact live where they say they live. Hope this helps!
Thank you. He did write me a proof of address, and when he asked about ID he said probably won't need it or maybe he doesn't want to give it, fair enough.
I just arrived here and will apply for my extension next week. It seems to be taking longer than usual. I want to ask another questions to clear something up. I saw someone wrote that you can't leave the country if you're appealing their decision, but once I submit my visa extension – regardless of how long it takes to get an answer, can I still travel in and out of the country? I.e Namibia, Tanzania or if I wanna go to Europe for a week, all this after i apply and wait to see if i get approved for my extension?
Hi all, its been a while seen I caught up on here. Just wondered if anybody had heard if another automatic extension is likely to be given by the government past 30th June?
I know they usually leave to the very last minute.
thanks in advance.
Natasha
Hi Natasha, in the last address to the nation nothing was mentioned about another extension. Personally, I don't think that that is going to happen as most countries now allow flights from South Africa if you go through testing and all that stuff.
Hi guys,
I think the opposite: there will be an extension but will be announced before than 30th June?
South Africa is experiencing a rising of infections and many countries are letting people to travel from SA but not for pleasure and if you have a stop over in UK…then you are forced to make a quarantine. More: DHA and VFS are still taking to much time to reply to extension requests and other countries (Russia for example) are extending validity of the Visa.
Personally I hope they extend within 28th June, else we are leaving the country but the reasons to extend are there exactly as they were in March and January.
Bye
Paolo
I can't be 100% sure, but I read yesterday evening on the Fb SA Visa Forum that there will be another extension until 30/09. The message was from the same person who said there would be an extension in March before the official gazzette was released, so she seems to have contacts. It's likely we'll hear more news by the end of the week.
Hi Myf, I remember you providing this information back in March and it was correct!! (Fingers crossed for the same)
I am checking everyday, however could you please post on here if you do get confirmation like before 🙂
Thanks in advance 🙂
Would this additional extension only apply for those who entered South Africa before a certain date this year? I am currently in the process of extending my visitors visa, and have been in the country since the 8th of April 2021. I am still awaiting my decision.
Hi there – do you guys have any update on the extension?
Thank you
Hi Myf – did you get any other update on the FB group about the extension? Haven’t found anything.
Thank you in advance.
Cheers
John
There still hasn't been a an announcement, but I was assured by the same person earlier this even that there will be another extension, last minute as it is. I don't know if if will apply to people whose visas expire by particular dates – but I think it may be a blanket extension, given the late notice?
Message on the SA visa forum Facebook group, from the admins:
REMINDER FROM ADMIN TEAM
Please do not post multiple posts asking if there is anything about further Visa extension.
We understand that many of our Members are stressed and frustrated but we can assure you that as soon as the gazette amendment is signed by the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs and published we will share it with the Group via the ANNOUNCEMENTS section.
Please be patient
looks like there will be an extension signed it's just a matter of waiting for it to be published
Guys, the tourist visa has been extended until 30.09.2021.
It’s not been gazetted yet but if you go into the Home Affairs website, there’s a bulletin been posted today. 🙂
Hi Chris. I posted on this website a while back cause I was seeking some advice cause I made some errors on my documents. You told me everything should be fine and you were right. I just got my visa today after a very long wait and I'm very pleased with the outcome. I just wanna say that this site helped a lot even after I submitted cause it was nice to see I wasn't the only one in this situation. So thanks a million man for making this site and brining people together. To everyone else, I hope your applications work out as well. I've heard that right now the DHA is working with less employees then usual so temporary residence applications can now take like 3 – 6 months to process and be finalized. I only started getting messages last week and its almost been five months since I applied but eventually it should get there.
Hi Wilson, have you received your extension now? When did you apply? I'm interested in how long it's taking for everyone
Hi Rob. I applied at the end of January and received my extension near the end of June just last week, so I'll be here till near the end of July probably. Mine took almost five months and I've only heard from a friend of mine that apparently this stuff could take like 3-6 months because of covid. Hope that helps.
hi All, my parents came down to SA on 30 March and visa is till 28 June 2021, i have applied for extension on 20 may because the people who landed in SA after 15 March 2021, have to apply for Visa extension, prior to that are getting auto extension till 30 June.
I haven't heard anything so far from DHA/VFS just application received at DHA on 21 may. Although i willing them to stay till end of October but extension might get for 90 more days which will be 25 September. so for 1 extra month to stay here not sure what could be the best option i will have? (Hoping to get positive response first for this applied extension). Auto extension i am doubtful now.
Visas have been extended until 30/09 for anyone who arrived in SA before 14th March 2021.
Hi all, I'm trying to track how long these extension applications are taking. I arrived after 15 March 2021 so the automatic extension doesn't apply to me. Here's what I have so far:
– Maki: applied 1 March, received 28 May = 12.5 weeks
– Nick: applied 5 March, received 24 June = 16 weeks
– Andy: applied 8 March, received unknown
– Leonie: applied 12 March, received unknown
– Yulia: applied 15 March, received unknown
– Rob: applied 6 May, not yet received
– Matt C: applied 13 May, received unknown
This is Missy…..I arrived after the 15th of March as well, so the automatic extension does apply to me either. My application for extension was received May 27th to the DHA….I have only received the sms that they received it…..and when I check "track application"…it only says received on the 27th of May……I think I still have a while to wait. I was curious if there is someone who we can call that can give a better idea of the current wait time for decisions to be delivered. Anyone know???
Hi Rob, I haven't received mine yet. I'll tell you as soon as I got a response. Thanks for writing down this overwiew!
Hey Rob, this is a good idea! I'll be sure to let you know when I receive mine.
Hi Rob, Here's my scenario…
Jan. 16 arrived in CPT
Feb. 26 applied online for an extension to July 15
Mar. 16 appointment at VFS to submit documents
Mar. 17 received confirmation from DHA that documents were received
every week in between……..(lots of checking online calling etc.)
Jun. 29 when I check online "Application has been received by DHA on Mar. 17"
Soooo – Nothing. Nada. to date since March 17. Here's the conundrum – As I understand it I can't leave the country before I get a response otherwise I'll be banned for 5 years. However, if I stay and wait for a response from DHA (and it now looks like it will come after July 15 by the time I pick it up), I will have stayed LONGER than the date I requested to leave – the six month maximum. So it appears I'm banned anyway you look at it – whether I wait for a decision or not. Might as just stay here indefinitely! haha
I understand the complications of the pandemic etc. but this is a little crazy to put it mildly. That said if the Visa extension actually materializes then I suppose all this worrying will be for naught. David
I was going to ask about this and leaving the country.
Once you have applied for a visa extension can you leave the country for a few days for a vacation elsewhere then return? Or you have to stay in the country awaiting the decision? Can I not just return to my home country before I get a decision, that would be ridiculous if they actually expect people to wait in the country while they make a decision. (I'm only applying for the 3 month extension).
Or would it be better for me to not apply for the visa extension and then leave to go back to the US/Europe before my 90 days are up then return a week later and get 90 more days?
From my understanding reading through the comments above and from what I've been told, you MUST stay in the country until you receive a decision. It strikes me as odd given that there is a blanket visa extension in place now until September 30. Since my original visitors visa expired on April 16th I was in the country illegally except for the fact that my application for an extension permitted me to remain until I receive an official decision on my application – notwithstanding any blanket extensions granted to all.
I would like to know if anyone intends on leaving the country after applying for an extension but not having received a decision in light of this new blanket extension until Sept. 30. Its been nearly 4 months since I applied and I really need to leave the country by the end of the month at latest and I'm beginning to worry that if I don't receive a response by then, I will have issues when exiting. I really don't want to be banned for 5 years so I'm hoping to either receive a response soon, or that the border agent will simply let me leave without penalty given the blanket extension.
That is what i'm worried about. From what i'm seeing, I think i'll apply for the extension, and if i decided to leave before my 90 days while application is pending, it's okay cause i haven't overstayed even though my app is pending. I don't want to be in a situation like you where you have applied, overstayed and now have to leave. It really is ridiculous, they are the ones not giving an answer and expecting us to wait here while it's pending, then we should be penalize if we leave before we get a decision. I hope things work out for you! Please update us to let us know what happens.
Hi David, yes I am in the same situation. I am waiting for the outcome of my application that was inscanned on 12 Mar. I am planning to leave the country by the end of July.. I'll see if I have my response until then, if not, I'll try to leave and not getting banned because of the visa blanket extension. If you scroll up, Nick was also in the same situation and tried to leave without collecting his outcome in the end of June. I hope he'll share his experiences with us. 🙂
Updated list:
– Maki: applied 1 March, received 28 May = 12.5 weeks
– Nick: applied 5 March, received 24 June = 16 weeks
– Andy: applied 8 March, received unknown
– Leonie: applied 12 March, not yet received
– Yulia: applied 15 March, received unknown
– David: applied 17 March, not yet received
– Rob: applied 6 May, not yet received
– Matt C: applied 13 May, not yet received
– Missy: applied 27 May, not yet received
Nothing yet over here Rob! I imagine with level 4 lockdown and all the civil unrest now things might take longer than the 8-10 weeks to process.
My decision is in….I will collect on the 29th of July in Cape Town
I collected my decision today…..it was granted….I am extended till Oct 19th 🙂
Hey all, I applied March 2021 when I was still in SA. I left without ban or anything in July 2021. Now I got an SMS from home affairs. My decision is ready to collect today. After 10 months processing time and me not even in the country anymore xD
Did you leave while waiting for your results?
I wrote the VFS the other day and just asked them if they could tell me what the current timeline is for the processing of VISA's, just to get a gauge for what the wait still could be. Their reply:
Thank you for emailing VFS Global help desk.
Please note that the normal processing time is 8 – 12 weeks, but due to the influx of applications we have received due to lockdown the processing time cannot be estimated any more but the Department of Home Affairs is doing their best to finalize all the applications.
Hi David
I left SA on June 20 with my application still in Limbo..basically since Pretoria received documents on April 8th they have just sat there..just like God knows how many others.
At JNB i was told i was not allowed to leave at which point i turned on the Border agent and went apoplectic and threatened a major diplomatic incident filming her and myself all the while showing this useless receipt i had got from VFS.. I then sat down and blocked the rest of the queue who i had given forewarning that this may happen and i had their symoathy..locals despise DHA..
A superior ranking officer then asked me to come through to his desk and he stamped me out with no penalties..
Right now DHA/ VFS are taking money under false pretenses and are legalised fraudsters..10 weeks max is their charter for the customer..us ..to complete the applications . I did not need the extension because i wanted to stay longer but to have an up to date visa no. so i could open a non- residents bank account as the most important things among many others..
Right now SA bureaucracy's right hand doesn't know what it's left hand is doing and it is not going to get any better any time soon..I will re- enter SA on 20/07 and i am sure i will get a new 90 day stamp even though my orignal application will be stiil sitting in Pretoria !
Is there a contact name and phone number that people have used to talk with someone at the DHA? Thanks!
Hi all, I wanted to quickly give you an update on my situation. I traveled into SA on 29 Jan 2021. My application for an extension of my visitors visa was inscanned on 12 Mar 2021. I wanted to extend until 29 Jul 2021 and haven't heard anything yet. Since my flight is in two weeks, I talked to a lady from one-visa (they are doing inbound visa and migration services). She told me I would be able to leave the country before 30 Sept 2021 as part of the DHA Visa Concession that not just extends my visa until then but also gives me the opportunity to leave without being banned. No matter if I applied for an extension or not (and no matter if I got the outcome of it). She simply attached the DHA gazette that I will take with me to show the border agent. Hope it will work.
Hi Leonie,
Thank for posting this. I decided to bite the bullet and retain a proper immigration attorney to seek advice since you and I are in the same position. The information you were given is the same as I received. My attorney advised that I may leave freely before the date published in the latest gazette (30 Sept. 2021) irrespective of my applying for an extension – the application itself has no bearing whatsoever on your legal status if you are currently here in the country legally. The only consideration in terms of waiting for an outcome would be if you had applied for an extension and your visa expired while waiting for an outcome. This is not the case for anyone who arrived before March 15 since the gazette clearly extends their legal presence in the country through 30 September 2021. The law is clear and there should be no ambiguity. He further advised that if I were to encounter a "rogue" border agent that had a different interpretation and were to declare me "undesirable" in light of my application for an extension, that this action would be overturned on appeal. He suggested I bring with me a copy of the gazette in case this happens when I attempt to leave, but he doesn't think this will be an issue. Hope this is helpful to others. David
Hi David, thanks for sharing – I'm getting more concerned about my situation as I arrived (just) after March 15, so the grace period until 30 September isn't applicable to me and, even though I applied for a 90-day visa extension in good time, it's looking like it won't be processed within 90 days of my visa expiry due to the DHA backlog.
Which immigration attorney did you speak to? I'd like to reach out to them as well, if you'd recommend them?
Hi David–I arrived in the country in February and haven't left the country since then, but my current tourist extension expires September 10th. Do you know if I'm still eligible to stay until September 30th?
Hi David, It calms me a lot that you were provided with the same information as I was. I will definitely have a copy of the statement with me. All the best for you all!
Has anyone else in this blog received their decisions yet?
Hello Matt C. here, update for my visitor's visa extension. I submitted my paperwork May 13th and have been checking the tracking number on VFS website. It only says "has received paperwork to DHA May 13th" or something to that extent. I filed for an extension to October 20th, and it is my understanding that you are allowed to stay in the country even past the original 90 days while you wait for your outcome. I will be staying and will keep everybody posted to help share notes
Landed in SA on 30 Mar2021,
Applied for extension on 21 may, no outcome yet.
I just heard back from the DHA today through sms that my visa application has been processed and a decision has been made…..i will be able to make an appt tomorrow to go and collect the decision from the vfs office sometime soon
They received my application May 27th …..22nd July they have delivered my decision
Congrats Missy, that's really fast!
Hopeful that it’s a ‘yes’ and I’ll have a stamp in my passport to stay …..collecting decision Thursday
Hello, Missy!
Happy for you. I have submitted my application on May 11th and still havend heard anything.
My question is: the extra 90 days are given from
a) the date of submission
b) the first expiry date
c) the date of the outcome
Please share your xp with us
Hi Gabriela…..the extra 90 days are supposed to be given from the 1st 90 days expiry date……I will be able to share more on Thursday after I go to collect my decision as to whether it's a "yes" and what date they've extended me too or it's a "no" and I find out how many days I have to remain in the country before I need to leave
Hi Leonie (and everyone else who's applied for an extension and wondering about leaving the country before hearing back from VFS). I write this from the departure lounge at CPT after clearing customs on my way home WITHOUT hearing back from VFS (application received by DHA March 17) and WITHOUT getting banned for 5 years. There was no issue at all with the border agent and he simply scanned my passport, stamped it, and I went on my way. So a lot of worry for nothing (in my case at least). The bottom line is if you were here in the country legally BEFORE March 14 then you are free to leave at any time before Sept. 30/21 without being declared "undesirable" and banned for 5 years whether or not you have received your extension decision. When I hear back (if ever) from VFS about my application for an extension I'll be sure to come back here and post the date I received it for any of you still curious about processing times – in my case it's been 17 weeks and still nothing. Best of luck to all.
Hi David, exactly the same with me. I left on 27 July, no ban, no problems leaving the country. And yes, I also still haven't heard from VFS. I'm very happy everything went well!
Landed onMarch 12th, but I do not qualify for the special grace because I went to Namibia in April and they consider my new entrance date as the real one.
Submitted my application on May 11th requesting extra 90 days until August the 31st
My question is: THE EXTENSION IS GIVEN:
A) FROM THE APPLICATION DATE?
B) FROM THE FIRST EXPIRY DATE?
C) FROM THE OUTCOME DATE?
IS THERE ANY CHANCE THAT I WOULD BE GIVEN MORE TIME AFTER AUGUST?
Updated list:
– Maki: applied 1 March, received 28 May = 12.5 weeks
– Nick: applied 5 March, received 24 June = 16 weeks
– Andy: applied 8 March, received unknown
– Leonie: applied 12 March, not yet received
– Yulia: applied 15 March, received unknown
– David: applied 17 March, not yet received
– Gary: applied 8 April, not yet received
– Rob: applied 6 May, not yet received
– Gabriela: applied 11 May, not yet received
– Matt C: applied 13 May, not yet received
– Abhi: applied 21 May, not yet received
– Missy: applied 27 May, collected 29 July = 9 weeks
Today I got a notification that my application has been sent to Pretoria OC – I guess they just found it under a pile. Only took three months to send it!
Nothing over here yet Rob! Also WOW! I hope things speed up for you. Congrats to Missy as well it appears she had the best of luck out of all of us.
I wanted to add that I applied on July 14, and I got a message that the application was received at the Pretoria OC on July 16. I don't know if this means anything but the lady who handle my application meeting in the Cape Town office told me things should be moving faster now, but this was right after the riots/protests so I'm not sure if that has pushed things back a bit too.
My application is ready, back to Polokwane! It took 3 months sharp.
Hang in there, everbody!
My application is also ready now! Fingers crossed its approved, will update when I pick it up next week
Hi All,
Landed in SA on 30th March2021
Applied extension – 21 May,
Received notification on 27th July that outcome is at OC Pretoria.
Collection appointment was 10Aug.
New Visa expiry – 15th Oct 2021, no description like valid for 90 days. Only says – To continue stay.
so any suggestions – like i can stay until 15thOct or my 180 days are expiring by 28th September so by then?
Although i am willing to stay until 30th Oct, what should i do for those 15 days extra stay? A border run/ officer can give 15 days like upto 30th Oct?
Any suggestion, will be appreciated.
Hi everyone: Thank you for all this amazing information. Can you all PLEASE provide advice on my situation? I am a US citizen, arrived in SA in Feb. for a postdoc at UWC (the school told me to do a tourist visa, which I now regret). I extended my visa for another 90 days, it is now valid until September 10th.
I planned on staying in the country until December 2021 for the duration of my fellowship, but I'm unsure how to proceed at this point. I was going to head to Zambia for a visa run and return after September 10th, but do I now qualify to stay until September 30th? (I haven't left the country since arriving in February, but I received one extension since that arrival). I had explained this to VFS a few months ago and they suggested I apply for another 90 day extension, but I'm worried of getting blocked and rejected. Has anyone had success applying for a second 90 day extension through VFS?
Lastly, I've asked my school to help me get a study visa, but this seems very complicated and too late at this point. I would greatly appreciated any advice!
Hi All — Can you please provide some advice? I landed in SA on a tourist visa in February and extended it through VFS until September 10th, 2021. I'm here on a research fellowship at UWC which ends in December 2021, so I was planning on staying until then.
I'm currently wondering how to make this happen. First, am I eligible to stay until September 30th? (I haven't left the country since February, but I did get one extension since then). Secondly, when I asked at VFS for advice, they suggested I apply for a second 90 day extension–has anyone else done this? I'm worried it'll get rejected and I'll get banned. I think my only option is to do a visa run to either the USA or a non-bordering country like Zambia at this point. I could also apply for a study visa, but it's my understanding that I'd have to return to the states for that.
Thanks for any advice! (Apologies if this posts twice, had some trouble uploading a comment)
–Sarah
Hi Sarah,
As per the latest government gazette on the issue, if you arrived in the country before 15 March 2021 (as you did) you are able to stay until 30 September 2021 without receiving any penalties on exit. It's possible this deadline might be further extended, but they will only announce this at the last minute.
As for applying for a second extension – as far as I know, it is only possible to extend a tourist visa once. Therefore a visa run might be the best option if you need to stay until December, and probably best to do this before your current visa extension expires.
Hope this helps! Rob
Hi Rob, thanks so much! I really appreciate it. So I think my best option is to return to the United States for a few weeks and come back to SA for a new 90 day tourist visa. I checked the immigration papers and spoke with a lawyer, and I can't see the "no more than 180 days in a calendar year" rule anywhere on the latest immigration act, which is the one from May 2014, yes?
I also see the following on the latest Immigration Act dates 2014: (5) A person, other than a resident from a country with which the Republic shares a border, who is in possession of a visa issued on the basis of an exemption contemplated in section 10A(4) of the Act, shall upon his or her readmission to the Republic be admitted on the same visa, and where such a visa has expired, may be admitted on a new visa valid for a period not exceeding seven days: Provided that where that foreigner arrives at a port of entry from his or her country of residence, the new visa may be issued for a period not exceeding the period
attached to the visa exemption.
According to this, if I come from a country different from the US, I could legally get a 7 day extension and that's it. If I come from the USA, however, I should be able to re-enter on a new tourist visa without any issues. Therefore, my plan is to leave around September 29th to the US and return after a few weeks. Hopefully I have no issues with this!
Hi did that work out?
I am too scared to wait for the reply for my extension over the vailidity date. So I might fly home and then return the other day?
My 3 month ends Sept. 19. I would like to go to Johannesburg for an art festival September 30. If I don't have a decision by then, do you think it would be an issue flying within the country – will the check in counter say anything about me being here pass my tourist visa date you think?
Hi all, received my visa extension approval yesterday, which allows me to stay until 22 October.
Updated list:
– Maki: applied 1 March, received 28 May = 12.5 weeks
– Nick: applied 5 March, received 24 June = 16 weeks
– Andy: applied 8 March, received unknown
– Leonie: applied 12 March, not yet received
– Yulia: applied 15 March, received unknown
– David: applied 17 March, not yet received
– Gary: applied 8 April, not yet received
– Rob: applied 6 May, collected 18 July = 15 weeks
– Gabriela: applied 11 May, collected 10 August = 13 weeks
– Matt C: applied 13 May, not yet received
– Abhi: applied 21 May, collected 10 August = 11.5 weeks
– Missy: applied 27 May, collected 29 July = 9 weeks
Ridiculous timelines!
I have had no further update and actually left SA on 31.07 to the UK with no troubles as I originally arrived on 15.02.
However my friend who arrived in May and applied in June is waiting for her extention now
Thanks to this article (difficult to find such explanatory ones) I was able to fill my application! And thank you for all the comments you all write, they help a lot! However, if possible, I would need some advice!
I entered SA on a tourist visa and asked for a 3-month extension. I'm starting to be very anxious about processing times, as my previous 90 days will expire in a few weeks (September 25th).
I know that as long as I have a pending extension request from VFS, it will be legal to stay in SA, but only if my application is approved.
So, I will wait for the answer a few weeks more, and then I'll fly back to Europe just before the 25 Sep, leaving my application pending. Here is my question: is it possible? Can I leave South Africa or do I have to wait for the answer?
And if I want to come back (I need to as soon as possible), do I have to wait other 90 days to avoid problems with the extension request?
Thank you very much to everyone!
Hi I just wanted to give everyone an update on visa extension.
I arrived June 21 (visa ending Sept.19). I applied for my visa extension on July 14.
I received my decision today September 13. It has been approved.
I asked to have it extended to Dec. 19, which would have been an extra 3 month from the end of the first 3 months (Sept. 19), but it seems like the new visa was valid starting August. 24, so they only gave me to Nov. 24. About 3 weeks less than I originally asked for.
Hi Tien, I just received my extension and in the exact same boat. Instead of extending my visa from the day it expires (21 October) they extended it from the day they processed my visa at DHA (9 Sep). So I essentially only received a 6 week extension. Have you been able to get this rectified?
Just an update for anybody still following the forum, it’s been almost 20 weeks since I applied for my extension and no word. Today I went to the DHA to do my interview required of South African citizens when they marry a foreigner and they told my fiancé and me they couldn’t do the interview until my decision comes (even though it was my understanding my receipt of the visa extension gives me legal status until I get my outcome) and they also told me I can’t leave the country until I get the decision or risk a 1-5 year ban for overstaying. My flight back home is October 20th so I’m not sure if I’ll do what other people did on this forum and try to make a fuss when leaving at the airport or just stay and see what happens.
Here's a new one for the community! My 92 year old invalid mother-in-law is accompanying us to South Africa when we go to retire in December. My wife and I have received our four year retiree visas. Unfortunately my M-I-L has fingerprints that have deteriorated with age (news to us but apparently not uncommon) that cannot be "read" to get her background check from the FBI!
That leaves us with a major dilemma but we're hoping for a better idea from one of you .
Has anyone ever come across a compassionate exemption or exception due to health reasons? She's not sick, just unable to care for herself.
Aloha,
Brian
Hi, I’m Femke, I just applied for my visitors permit extension with the help of your blog post, thank you! Some follow up info that might help someone:
– I had an appointment in the first week that I got here and wanted a visa until 90 days after the original expiry date. The lady at the submission counter told me they will only extend for 90 days after the application date, and told me to make a new appointment a couple of weeks before the expiry date. It’s now two weeks before the expiry of my visa and I wrote an accompanying letter apologizing for my late submission and asked for an extension for 90 days from today (application date).
– In that initial appointment, she also told me they need to see transactions on the bank statements.
– I’m staying with a South Aftican friend and they needed a statement from him that he will host me on his address for the duration of my stay, plus a copy of his south african ID and a utility bill woth his name and address as a proof of address.
– Followin up from the infortunate situation of misreading Euro’s for Rands, I wrote a short “Please note: all amounts are in EURO” on each of my bank statements.
Hope all works out for everyone, fingers crossed for mine too lol!
Hope this helps! Fi
My British friends would like to extend their 3 month visa. I would like to know if they have to visit Department of Home Affairs first and fill in any forms or can the go straight to the vfs site and apply for their extension?
Hi all. I applied for Visitor Visa renewal on October 11. My original Visa will expire on November 18. Curious to know how long others' recent applications took for approval? And how much communication was received from VFS during the process? I can see on the application tracking portal that my application was received, but have not gotten any email correspondence from VFS.
Just a quick question; I'm hoping to extend my visa from December onwards to about March, then I would be going home for about a month, then coming back out in May. If I ask for an extension again, would that be possible? Considering it would be an extension beginning in 2022? As I believe you can't extend twice in a year right? But if I asked to extend in 2022 again, would that be acceptable?
Firstly, thanks guys for such a comprehensive guide to the visa extension process and for all the helpful and informative comments.
We arrived in SA mid October 2021, completed the VFS online application and submitted everything in Cape Town on 11th November. VFS agent was v helpful – even reprinting one page of the application for me where I had mistyped. However he insisted on proof of our residential address in SA. Luckily – thanks to your comments – I was prepared for this but just a heads up for others.
Application took about 30 mins in total – including the biometrics. Obviously still waiting for decision but fingers crossed
Hi, I would also like to add my 2cents to this incredibly helpful article as I am just back from my appointment with the vfs in CT.
I have provided bank statements including transactions, and a letter from my host stating that I am staying with them including a copy of his ID & utility (phone) bill which seemed to go well with them.
One thing that may be new is that the officer told me I shouldn't have used a blue pen for my signatures on the documents and told me to use black next time…
Also strongly advise to take the first available slot in the morning & then get there early to be at the top of the queue. Got there at 7:45 and was out again at 8:45.
No blue pens and book early and show up earlier.
Thanks, Annika, for passing on these tips!
Hi all, I applied on the 15th of October (see my comment above). I emailed them on the general info@ about a week ago and they escalated my case (since my visa is already expired). I could collect as from yesterday, however please note that it is neccessary these days to make an appointment for the collection! In my case the first available date is the 7th of December and there is no way of knowing before collection what the outcome is (believe me I tried). I did however call them and the 10 days to leave the country in case of a rejection only apply from the date you collect.
Fingers crossed!
10 days from when you collect, eh? Good to know. Thanks, Femke! So could you play it safe and delay collecting for months?
This was my thought haha, but there's a window of about a week so you can't collect, say, a month from now 😉
Just an update, applied on Oct 15, ready to collect Nov 25, picked up Dec 7. It seems like my visa has been extended from the koment it was processed on Nov 9, until Feb 9. Quite random!
Hi Femke
Thanks for the information, can can you provide the email address you used thanks
Hi you all,
First of all thank you very much for this incredible site. It helped me a lot. I did the request for extension on 29th october. I only never got a confirmation or anything. I kept on checking this link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/lso/track-application and i could see it was being processed. Today i saw that it was ready for collection so i can make my appointment. Fingers crossed.
Hi Aaaron,
Just wanted to say thank you for posting this link! I haven't received any communication from then and was literally scrolling through all 400 comments to find this link. Both this article & the comments are one of the most useful & helpful things on the whole internet 😀
Greetings
Do you know of any updates regarding Visa extension or leniency due to the pandemic and Red List?
My mum is a UK citizen on a British passport. She is due to fly back to London 27 Dec. Her 90days in SA will expire then.
We are trying to avoid the quarantine hotel saga by keeping her here until the red list is lifted.
Thank you
Amanda
Update on my tourist visa extension. Applied May 15th and received the outcome November 29th. Originally was supposed to extend from July 20th to October 20th but have until Dec. 31st to leave the country.
Thank you Chris for this great guide! I'm currently stuck at the payment step. I've tried 2 credit cards and a debit card but always get the message "Transaction Not Processed. Please contact Site Administrator." I tried both Chrome and Firefox browsers as suggested in one of the comments. Interestingly I noticed "p3=Not+enrolled+for+authentication" in the response (in the browser navigation bar) for both credit cards, but "p3=Suspected+Fraud" when I tried my debit card. I'll try the cards again tomorrow and maybe the EFT too and let you know what happens.
I'm still stuck. I re-tried paying with my VISA card again today and I get the same error. Some googling got me this description: "Indicates that the card used to make the payment was not
enrolled for 3D Secure authentication. Only applicable when PayProtector ECI Blocking is enabled." which is strange because the card is a Capital One Venture VISA which is super common and marketed specifically for International travelers. So I suspect the problem is with VFS and not my card, but then why would I be the only one having this issue?
.
So no problem I'll use a different payment method, but the other 2 options "EFT" and "Pre payment at bank" are grayed out and not selectable!. Now what???
Hi Rob and all the other 'old timers' who are still following this thread either waiting for DHS or VFS to send word that their extension has been approved or just curious as to the outcomes of others. I send the following as an update to my last post on July 25th. I never did receive approval for my extension after departing Cape Town on July 25th (without any penalty or ban). In fact I just checked again now out of curiosity and the VFS website still states “Application has been received by DHA on Mar. 17” (I applied on Feb. 26). Not sure what to make of this other than my application was "lost" somehow. Nonetheless, I have been back to SA twice since I departed in July (October and December respectively) without incident upon my arrival – so I can only surmise that my application for a visa extension had no impact upon my future visits – despite the fact that I have now spent a total of 9 months in SA on a visitors visa originally approved for 3 months. I think the cautionary tale here is for everyone is to do your best to follow the guidelines posted in this blog – but don't be surprised/dismayed if it doesn't work out as planned.
Rob: AUGUST 19, 2021 AT 2:14 AM
Hi all, received my visa extension approval yesterday, which allows me to stay until 22 October.
Updated list:
– Maki: applied 1 March, received 28 May = 12.5 weeks
– Nick: applied 5 March, received 24 June = 16 weeks
– Andy: applied 8 March, received unknown
– Leonie: applied 12 March, not yet received
– Yulia: applied 15 March, received unknown
– David: applied 17 March, not yet received
– Gary: applied 8 April, not yet received
– Rob: applied 6 May, collected 18 July = 15 weeks
– Gabriela: applied 11 May, collected 10 August = 13 weeks
– Matt C: applied 13 May, not yet received
– Abhi: applied 21 May, collected 10 August = 11.5 weeks
– Missy: applied 27 May, collected 29 July = 9 weeks
Hi David,
are you saying that you overstayed according to the stamp in your passport and you didn't get banned? Did you present your vfs receipt as you were leaving SA?
Hi Anika, no. The SA government enacted a blanket extension to all foreigners on visitors visas through Sept. 2021 – but this was done after I had applied for an extension. So technically according to DHA I should have remained in SA until they ruled on my extension despite the blanket extension. On the advice of my attorney I simply left the country at the end of July since I fell under the blanket extension. If I had waited for DHA to approve/reject my application, I'd still be there waiting today nearly a year after applying 🙂
it looks like end of march 22 now – DHA Link
Hi, Chris and Kim, so grateful for this thread in the past! I'm in South Africa as we speak but planning to do a 'visa-run' to a non-neighbouring country (Zambia) in order to get a renewed tourist visa on my return. Although, I'm wondering how long I must stay out of South Africa for before I can return? Would 1 week be sufficient?
Hi Kristine. Ooh, lucky you for going to Zambia. Not sure exactly how long's best to stay out before you return—keep in mind you're technically supposed to return to your home country––but based on my experience and that of others I've talked to, 1 week should be sufficient. Enjoy!
Hi there! I did this visa run to Zambia and it didn’t work. The immigration officer back in CPT said you have to leave SOUTHERN Africa in general. And then laughed at me 🙂
dropped off documents 2nd november and visa ready 12th jan 2022-12 weeks wait, deadline to leave was 2nd december 2021. thanks for the help!
12 weeks? Whoa. Even accounting for the holidays, that's a lot. Glad it worked out, Richard. Enjoy SA summer!
This is really reassuring to read because I dropped of my application on the 16th of November and they’re still saying application pending :’)
I have a question. If I left now with my VFS receipt, would I be banned considering my original visa ran out on the 20th of December?
Regards,
Lizzie
Hi Lizzie,
I handed in my application on Nov 20th and my status has been "application received" ever since, so apparently nothing happened since then. I'm happy if it takes longer as I'd actually like to stay longer than 6 months. However if you do want to leave the country you should try and contact them. Try via Facebook or email adresses you find on the DHA website, there's also a Facebook forum called South African Visa Forum. They don't accept questions about tourist visas but they have a list of email addresses where people got replies from. If you do leave with an expired stamp & only the receipt you are very likely to get banned for 5 years. I wouldn't risk it unless you absolutely have to leave.
By the way my friend applied a month after me and already got 3 status updates…
Hello Annika
But here it says: (LINK)
So why is it very likely to be banned 5 years?
Hi Ben,
This is only valid for people that entered on a visitors visa after October 1st. Lizzie states that her original visa ran out 20th of December, which means that she entered before October 1st and thus this directive doesn't apply to her. All of us who have entered before October 1st have to wait for the outcome of our extension applications.
Hello I am waiting for my extension which I applied December 6
But I see there is this document: DHA notice
Does it mean I can stay until End of march?
Hi there. THANK YOU!! Great explanation and I even got a little more than the extra 90days from the lovely folks at home affairs in Pretoria.
However … Any thoughts from anyone on what happens if your original plans to leave are thwarted by a positive corona test (and hence no fit to fly certificate) so the visa expiry date is overstayed. This is what’s happened to my wife and I and we’re still here though are due to leave shortly.
Cheers!!
Hi guys,
Any advice please. I am trying to arrange a collection appointment for VFS George as my visa is ready for collection, but I am really struggling to access getting an appointment. Can anyone advise please, I am really confused.
Hi, I tracked online, and they said my visa was ready to be collected too. However, I haven't received any email from them that inform me to go to collect my visa. Did you receive any email, or you just track it online? I really need to leave SA asap; this visa has delayed me for a month!!
It was hard to find, but the link to schedule an appointment for collection is there (see 'click here' on the bottom of IMPORTANT UPDATE).
https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/track-application.html
It was hard to find, but the link to schedule an appointment for collection is there (see ‘click here’ on the bottom of IMPORTANT UPDATE).
https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/track-application.html
Hi all,
I am planning a trip this July to South Africa, coming from Canada, and looking to extend my tourist visa so I can stay for close to 6 months. I plan flying into Johannesburg and starting the application right away, however I am looking to be moving constantly, travelling to different regions. Once the application is processed, are we able to pick up the visas from a different VFS office than the original one we applied to? For instance applying in Johannesburg and picking up in Nelspruit? I can't seem to find an answer on this information.
Thank you,
Jerrald
I don't think it's possible. You can probably try and talk to them about it, but their processes are already complicated and I wouldn't risk messing with that. In any case Joburg is usually a cheap flight from anywhere with an airport so you'd probably have to go back there but it won't be too much of a hassle.
Thank you for the answer, I suppose that would be a last resort. I guess it would involve eating a night of hotel/camping that would already be booked, as it will be impossible to predict when that would be.
I found out in the meantime that it is potentially possible to collect somewhere else, but you need to arrange it with them upon application. Otherwise, you have to collect where you applied.
Thank you so much Annika! That is great news!
Hi all, first of all many thanks for that useful info but i have a dilemma
i need some one to confirm whether i need to have medical & radiological report for extending my visitor visa for extra 3 month or not, i was intially granted 3 month entry permit in SA as i 'm confused with the checklist sent after scheduling my appointment is my extension for more 3 month& a total stay of 6 month considered as a more than 3 month stay which requires medical & radiological report?
You don't need a medical report for a tourist visa extension. You may want to check if you chose the correct visa when you did your application, if it states that in your checklist.
One of the tips says send a twitter or Instagram message to the minister to follow up on a visa extension status. Where would one find the address, account, or contact to send such a message? I’ve had no success finding one.
Hi Colin. I believe it's @HomeAffairsSA, though another commenter said they only respond with the same link every time, so maybe they're not as helpful as first reported/hoped.
Many thanks Annika for your help that's really true i applied few days ago for my extension & they didn't ask me for any medical or radiological reports
Hi guys one more time a have a question if someone can help if i already applied for my tourist visa extension few days ago & so the decision is still pending can i leave SA for only 1 week for an urgent issue in my home country & then return back to SA after that without any immigration problem? ,my intially granted visa is multiple entry & still valid until 14 April which means i will travel & return back within the validity of my visa but at the same time i have a pending extension application here in SA
Update from the vfs where I just collected my outcome. As per today, March 1st, you won't need an appointment anymore, just show up with your passport & receipt. I was there waiting at 9 (collection starts at 10) and when I left at 11, there was a huge line (Cape Town branch).
Also, they randomly gave me almost 4 weeks longer than the 180 days, whereas my friend who also picked his up and had applied at around the same time, got the exact 180 days.
Hi Annika, did your visa extension outcome take 3 months to process? Thanks, Katy
Hi Katy, it took 2,5 months in my case.
Hi Annika, hope you are doing well. is there any cases of non extendable visit visa of 90 days. My wife got visa for 90 days but along with one more condition as non-extendable. I had plans to extend for another 90 days but this condition is confusing. Any clarity would be of great help.
Hey! Did you apply within the first month of being here? I’m thinking about applying for an extension but I’ve been here for a little over 2 months. Maybe I waited too long?
And have you applied for more than one tourist visa extension? I’ve successfully extended a tourist visa before, at the beginning of this year. I went to US and came back, got a new tourist visa, and I’m wondering if it’s possible to extend that one.
If I do extend it and I wait for results, I have 3.5 weeks left on my tourist visa so if I’m rejected because I’ve gotten an extension this year, I could be banned I guess. Didn’t know that until reading the comments here
So not sure what to do…
Anything you’ve experienced may be helpful!
Super helpful. I’m on my way to submit my application today. Wanted to update everyone they don’t let you pay with a foreign cc online and didn’t let me choose another option during the process. So I had to find a friend to ask a friend to pay for me instead. Hoping this works but it was the only way for me to book an appt.
Thank you so much for all this information. I applied for husband and daughter yesterday and had all the correct documents thanks to your easy to follow information. I was a bit worried about the flight reservation, so contacted Flight Centre and they can provide a reservation doc for R300. I called the CBD branch and we did everything over email. It is both incredible and crazy that your blog is the most comprehensive site for this information. Thanks once again.
Thank you for all this great and perfectly detailed information!
In my case my passport expires during my stay & I have renewed it by post in the UK (winging it's way to me as I type hopefully…). So what passport number do I give for my application: the new one or the one it replaced (which was the one used for entry and that has the visa stamp)? Any other pitfalls known about for this situation?
hello,
Thank you so much for the information! I’m a Canadian citizen, I’m planning on going to joburg for a few months in September. Ideally I would like to stay in SA until the Canadian winter is over in May! I saw that you mentioned that one could fly to another country and come back and get the 90 days visa extended in the passport, over and over again. Is that still an option? While im in SA I plan on flying to other countries and traveling, would that be a better/ easier option than applying through VFS? Is there a maximum amount of times you can do this?
Also do I need proof of return flight when I first enter SA?
Hello. Flying is definitely easier than VFS. Sometimes agents ask for return flights upon entering SA. I can't guarantee the fly-every-90-days approach will work, but as far as I've heard it still does. You gotta fly further than neighboring countries, though.
Hi Everyone. Thanks for this great information!
We're exploring Africa by road in our motorhome and would like to spend 180 days in S.A. We will apply for a 90 day extension soon after arriving.
Does anyone know if it is possible to visit Eswatini and Lesotho in th first 90 days (then return to S.A) whilst waiting for the application to be decided?
Not sure if anyone still responds to comments or questions but all of these posts have been super helpful.
I don’t travel a ton so I’m slightly confused. I have an American passport. Upon entering SA, do I receive a 90 day visa automatically? Or is it just a stamp? How would I extend a 90 day visa if all I receive is a stamp? Is the stamp itself a visa?
Sorry if that’s a silly question, I just can’t seem to find proper information about SA visas.
Yep, automatic 90 days. Just a stamp. It's technically a "visitor's permit," not a visa. Then when you apply for extension you get a new visa-esque "sticker" in your passport.
Hey Chris,
I hope you still reply to this thread. I applied for an extension August 10, 2022. My initial visa expires in a couple weeks, October 4, 2022.
Does the new blanket extension cover my visa extension as well, or is it just for long term visa applicants?
I am trying to figure out if I need to leave October 4th, or if I will be safe to stay until my outcome is delivered.
Hey Tina. Sorry, I'm not up to speed on the new blanket extension, so I can't tell you. All the best.
Hi Tina,
Have you left SA before the end of your initial visa? Please keep us updated because I'm in the same situation (and I guess I'm not the only one).
Hi guys, thanks for the info. When clicking the link given at the start of the article i found a different form then shown in the screenshots. I'm already in south Africa on a tourist visa and i want to extend it for another 90 days. But i have no clue where to do this. The page doesn't give the option for an extension of the tourist visa, just a bunch of other options. Can anybody help me out with finding the online application form? Thanks in advance.
Hi there! I have successfully extended my first tourist visa for SA thanks to this article! I was wondering…. I'm on a second tourist visa and it expires in 27 days. I was wondering if it's possible that I can extend this second tourist visa? Also, if I'm not approved and I appeal, will I be banned for 5 years if that appeal is not accepted? I had no idea this was the case if so…. Thanks so much if anyone sees this and has some info.
To clarify, I'm curious if anyone has successfully gotten two tourist visa extensions in the same year. Thanks.
Hi Ginger, I've just submitted my second visa extension of 2022. Fingers crossed. I'll reply again when I receive an answer, although I assume it take a while to get a response!
Hi all,
This is an amazing resource and there is so much helpful content in the comments. Apologies if I have missed this and it's already been asked, but – and I'm guessing I'm not alone in this – work remotely and would like to do so from Cape Town, ideally extending for the maximum 180 days in total. Am I right in thinking that it is NOT a good idea to mention that I am working remotely to VFS or anyone else in an official gov position? Best to say that I'm travelling / visiting friends?
Thank you.
Yep. Just write something like I wrote in the example.
Hello, I’m from Australia, currently visiting my partner and family on an automatic 90 day tourist permit, which I always get every time I visit SA – and I visit at least twice a year for up to 90 days at a time. I had not seen my partner for 2.2 years due to Covid 19 international travel ban and arrived in SA 20 April 2022. For the first time, I decided I really wanted to extend my stay in SA – I found your check list – followed it to the letter, applied for the temp visitors VISA online and in person at VFS/DHA (premium lounge). Only cause for concern is I applied outside the 30 days. I did include a letter of apology etc as suggested an explanation of wanting to travel/stay further with my partner etc for a further 90 days. The lady consultant at VFS also included finger prints, photos etc, which I thought bizarre and not the normal process from what you described. Inwardly I was fretting that she had not read my application for renewal. To clarify I applied for Visa Category: Temporary Residence Visa, Sub Visa Category: Renewal Visa, Sub type visitors visa section 11(1) as suggested. Anyway I went with it all, paid online fee etc. VFS received my in person application 21 June 2022. I expressed concern several times by phone and in person that my Visa was due to expire soon @ 19 July 2022 and asked if it was ok to remain in the country whilst the application is being processed even if my current visa had expired. I was advised that I would receive a decision in 8-10 weeks, again outside my current visa expiry date. I was also advised that I could remain in South Africa given my application was being processed. I was provided with a receipt and told to bring this with me once a decision had been reached. I have not received email updates. I notice now on the receipt there is the words written “applicant should ensure their residential status in SA is kept valid at all times while waiting for the outcome of this application” – understandably this sent me into a panic. I then contacted the DHA head office today @ 8 July where I was told in no uncertain terms that I would need to return to Australia before my current permit expires, despite my application still being processed and I am awaiting an outcome. I have been given quite the run around. The lady at the DHA head office seemed very aggravated with me, although I was very polite and reeling at the same time (really hope she is not processing my application) and I would imagine she has now entered notes that she has advised me to not be in SA illegally. She also informed me that DHA received my application from VFS 3 July. So now I don’t know what to do or where to turn frankly. Should I book a ticket home and change my flights for the 3rd time and just leave as the lady suggested whilst my application is still being processed? No guarantee they will say yes to an extension. Or wait it out and risk a negative outcome? The lady at DHA said I was on a tourist visa which only allowed me 90 days per annum. This is simply not true of course. Long and short of it was from her, “you cannot be in SA if your current permit expires before receiving a verdict from DHA.” Help?!! Thanks
Hi there. I have been trying to assist my Friend from Brazil with a similar situation. She also applied late for her visa extension via VFS. Her existing visa expires on 15 July and her VFS appointment was on the 28th June ,so cutting it very fine! After the appointment, i asked how long they would take to process and the answer was 2 to 3 months. Concerned that she might want to leave the country before then, i spoke to one of the officials at VFS and they said she would be fine if she leaves the country before then because it would be likely that DHA would be renewing a waiver (an extension for those who have applied for visas due to a backlog at DHA). I spoke to an immigration agency who also advised me about this waiver which DHA posted on 28 June. you can view it http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices as the notice :
“Temporary measures in respect of foreign nationals in light of a backlog being experienced in processing outcomes on waiver applications and visa applications”
This allows and extension till the 30th September, and if the applicant choose to leave the country before then and abandon their application then they would take the vfs receipt and a copy of the DHA waiver to the airport with them.
With that information came relief that she would be fine if she booked a flight, but now I understand if the DHA happens to process her visa application before she leaves the country and the outcome is a rejection, then the waiver will no longer apply to her and she will have to apply for an appeal through VFS ( R1500 fee and documents) to qualify for the waiver extension again till the 30th September. All very confusing and complicated with regards to how to proceed with flight bookings and when she leave the country by. Does she run the risk of waiting for her visa extension outcome and getting a possible rejection, which means she would be an overstay and will receive either a 1 year or 5 year ban at the airport or alternatively go through an appeal process. or leave the country soon on the waiver extension before the visa extension application is processed
It is no problem to overstay as long as they are processing your visa. Just read not only the article but also the comments here, it has all been discussed several times 🙂 the only problem is if they reject your extension, but if you followed the process, handed in all docs as described here and have enough financial funds you won't be rejected. And even if you do, you can appeal. However, if this is all too stressful for you, maybe consider a visa run instead for peace of mind 😉 just make sure you leave before your 1st visa expires in that case.
Hi there. I have been trying to assist my Friend from Brazil with a similar situation. She also applied late for her visa extension via VFS. Her existing visa expires on 15 July and her VFS appointment was on the 28th June ,so cutting it very fine! After the appointment, i asked how long they would take to process and the answer was 2 to 3 months. Concerned that she might want to leave the country before then, i spoke to one of the officials at VFS and they said she would be fine if she leaves the country before then because it would be likely that DHA would be renewing a waiver (an extension for those who have applied for visas due to a backlog at DHA). I spoke to an immigration agency who also advised me about this waiver which DHA posted on 28 June. you can view it http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices as the notice :
"Temporary measures in respect of foreign nationals in light of a backlog being experienced in processing outcomes on waiver applications and visa applications"
This allows and extension till the 30th September, and if the applicant choose to leave the country before then and abandon their application then they would take the vfs receipt and a copy of the DHA waiver to the airport with them.
With that information came relief that she would be fine if she booked a flight, but now I understand if the DHA happens to process her visa application before she leaves the country and the outcome is a rejection, then the waiver will no longer apply to her and she will have to apply for an appeal through VFS ( R1500 fee and documents) to qualify for the waiver extension again till the 30th September. All very confusing and complicated with regards to how to proceed with flight bookings and when she leave the country by. Does she run the risk of waiting for her visa extension outcome and getting a possible rejection, which means she would be an overstay and will receive either a 1 year or 5 year ban at the airport or alternatively go through an appeal process. or leave the country soon on the waiver extension before the visa extension application is processed.
Hi all,
quick question to more experienced travellers: I plan to stay in SouthAfrica arriving January 1st and departing April 1st which would count 91 days.
So I am above the legal 90 day limit by 1 day. Would the DHA apply the "10 day rule" in this case, to avoid any penalty restrictions for re-entering?
I do want to avoid the extentsion process for a single day, but cannot evaluate the risk.
Any advise would be great – Thanks Stephan!
Not advised to overstay for even a day, you will probably get a ban. It may "only" be for 12 months, but the ban will be on your record which may cause trouble the next times you want to enter the country. Just change your flight – not worth dealing with the extension and the DHA in that case.
Nice information
Hi there. I think I have a question that hasn't been asked…
I'm wondering if anyone can share their experience/success extending their 90-day tourist visa for a second time in one year. I successfully extended back earlier this year but returned home shortly thereafter. I have one month remaining on my current (new) 90-day visa, so the processing time on an extension (for that new visa) would put me into expiry territory, where a rejection means I'm banned or have to appeal. I'm trying to weigh the risk of going for the extension vs taking a flight outside SADC. Thanks.
Hi Ryan, did you go through with the second visa extension after all? I've just submitted my application for my second visa extension of this year and am wondering if I should be planning to be rejected.
Hi Chris and all,
Thank you very much for this, super useful!
I have a question.. do flying to non-neighbouring country but within Africa allow you to get a new 90 days Visa most of the time? Have someone experienced that they got stop at the airport at their return in SA or given just a 7 days VISA?
Hi there,
Thank you so much for this!
If I stay in SA on a tourist visa until it expires and than go home to portugal and come back and get another 90 days can i then make an extension of that second tourist visa
Hi Maria. Good question! According to the rules, you're only allowed 180 days in the country per calendar year, so I suppose if the DHA agent had a way of knowing about your first 90 days, they could turn down your application. I don't get the impression the immigration system's that advanced, though—i.e., I don't think they have digital records by passport number of how many days everyone's been in the country. In that case, you'd be safe. But I don't now that for 100% certain, sorry..
Anyone else know?
I spend 8 months a year in SA with no issues whatsoever. To this day, I have never heard of anyone being denied entry or a visa extension due to that rule.
Hi everyone, has the price of the renewal increased? Just checking, as I am prompted to pay 1975, if I'm not applying for the wrong category or something.
Thanks!
That's what I also had to pay when I applied last week 🙁
Thank you Chris for the step-by-step information.
I can give my experience and hope it also helps others.
We arrived in S.A by land from Botswana and were given 90 days visa (UK citizens), expiring 8 Oct 2022. We applied through VFS for the Visa extension within the first 30 days (on 1 Aug). We requested a further 90 days, with flights booked to the UK on 5 Jan 2023. Our application is still being processed.
At the end of September the DHA issued a new notice allowing a waiver to those people still waiting for their applications to be processed. This grants a blanket temporary extension until 31 Mar 2023.
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/1611-temp-measures-23
We checked with the DHA and with border immigration officials and they confirmed that this should apply to anyone who has already submitted their extension application and is still waiting for a decision, Provided we showed the VFS receipt on re-entering we were told that it would not matter that our original visa had expired, We crossed into Lesotho on 6 Oct and returned to SA today (10 Oct – so our visas expired in Lesotho) via a different border. On arrival, our request for a new 90 day was granted and we now have passports with a visa stamp until 8 Jan 2023. South Africa is a wonderful (but large!) country and now we can carry on touring without having to worry about time running out!
Thanks for sharing this! So it seems one has to present a vfs receipt so that this applies? Meaning you'd still have to start the process, but wouldn't have to wait for the outcome, is how I understand it?
Exactly. You have to have applied for and paid for the extension.
Would this also mean that I can leave SA and go back waiting for the outcome (under the new notice)?
My visa expires 3-Dec. I applied for an extension. On 16th Dec I wanted to got to Mozambique for two nights (by land), on the 18th Dec I fly back to EU.
Would this fly in SA / Mozambique land border? In my passport technically I'd have expired visa, but my application would be under processing and there is a visa waiver until 31 Mar 23?
We are currently in Capetown arrived on 7th Sept, applied straight away and our extension application is updated as scanned into DHA Pretoria on 14th Sept. VFS said it would be 8 weeks before it would be processed. Hoping they process in time as our return flight is on 1st March 2023. Worried what will happen if we just stay till 1st March 2023.
The latest DHA notice should apply to you, meaning that you can stay until 31 March 2023. Check again with DHA though.
Hi Francine
Received an email from vfs this morning. I asked them about the extension, they didn't answer my question they just sent me a std response email telling me to wait for a SMS to pick up my visa. I've been waiting 5 weeks so far. You would have thought DHS Pretoria would have contacted me to communicate that there is an extension.
Don't want to stay beyond my 90 visa stamp without anything official being sent to me.
5 weeks is nothing and no reason to get nervous. Did you read some of the comments and how long people are/were waiting? I waited 10 weeks myself beginning of this year until my outcome was ready to collect. You should be fine anyway with the directive posted above, however if this is giving you sleepless nights your only 100% safe bet is to go back to your home country before your first 90 days are up. Wouldn't bet on anyone sending you something official 😉 TIA 😉
Hi Steve,
We applied through VFS Johannesburg on 1st Aug. After the initial communication to say that our applications had been sent to Pretoria on the 2nd, we have heard nothing, so that's more than 11 weeks. But if you look back on this page, you'll see that people have waited much longer than that. I think the government understands that there is a backlog, so that's why they are granting applicants a blanket extension. If you're worried though, give the DHA a call and check that the latest notice applies to you. They are quite helpful.
Good Luck!
Francine
Any luck steve? I applied the same day as you and still nothing. I'm also worried that the notice won't fly with the border officials.
Hi Sarah
We've decided to just carry on with our stay. We have our vfs receipt and a printed copy of the latest directive posted higher up this thread. Hoping it'll be OK at the Border when we leave.
I'll let you know if it comes through in the meantime.
Hi Steve, did you end up leaving before the outcome?
Hello everyone. I've been waiting on my tourist visa extension for over three months now and still haven't received an outcome. I am really worried that I have overstayed my visa and will be deemed undesirable upon my departure, seeing that my initial visa expired on 4 October. I have a flight booked to leave at the end of December, do you guys think that I'll be banned? Even with the blanket extension?? Someone please give me some peace of mind, since DHA and VFS definitely haven't. I'm terrified of going to the airport and being banned! 🙁
I spoke to someone at VFS who said as long as you have that receipt it should be fine. I would print out the directive http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/1611-temp-measures-23 and you shouldn't have a problem. The whole country shuts down bureaucracy wise in December so I don't think anyone will be wagging a finger at you.
Honestly with the blanket extension, I wouldn't be surprised if they stopped working on tourist visa extensions completely. I asked about the directive at vfs when I was there and they confirmed that it was valid.
Hey Tida, hope you're well. What happened finally? I'm in the same situation
Hi!
I am from Poland and I have just 30 days permitted in South Africa….We are planning to go there but I want to stay 38 days. Could you please advice me what can I do? I do not have time to go to the embassy before our flight so I can do it in South Africa. Is there any solution for me to stay more days in SA?
Thanks!
I'm looking for some advice guys, Im on a 3 month tourist visa which will run out in 6 days. I applied for a 3 month extension 2 months ago but no decision yet, and even when I track the application on the VFS website all it says is that the application was received on Sept 29th. My question is this: what do I do now my initial visa is about to expire? do I need to lodge an appeal application? or just wait and keep fingers crossed? what are the implications? My flight home is mid January 2023. Thank you for all your help, this website has been invaluable for the application process.
Hi guys!
Your blog is super helpful! Thank you for that.
The part in which you explain you can fly out to a non-neighboring country and just come back in an get a new 90 days seems like the most simply option. Do you have any idea on how long you should stay out of SA to get the new 90 days and how successful this option is?
There is no rule. Technically, you can leave the day your visa expires and come back the next day. Going to a non-neighbouring country usually works, however if you want to make 100% sure, you need to go back to your home country.
Thank you so much for explaining the whole procedure in detail. That hopefully helps a lot.
One question remains: I read somewhere that the passport copy has to be certificated by the police in advance. Is that correct?
Thanks for your help, Nina
No, not necessary for tourist visa extension, just a regular copy.
Thanks for the blog guys, but it seems like the website is either broken or are there are no appointments at all: https://i.imgur.com/DAk5krr.png Possibly something to do with xmas? My visa expires Dec 28 so i'm not sure how to proceed now. Do you guys have contact information such as a phone number? There doesn't seem to be
That happens sometimes. Try again on other days & with different browsers. If nothing works, you can go to the vfs office and pay for premium lounge.
Hi all,
I have somehow stupidly managed to lose the receipt I was given at the VFS office when I went in to renew my tourist visa. Does anyone know if you can get another one from the VFS office? Or failing that, if showing email proof that my application is being processed will be enough to leave and re-enter South Africa?
Thank you.
Hi everyone,
Has anyone successfully managed to leave the country without being banned, with an expired visa due to the blanket extension, by showing your VFS receipt? I want to leave in Jan, applied in Oct, and my visa expired in Nov, no answer yet.
Just afraid not everyone might be up-to-date at immigration…..
Thanks!
Thanks for the guide, it was super helpful!
I submitted my application on 3rd November and received a couple of updates via email, my last update was on 4th November and I haven't heard anything since.
Does anyone know if the blanket extension would apply to me please as I submitted my application after the statement was issued?
I have tried to contact the DHA and VFS but haven't heard anything back yet.
My visa runs out on 4th January and I am not sure what to do!
Thanks! Ellie 🙂
DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
CIRCULAR: TEMPORARY MEASURES IN RESPECT OF FOREIGN NATIONALS IN LIGHT OF A BACKLOG EXPERIENCED IN PROCESSING OUTCOMES ON WAIVER APPLICATIONS AND VISA APPLICATIONS
1. ln an attempt to address the impact that the backlog in processing outcomes on waiver and visa applications has on foreign nationals, the Department has decided to introduce some temporary measures to address the situation they find themselves in.
2. The following temporary measures will apply with immediate effect:
(a) Applicants whose waiver application outcomes are still pending: Foreign nationals whose waiver applications are still pending are hereby granted a blanket temporary extension until 31 March 2023 in order for the Department to process these applications and for applicants to collect their outcomes and submit applications for appropriate visas. Applicants, who wish to abandon their waiver applications and depart from South Africa when able to do so, will be allowed to exit at a port of entry on or before 31 March 2023 without being declared undesirable.
(b) Applicants whose visa applications are still pending: Foreign nationals who are awaiting the outcome of visa applications are granted a blanket temporary extension until 31 March 2023 of the current visa status. Those who wish to abandon their visa applications and depart from South Africa when able to do so, will be allowed to exit at a port of entry on or before 31 March 2023 without being declared undesirable. Applicants are not allowed to engage in any activity other than what the visa conditions .provide for. Applicants with pending long-term visa applications who originate from countries that are exempt from port of entry visa requirements, and who wish to travel, may do so by presenting their VFS receipts on arrival back at the port of entry for admission into South Africa and to collect their visa outcomes. However, those applicants with pending long-term visa applications who originate from countries that are visa restricted, would require a port of entry visa and their VFS receipt in order to be re-admitted into South Africa.
3. The temporary measures mentioned in paragraph 2 above will apply only to foreign nationals who have been legally admitted into South Africa. Any further extension, modification, or amendments to the terns of these concessions will b communicated in writing.
I hope this above helps you guys….
Hi Ellie, did you end up leaving? How did it go?
Hi Femke,
I am still in SA, I emailed DHA asking if the extension applied to me and they responded saying it did. I now fly home on 29th March and will take my VFS receipt, a copy of that email and printed copy of the government directive to the airport with me, fingers crossed it will be ok!
Ellie
Hi Ellie, at which email address did you contact the DHA?
Hi Ellie, I have left the country with the receipt. They didn't even bat an eye! So that's good news, and I'm sure it will be fine as long as you can show the receipt. 🙂
H Franziska,
I used the following email address – HACC@dha.gov.za
Hope this helps!
Ellie
That's great to hear Femke, pleased it was all ok 🙂
The website keeps crashing. But be patient.
Tip: Use Internet Explorer. For payment, Internet Explorer did not work, and only after I used Microsoft Edge, I was able to make the payment.
Really helpful blog, thank you so much! (much easier to navigate than all the official advice).
We're in a similar situation to many of the posts above, trying to extend our tourist visa and are unlikely to get a response before we have to leave SA (tourist visa runs out Jan 10th and will likely leave Jan 22nd), so will have to hope that the immigration officer sticks to the temporary measures announced by home affairs and doesn't ban us!
Really useful to know if anyone has tried to exit on an expired tourist visa (but with a pending application). In particular, experience exiting via land border would be useful (we are British but live in Mozambique so came in across the land border). I'll update on our experience when we leave.
Thanks!
Alexander
As an aside, we were only given 30 day tourist visa coming in via land which was frustrating! seems to be a bit more variable and down to who you get – the rationale they gave was that we are resident in Mozambique so don't get 90 days, which isn't in any law/regulation I can find). Also to note, if applying for a tourist visa extension when you are planning to leave overland, you need an affidavit from the police station to say you're leaving by land (given you don't have a flight ticket)
Just to add to my comment above – went across the border the other day (land border with Mozambique) and all was fine with the VFS receipt and print out of the Home Affairs directive.
Does anyone know what happens if you get a rejection from VFS once you've already left? I guess its too late for a ban at that point because you've already left SA and got an exit stamp. Interested to know if anyone has left while an extension application is still pending and then re-entered SA.
Very helpful and we have our appointment 3rd Jan
However I have a question for next years trip. We want to visit for a month in November, then return to U.K. for December and the come out again for January to March 2024. We are concerned that when we return in January immigration will say we still have 1 month left on our visa and therefore wont issue a new 3 month one. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hi guys
Loads of awesome information.
I have Some questions.
Im arriving to SA on the 12 of January but leaving on the 15 to India and coming back after 5 days to SA.
Will I get 90 days on arrival and then when coming back a new 90 days ?
Would that affect my changes of asking for an extension of my tourist visa after?
Hey guys! We are in the same situation of many of you here: extension requested in November to stay until February 18th, with our first 90 days expiring on January 23rd. I highly doubt we will get an answer by then so we will just try to go to the airport with our passport, VFS receipt, and the printed government directive.
We will post about our experience in February, but it would be great to hear from someone else who tried to leave the country only with the receipt while overstaying their visa.
Thank you!
Is VFS legit? They only have a twitter page for customer service. Also, each time I have attempted to pay for my application I get an error and a message that says contact site administrator. Of course there is no known administrator. I haven't heard back from the twitter page since December 20th, and today when I attempted to go through payment again google gave me a warning that my connection is not private.
We had a lot of issues with the VFS site crashing all the time and we were unable to book an appointment even a week after we paid. But we got feedback from VFS costumer service within a few hours of writing a message to them directly on Facebook and they advised us to use chrome, clear catch and wait half an hour, and it worked for us after that.
Hello guys,
Some very important information for you.
Currently, the rejection rates rising. But why?
The VFS Global is an NGO agency for DHA(government). Making a huge profit on something that can be done by the DHA itself. They have huge backlog of accumulated applications. Those two covering up for each other for not giving service, basically not doing the job.
It seems this high rejection rate is an attempt by the Department of Home Affairs to clear the massive backlog of applications (approx. 70 000 apps this moment) that they have accumulated during 2022 until 1 September. This includes locally submitted applications, and those submitted overseas.
As confirmed through conversation with DHA officials, the Department has indicated that they have been given a KPI to adjudicate 20 applications per day. To match this arbitrary number, and keep on track, they seem to be rejecting applications to mark them complete and reach their daily goal.
This abhorrent lack of care is costing applicants time, money, and emotional pain, and will only reflect negatively on the immigration landscape of South Africa. If over 70% of submitted applications for Critical Skills Visas are rejected, South Africa will no longer attract highly skilled foreign workers. The domino effect will continue, and with companies unable to employee international assignees, businesses will struggle to grow, and international investment will falter or stop completely.
This applies to "proper" visas, not tourist visa extensions. Haven't heard of any of those getting rejected. Also, with the blanket extension until end of March, anyone that has applied for an extension can just leave with their receipts. A rejection wouldn't even affect them.
Hi Katrin, I do not have my receipt, when I do leave SA would copies of the directive and appointment letters + email communications confirming I have applied for the extension suffice? Thank you.
I have no idea. You should probably contact vfs about the lost receipt.
Unfortunately not. My tourist visa extension was rejected with following reason: "A flight ticket is the requirement of the extension for holiday purposes. The booking for the flight ticket submitted has been canceled according to the airline database link". Which is complete nonsense, because I booked the same flight with my husband and we submitted the same itinerary copy for our applications. He received his extension vignette the same day when I received my rejection letter. Unfortunately they took the receipts before I received the outcome. Thus the blanket extension does not apply in my case. My choices are either to resubmit or appeal within 10 working days.
Nooo I'm so sorry to hear that (and it's the first time I hear about that). What a nightmare this whole thing is becoming…
I'm wondering if it's the best way to just not collect then, but leave before March 31st with the receipt.
Thanks for the amazing article. It helped a lot. I have a visa until the 2nd of March but I want to stay until the end of March, so my thinking is to just apply for an extension and then use the blanket extention rule to leave the country. So I think it would be better for me to apply for an extension close to my expiring date so it won't be rejected yet whenI want to leave or am I wrong? What would you do?
My extension finally came through. It went to Pretoria on 14th Sept and I collected today 12th Jan 2023. I didn't get any emails or text messages with a progress update. I was on my phone & decided to click the progress link on the email I got when I first submitted my application & it showed as processed and awaiting collection on 18th December. A total of 96 days!! My wife's was showing 2 days later. My advice is keep checking the link for progress as they are not sending out progress updates. I've put the link here. https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/DHAOnlineTracking/OnlineTracking.aspx
Thanks, Steve! I've added your tip with the link to the post.
I’ve tried clicking that link but it asks for a AURN number and I’m not sure what that is – can you advise? It’s not the long visa applicant reference number I have starting TRR as I tried that and it said “Application details not found.please retry with valid Sticker number.” But I don’t have any sticker – just my original stamp in my passport and then the receipt for the extension. Thanks!
Ignore the above! It is the applicant reference number starting TRR, but I’d just made a mistake in entering it!
Quick question!
Our VFS appointment is Monday morning for our visa extension. We read that vi need to show copies of previous visas.
At the moment we only printed the visa page in the passport with our active visa (entrance Jan 2nd). But we also visited SA late last year.. Should we include copies of all the SA Visa stamps in the passport? Anyone has any experience about this?
Thanks for all the help
Update to this.
We brought both visa/entry stamps pages to the office and asked them. We were told it was only the active visa that was necessary but we could include all visas/entry stamps if we wanted
Thanks so much for this info!
My question is: if I book a return ticket and then cancel it within 24 hrs, don't they call the airline to check I have a real ticket?
I have photoshopped my ticket in the past, as I hadn't made my plans yet of where and when to go afterwards. And also it's a bit ridiculous of them to ask for this, as they may reject your application, or they may take so long your ticket expires in the meantime. It went through. If you want to be very safe, you can buy a full-flex ticket which you cancel after you received your extension. I can not imagine them calling the airline, especially since if you do, an airline will ask you lots of personal questions first (ie when did you buy the ticket, what e-mail adress did you use, what means of payment did you use) to make sure it's really you when you call them, so they wouldn't even get any information.
Thank you.
In the end of the day I bought a legit flexible flight ticket…
I didn't want to take the chance of only having a reservation, although in the checklist they are saying that also a reservation is enough.
A tip that might be helpful to some. I had lost my VFS receipt that I received when at the end of my visa extension appointment. I went in and explained what had happened and they printed me a new one as I needed it to travel out of SA. I asked and was told if you try to leave without the receipt you will definitely get banned. They also told me that they would only reprint a receipt once.
Hi there, which VFS office did you go to? I've tried phoning VFS and they said they won't be able to help me. I know at the Cape Town branch, they won't let you into the building without an appointment.
So I went today to submit my application, and I had only a letter from the person I'm staying at with (with his ID number and his phone number), and they said it's not enough. They were asking for a photocopy of his ID and also a utility bill with his name and address.
I asked if I can bring a receipt from my previous hostel that I stayed at, and they said yes, this may apply. So I had to leave the office, and bring an invoice from the hostel with my name on it and the address and the name of the hostel. When I came back they said it's legitime (they asked me to come back up until 2:00 pm, I was lucky that my appointment was in the morning).
I submitted my application and the documents. But now I'm concerned about the discrepancies regarding the address between my original application and the proof of accommodation (different addresses).
The funny part is that in the website they didn't specify that a "proof of accommodation" is a requirement, but when I was at the office I saw on the wall that the checklist was updated, whilst the checklist in the website is not updated.
So guys, be aware of that. Maybe a solution would be to call them before you apply and ask about all the documents that are required. But take into consideration that when I tried to call them, they didn't answer the phone.
In short, it was not a pleasant experience for me. I will keep you posted if my application is approved.
They said that the receipt from the hostel must *not* be more than 3 months old.
I have followed this blog for a few months now. The website with all the important info, including all the blog articles, are really helpful. It's a jungle out there! We followed Chris' 13-steps instruction on how to extend one's tourist visa. Without it, we might still be trying in vain!
Needless to say, he haven't heard from Home Affairs since our appointment at VFS Cape Town at the beginning of Dec and we fully expect not to hear anything at all. We got really worried about overstaying so went ahead and booked a flight home and back to CPT, so we could come back with another 90-day visa as we are in the process of selling our apartment in SA and really need to be here in March. We are truly grateful that with the DHA document on the blanket extension on visas until end Mar 2023 which we found out about in the blog, we can now cancel this unnessary trip!!
Did I understand correctly that if my visa extension is still in process on day 89, I would not be able to do a visa run? I have only 38 days left in my initial 90-day stay. Does it make sense to apply for a visa extension, or visa run is a better option for me? I do have free time for a visa run, it's not an issue. I just want to be sure that the path I take works. Thanks!
You're free to visa run any time. Then you won't have to bother going back to VFS to pick up the sticker you get presuming you get approved.
You can also stay in the country while awaiting word on your extension. If you're rejected, you'll be given something like 7 days to get out before getting banned.
Thank you Chris. I will apply for an extension then.
I applied for a visa extension in December 2022 with my visa expiring 09 Feb but because I could not get a clear answer from the DHA on whether the blanket extension applies to me and I do not want to risk getting rejected and banned, I have decided to leave the country before my initial visa expires and return in a couple of weeks.
Does anyone know what happens to the pending visa application when you decide after all to leave the country when your initial visa expires? Do you need to let them know that you're withdrawing the application?
Hello! I am within my first 30 days of arrival in SA. Landed on 16th January 2023 and my current visa (Visitor Visa) is valid till 15th Feb. Have already applied for an extension on 19th January 2023 however would like to seek some clarity around following:
1. What would happen if the visa has expired but the decision on the application is still pending?
2. Can I leave the country with my VFS receipt without being declared undesirable?
3. What happens if DHS reject application for extension and the visa has already expired? Do they give any buffer period to an individual to leave the country without penalizing or declaring him/her as undesirable?
4. Can I also get benefited from "Blanket extension"? Am I eligible for this?
Appreciate comments and guidance!
Just wanted to share my experience. I'm just coming from collection, and this is the 2nd time (same happened last year) that they gave me 3 months from the date that my application was dealt with by the DHA, instead of calculating from the expiry date of my first visa. Since I applied late on both occasions (1 – 1,5 months before expiry of my first visa), and they work slow, this has given me now once again more than 7 months in total. I.e.: Arrived Sep 13th, extension appointment on Oct 31st, picked up the verdict on Feb 2nd and am now allowed to stay in the country until April 25th! No guarantee though, since they work in mysterious ways. Or as the officer at vfs just said: they seem to like you!
Hey everyone, just one quick question:
My extension was rejected because a document was not in the correct language. Have you had the statements translated into English? I had made the printout in German and then added the amount in Rand by hand. Other than that, I can't think of any other document. Unfortunately, you are also not told which document was not translated or which is the reason for the rejection. Could I have forgotten to translate something else? Grateful for all hints, Nina
This sounds like one of their random reasons to reject a visa 🙁 Never had a problem with my German bank statements, have highlighted the totals and also wrote the equivalents in Rand. Check with your bank maybe if it's possible to get the statements in English? If not, I guess you'd have to appeal stating that you don't have English bank statements, since your money is in a German bank, however totals are xyz. I'm not sure about this though, it may make sense to consult with an immigration lawyer just to be sure. Very sorry to hear that this has happened to you!
As the blanket extension that runs until March 31st is still in effect, can anyone awaiting a decision from VFS extension stay in South Africa past March 31st without then getting banned when they leave? I guess there is no way of knowing when DHA will provide an update on the March 31st date.
Hi everyone, I just received an email mentioning that my application will be ready for collection tomorrow. I have my flight to leave SA in 12 days and I'm considering if it might be safer to just ignore the communication and go to the airport in 12 days with the VFS receipt. I'm not really sure if this can work or if they have a way of checking that your application had an outcome you should have collected.
Also, I read somewhere here that they give you 7 days to leave if the application is rejected, so I'm thinking if I can collect the results next week, maybe with the excuse that I was out of the city, then my flight back will basically fall within the 7 days that they give you.
If anyone has thoughts or tips, they would be very welcome!
I got an email from VFS this morning that the outcome of my tourist visa extension application was ready for collection. It also said that "Collections are strictly by appointment". This is news to me, because so far one just turned up at the VFS office after 10am with one's application confirmation slip and queued to picked up the "verdict".
To make an appointment for collection, in the email they gave a link which only leads you back to the VFS website where indeed you can make an appointment, but it opens only the window for another full visa application process. There is NO WAY how you can make an appointment just for pickup of Visa extension. Has anybody done this successfully? Any appreciated, otherwise I have to leave the country in an few days! Or do I risk it and just turn up at the VFS office without an appointment???
I’ve received the same notification but decided to ignore “by appointment only” as on the VFS website there is an update that since March 2022 no need to book appointment for collection. I went straight through and received my outcome writhing 30 mins (in Cape Town).
Great to hear. Pity I didn't find this comment on the VFS website myself (I thought I had read everything there is to know about visa extension…!). It would have saved me half a day of trying to book an appointment! I'll go to VFS Cape Town next week to pick up my outcome :))
Hi Barbara,
Assuming you went and got your visa extended, I have a question.
Did you get an extension for 90 days from:
A) the day you picked up the extension
b)the last day of your previous visa
c) other ?
Looking forward to your reply 😉
Hi again, this is an update of my own recent comment.
After I was left confused about how to make an appointment for the collection of the outcome of my visa extension, I wrote an email to VFS about this and they answered the next day (I was impressed!). So, despite what the VFS mailer message explicitly said ("Collections are strictly by appointment"), their email to me now says: "Kindly note that you do not need an appointment for collection. Applicants may come and collect their outcome on a WALK IN (first come, first served) basis anytime between 10am and 3pm".
I realize that Chris mentioned in his 13 steps that one just has to turn up with one's application slip, but as my collection message so vigorously stated "strictly by appointment", I thought that this was possibly yet another change in the rules and didn't dare to just ignore it. There might be other applicants that think they need an appiontment for collection and I just wanted to let everyone know that YOU DON'T.
Chris
On the fight home requirement that they require why would they want a valid ticket in the extra 90 day period when they have at this stage not approved the extension?
And as you will need a flight return why do you recommend one that you can cancel?
Great Instructions
Thanks
Tony
Hi there,
I am currently filling in the form and have a question. The VFS has changed their payment provider around 3 march and I have trouble paying by credit card now, since it will not be accepted.
Has anyone tried to pay via bank receipt?
Thanks,
Fabienne
I’m applying right bow. We have to bring a proof of Accomodation presenting the address. If it’s a letter of the owner of the Accomodation, it needs be signed by the owner + copy of the ID of the owner.
They don’t say it, but it’s compulsory.
I applied for an appeal to the rejection of my visitor visa (TRV) extension. The rejection was because the agency could not verify my flight. Can I leave and re-enter South Africa while awaiting this appeal decision? If the appeal decision gets rejected and I choose to leave South Africa instead of appealing for a second time, will there be any consequences (1-5 year ban/ fine)?
Thank you!
Hey thank you so much for the tutorial!
I have a bit of complicated question. I stayed 90 days in South Africa. I travelled 5 weeks outside of South Africa like Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Now I want to return to South Africa for another 6 months. I didnt arrive in South Africa yet to het my 90days tourist visa. For this I need a flight within this time. I still want to extend my visa do you think that’s possible ? And do I need to change my flight before I apply for the extension without knowing if I get the visa approved ?
Thank you so much in advance. I’m really struggling and don’t know what to do.
Hi everyone,
In January we submitted for a longer tourist visa at VFS.
Our tourist visa will expire in 1 week and we did not hear anything back yet.
we also saw this new article from yesterday. Is this relevant for us? because at pharagraph 2C they're mentioning to leave the country before 30th of April. but we never received an answer or update.
Link.
Can anyone advise?
Thanks for the link, it also applies to our situation which is similar 🙂
So now with the receipt you got from the VFS office when you applied, you can legally leave the country after your entry stamp expires but before April 30 (unless an extra extension comes). If you get your application reply in the meantime you’ll take it from there 🙂 hope it’ll go your way
HI Josephine, you mean if we receive the extension before the 30th of April we can stay. And if not we need to leave? Im not sure if I can expect an answer back this month as it is already taking so long with me and everyone.
We are in a similar situation. Our tourist visa expires today, we applied for an extension in January too. However, it says that short term visa holders with visas of LESS than 90 days need to take measures to leave the country by April 30th. We checked our passports, we got 91 days stamped in. So technically we don't fall into the category of less than 90 days. We were going to talk to an immigration lawyer.
Hi Antonia, ah I see mine is also on 90 days, so not LESS THAN 90 days. What did the immigration lawyer say?
Hi Jill, apparently the paper is currently being revised because it's been faulty and not precise enough. Spoke to two lawyers and they both said that theoretically I am right that I don't fall under the less than 90 days category but that the paper's intention clearly is to distinguish between long-term and short-term visas and that – for now – they advise of leaving befor April 30th. The updated version might be more detailed.
Hey, the Expedia onward return ticket. Does is it also work if you have to go to the appointment for extension? Dont they check the flight afterwards?
Thank you for any help!
Just make sure the flight exists (which it does when you have an onward ticket). They don't check if you are actually booked on the flight, at least I never had an issue with a photoshopped ticket.
Hi!
I left Cape Town last week with no issue. I need to return to SA in a couple of months, does anyone know if you need to formally withdraw your pending application before coming back?
I have tried to find my application on VFS site to withdraw it but it says it can't find it/there is an error. So not sure what to do?
Any help appreciated 🙂
Thanks!
Ellie
Hi Ellie, I am in the same situation- I applied for the visa extension but ended up leaving before my initial visa expired, but also didn't know how to withdraw it and am planning to return to SA next month. Did you already return to SA? If you could share your experience that would be much appreciated! 🙂
Hello,
I am an American citizen working for the U.S. embassy and in South Africa on a visitor's permit. I need to extend an extra 1.5 months and it is unclear whether I can simply use the tourist option (as I am here working) or if I need to try to extend through another method. The visitor's permit allows for work but it is unclear to me if the "tourist extension" would also allow for work. Anyone been in this situation before and have advice? I tried contacting VFS and they were no help.
I got to Cape Town on 30th Nov, applied on 8th Jan, and got a decision 3.5 months later, 50 days after my initial visa had expired. Ufff. What an ordeal!
Hi Martin,
Just to clarify – did you stay past the original expiry date?
I arrived from Australia on the 1st of March, applied to extend on the 4th of April but haven't received a response yet.
I'm due to expire on the 30th of May with a return flight booked for the 29th of May. I'm weighing up whether I can stay past this date if my extension is still pending, but the info seems to be conflicting.
Thanks, Celeste
Hi all,
Thanks for all the amazing advise, so helpful. I have applied for my visa extension 5 weeks ago, and am yet to hear back, although this does not surprise me. Thinking in advance, if I don't hear back by the end of my 90 days, but I fly to Zimbabwe and then back, will this allow at 90 day reset on my visa anyway? Or will this cause problems?
My main question is, although overland border runs don't work, what if I fly to Zim and back, will that work?
Thanks!
Patt
I just got a 7day stamp by flying I'm from Namibia – but the lady was in the worst mood so maybe I was just unlucky she told me to get a new 90 days I need to go back home
Just thought I'd share my experience so far.
Entered CPT on the 1st of March 2023 on an Aus Passport and was granted a 90 day visa (Expiry 30 May), applied for an extension per this feed (very helpful, thank you very much – would have been completely lost without it).
3 April – Submitted at VSF Cape Town
13 May – Checked tracker and saw ready for collection as of the 13th so went straight in (an hours drive in Uber in each direction mind you)
Arrived at VFS to be given my new visa with an issue date of 26 April 2023, expiry 26 May 2023. So I in fact have paid for and been through all the trouble to not have received an extension at all, rather time removed from the visa.
I feel so deflated as it's not an easy process. The VFS worker didnt give me the visa as he said it would need to be sent back and I'd need to do a rectification which means new appointment in cape town (hours drive in each direction), wait time of up to another month. I have no idea where to even start – if anyone has any experience with this it would be greatly appreciated.
Unbelievable how stupid they are. I guess it depends on how much time you have, as once your visa expires you'll have to stay in the country until you get your outcome. May be safer to do a visa run to a non neighboring country.
Hi all!
I am from the US and would love to visit South Africa for a period exceeding 90 days. I'd like to be in South Africa from May 25- September, but I have a work trip to Uganda planned for Mid June. Here are my questions:
1. Do I need to wait 30 days to file the visa extension or can I apply for the extension 15 days after arrival?
2. Can I leave the country for a couple of weeks while my visa extension is still pending? I would be returning to South Africa before my original 90 days has expired, but I'm not sure if that is allowed.
3. I read that U.S. passport holders visiting South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism / business purposes do not need a visa. So if I do not have a visa, am I still able to file this extension for another 90 days?
Thank you!
Hei all! Is the tourist visa extension application still active if I've left the country in the meantime?
I just returned from a visarun that I was told by VFS officers were mandatory if I didn't want to get banned (I arrived beginning of January, applied for 6months (end June), still haven't got an answer. I left April 30 when the cart blanc expired for a small visa run. Just arrived back to CPT Airport and only got a 7day stamp.)
Anyone knows if my application from January that they still didn't process is still valid? Just in case they answer this week
Hi Josephine, I am sorry you only got 7 days when you got back. Where did you go for your visa run? I had thr same issue, I left before April 30 too, but I did a visa run to my European home country and got new 90 days. I thought that applications from before March 31 did not get processed any further (since there's no point in processing visa applications for people that you told to leave the country) BUT I got an email from VFS two dsys sgo telling me that my visa application has been processed. Applied mid February for an extension until end of June. Don't know the outcome yet as I haven't picked it up yet. Not sure actually if it's a good idea to puck it up…. good luck!
Hey Josephine, I'm interested to know in which country did you go to before getting only 7days visa ? , neighbour countries don't see to work anymore , but countries like Rwanda seem to work
Thx
Can you help me, my sister is coming from NZ where she is now NZ Citizen to come and visit her 2 sisters and son. She is still considered a permanent resident of RSA. She wants to stay for 12 months and we the sisters and son will fully support her financially. What visa must she apply for and can this be done for 1 year?
Hello, wanted to update on my status, since this blog really helped me get through the process of extending my visa.
Arrived in Cape Town: Jan 22nd
Visa was set to expire: April 22nd
Applied for visa extension: Feb 27th
Got decision: June 7th. So almost 3.5 months after I applied and 46 days after my initial visa had expired
I decided to stay in Cape Town until I got my result and not leave at the end of April. It was a risk, but I was confident that my paperwork was in order (thanks again to this blog) and I had a non-refundable apartment booked until the end of May.
How many times can you come on a tourist visa (90 days) to South Africa within a year with one 90 day extension? I have seen notes about 180 days but am not sure if this is true. I will be travelling back to the UK in between each visit. Thank you
hi!
Im Portuguese and this year 2023 i entered SA and left 3 times always receiving a new 90 day tourist visa.
Can i still apply for a extension of my last tourist visa?
Oh and on my passport on the same page I have the stamps from my privious Tourist visa and my new stamp of entery.
will that be a problem to get an extension?
my visa expires on the 31 of july and my appointment is on the 26 of june, will my application still be received at vfs johannesburg?
Hey Guys,
I came into SA on the 6th of April 2023. I applied for an extension back in May 2023, requesting to stay until October 3rd (180 days from my entry date).
My extension has been approved, but ONLY until the 17th August. No idea how they decided the reasoning for this.
I've rung VFS and they told me 3 different sets of information……(classic). They suggest applying for another extension again, but other sources tell me you can only apply for one extension for your visit. Has anyone has this experience before? or applied for another extension, ontop of their current extension?
please how long did it take for the new visa to come out
Hi
Does anyone know how many borders out you have to travel to receive a new 90 day tourist visa stamp upon your return to South Africa if performing a visa run? Asking on behalf of a Brazilian passport holder. She has to leave cape town as her extended tourist visa will expire soon. The plan is to have a 1 week holiday in a another country, either in Africa, Mauritius or in Europe, but will not be returning to her home country Brazil (apparently this is the official requirement to qualify for a new tourist visa in South Africa). Based on anyone's recent experience with this? I presume leaving and returning via an airport is more successful than driving across borders…Also is there a minimum time one should be out the country for, a week, a month or longer?
Thank you
Hey, I have the same issue, can someone maybe help out?
Hi Annika. We spoke to Flight Centre. They said with their experience and clients its advisable to travel out of southern africa for a minimum of 8 to 10 days. 2 weeks preferably. They suggested Zanzibar could work. Mauritius is a grey area because its a popular option and the officials have caught on to tourists visiting there as a visa run. In our case we opted for istanbul for 2 weeks. Upon our return to cape town the immigration official asked very few questions and gave my girlfriend a new 90 tourist visa stamp. She is from brazil and there maybe some exemptions between SA and Brazil. The official legislation says you should return to your country of residence before getting a new 90 days. We have been told it is up to the descretion of the officials at the airport. Goodluck!
If tourist extension is submitted and payment made and then a mistake in application is discovered such as residence address(home address and not SA address) does one need to do a new submission and request a refund and resubmit?
Hi Susan. I can't imagine a mistake in your home address will make any difference. That sort of information isn't on your passport anyway, so how could the DHA verify, and why would they?
HI Chris,
Thank you so much for this summary. On the first page of the VFS application it says: Date of first entry into RSA *, does this refer to the first entry ever or this time?
Another question: On my stamp the visa number is not visible, what should I put in as the visa number?
Thank you!
All the best
Rena
Hi guys, hope you are well!
I’m from Sweden and currently visiting. I have a question that maybe someone of you can answer. I arrived in cape town the 3rd of November and I want to stay until 8th of May, which means it’s 6 months and 5 days (as I want to experience africaburn (the festival)). As I understand I can extend my stay by 3 more months which only gets me to 3rd of May (6 months in total), is it possible to get or stay those extra few days?
Thanks in advance,
Leon
You're only chance is to apply late for your extension and hope that they will give 3 extra months from the day they handle your application. Happened to me twice that I ended up with 7 months total. However it is totally unpredictable, and if they extend to your "correct" date there is no way to get those extra days. You will have to leave the country or overstay and get a ban.
Hi!
I have applied for a tourist visa extension early september. I am flying in 3 days and I have not heard back from DHA. It has been stuck at DHA Pretoria for months. I emailed and called but all they say is that it's not ready yet and to keep following up. I followed up, but still no update. What do I do at the airport, what do I have to show them to not get a ban?
Hi Car,
Sorry you're having issues! I am in a similar boat at the moment, I spoke with an immigration lawyer who told me that if you stay past your initial visa, then you must stay in the country until your outcome is ready. If you leave before your outcome is ready, then unfortunately you are very likely to receive a ban at the airport.
Ellie
Same boat here! I've been waiting for my application result since Oct 20. I had a friend who waited for her decision past her initial 90 days but it didn't come before she had to leave. At the airport she was declared undesirable and banned for a year. I've sent an email to HACC@dha.gov.za and called but no luck so far. If anyone has any info, I'd love to hear about your experience
Hi Gabi,
Have you received your outcome yet? The DHA have published this notice about the backlog in visas – http://www.dha.gov.za/images/PDFs/Concession_Document_2023.pdf
Basically if you haven't received your outcome by 23rd Feb, then you must leave by 29th Feb. I would print off this notice when leaving the country just to be on the safe side 🙂
Hi Car, were you able to exit SA without problems? Did you only show your proof of payment for apply for a new visa when exiting the country? Any update would be appreciated, also in the same boat.
Hi! I have excited South-Africa on December 23rd without having received my outcome. They mentioned I overstayed, and then took me to the immigration office where they made copies of my passport and the slip I received at VFS. THen, they stamped me out with No ban.
Hi fellow visitors,
I am assembling the items on the checklist for extending my visa. The last time I visited SA was in 2022, and I recieved a very clearly marked 11(1) Visitors Permit, encompassing 2 circles (like in many other photos). This time I received a rectangular one, also for 90 days, but with no other details. The "conditions" listed is nearly impossible to read, looking like "U12" "V12" "UI2" – it may not even be a 2. The top just reads "OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT / REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA / ENTRY (1648)".
I am hoping someone can confirm that I have a visitors permit, not something else where my form contents would be invalid; I followed the steps above of course.
Thanks for any help!
P
Edit: I will note that last time I flew into Cape Town, this time into JNB.
Hello
We've been waiting for our tourist visa extension for over a month now (applied 6/12/23). Less than a month left till our current visa expires. Very frustrating. If anyone is in the same position and has any info in regards to their visa, please, let me know.
Also, if you have applied for your extension before or on the 30th of November 2023 and haven't received any outcome till the 23rd of February 2024, you must leave the country before or on the 29th of Feb. To double-check this info, go to dha.gov.za website and click "Notices". You will be after the one dated 22 December 2023. Direct link – http://www.dha.gov.za/images/PDFs/Concession_Document_2023.pdf
Hi,
I was curious whether
1) FLYING to a neighbour country will work for the visa run?
2) As of now, does the slip certifying that I am waiting for my visa approval decision counts as a proof to stay after my original visa expires?
Thanks!
I've done the 90+90 day run now several times. Only ONE time, the visa approval was granted in time, the other times, I left CPT a day before the 180 days expired and just showed the receipt. No problem.
I have applied for four section 11(1) (90 day extension to tourist visas) visas. I paid R7900 by card on 26 January to VFS, but still haven’t managed to schedule an appointment. I found out this morning that they have an IT issue that means payments (whether card or EFT) are not being automatically linked to applications. They still haven’t fixed the issue and have a growing backlog. I am South African (my family is Italian) and so obviously I am aware of the massive backlogs at the government department that issues these applications (Home Affairs). I do not have much confidence that we will get our applications approved. In 2021, we followed the process outlined on this website (thank you!) and our applications were submitted to Home Affairs. We never heard back from them. However, due to the pandemic, Home Affairs issued a dispensation and we could stay past 90 days. Unfortunately, that dispensation has been removed, for reasons known only to Home Affairs. So we felt that we had no option to attempt this route of paying VFS etc. We are also looking at a short holiday to Mauritius to try get a 90 day stamp on return, but that is luck of the draw. Technically, you are only entitled to a 90 day stamp if you go back to your home country (for us, Italy), so we may get unlucky and just get 7 days on our return. We know friends however for whom this worked recently. Good luck to everyone trying for a visa!
Hi Robert, I was able to book and pay for an appointment today (just a few hours ago) on the VFS website and my appointment is scheduled for Friday at 12h30.
I'm in a similar position – well, my partner is, he's Namibian and his visa expires 23 March 2024, so we've just applied for a 90-day visitors visa extension while we figure out our next steps as we are engaged to be married. I am a South African-born citizen.
This whole process is riddled with anxiety to be honest.
Nice Carls, I am still hanging in there waiting for the allocation!
Does anyone have recent experience with leaving the country while you are still waiting for an answer on your extension? Just showing the proof of payment that you applied for extension of tourist visa. I read it is not advised, but my time to leave is coming up and I'm yet to get a response on my extension. And its useless trying to getting a response from VFS/DHA. Any insight would be greatly appreciated
Hi Jean, have you gotten a response? I am in a similar boat…
Hi Jean,
If you overstay your initial 90 days whilst waiting for an outcome, and try to leave the country with just a VSF receipt, it is highly likely you will be declared undesirable.
However, the DHA have issued a notice about this due the backlog – http://www.dha.gov.za/images/PDFs/Concession_Document_2023.pdf
Basically, if you have applied for your extension before or on the 30th of November 2023 and haven't received any outcome by the 23rd of February 2024, you must leave the country before or on the 29th of Feb. If this applies to you then you will be fine to leave with just your receipt. They did a similar thing last Christmas (this backlog has been going on for a long time!) and I left the country with no issue. They just asked to see my receipt when I got to the airport.
I have gone through the process a few times and have noticed that during the winter season they do seem to be able to process applications ok, but in summer season it is a nightmare trying to get an outcome at the moment. I applied in October last year, and am flying home 28th Feb because I haven't received my outcome yet.
Hope this helps! Ellie 🙂
Hi! I left OR Tambo on my VFS recept and had no issues!
Hey everyone, I applied for a visa extension in November, left the country on the last day my extension would have expired. Now one week AFTER I left I received a sms saying my visa application is forwarded to Pretoria. Is there an issue with coming back to SA if I can’t collect my result of the extension? I mean, I left the country already, but I wanna go back in April.
No problem, this happened to me now 4 times. Don't worry, the officials at CPT seem to expect this.
I just want to make a note that this blog post is very very helpful but it should really be updated–in the actual post text–to reflect the fact that there is currently a major backlog with DHA and many foreign nationals completing this process are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety about whether or not they will get a decision from VFS/DHA by their departure time. The wait times now seem to be around three months or more and your post is very misleading for anyone who does not know about the delays.
Hey Zoe. Count me and my family among the anxious! I've added a warning to the top. Here's hoping they extend the concession to extension applicants beyond Feb 29. Based on my experience from last year, I'm cautiously optimistic.
Upvote, Zoe, I second this. Chris, looking back historically at DHA announcements they happen about once a year, and have always announced it for the summer season; ie based on past practice, they have made their announcement for 23/24 and there will be no further announcement.
my situation, I paid R7900 to VFS on 26 January and still am unable to even schedule an appointment, three weeks later…
Good news ahead. It seems ther was a "misunderstanding"… the receipt of the application for extension still makes you legal. Listen to the interview embedded here: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/tourists-can-still-apply-for-visa-extensions-de-lille/
This link here has the text of the announcement by Patricia de Lille: agree it is reason for optimism, still super confusing…
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/tourists-can-still-apply-for-visa-extensions-de-lille/?fbclid=IwAR2r507WC9uRZ8Imv1fjQP5PwAycoUYxsIYpqgGPnouSu-rmT0pnlh_rq8U_aem_AfW_-e6-qhLG4uYgD7AlAw1Mny1tLa9CTR77gmX52djtOkMwZehW78z-MKLpa9_v1XQ
Here is what the Minister of Home Affairs said in Parliament on 14 February 2024:
“ The other clarity I have to make is that if you have applied for a visa extension and you have not yet received a response, the receipt you get as proof of your application serves as an extension of your visa until such time that you get the outcome of your application, positive or negative.
No one should arrest you while you have such a receipt, and no one can declare you undesirable.”
Link: https://www.gov.za/news/speeches/minister-aaron-motsoaledi-debate-state-nation-address-14-feb-2024
Thank you for these updates. Personally, I don’t trust them until Home Affairs issues an official statement declaring that the application receipt prevents you from being undesirable if you are to leave the country. What the minister says does not quite make sense regarding the Feb 23-29 ruling anyway and it seems now he’s just being defensive about it without offering us real evidence that we will not be declared undesirable if we leave before our ruling is issued. It seems like there is still a chance of getting banned if you leave without the extension approval…
Hey, thanks for the above! However, I also don't really trust it, I spoke with an immigration lawyer in South Africa last year who told me the following:
Submitting a short-term visitor visa renewal application in South Africa only benefits those foreigners who are prepared to remain in South Africa until an outcome has been finalised. It does not befit those who have predetermined travel dates. The submission allows you to choose to remain in SA beyond the expiry of your visa (so long as you have VSF receipt) but you will need to wait for the outcome of your visa extension application. Should you depart SA without having received the visa, you will be declared and undesirable person for an overstay.
Thanks, Ellie
Hello,
I left Cape Town yesterday with my VSF receipt and had no issues.
But this morning I received an email saying my visa outcome was ready for collection, what timing!
I applied on 17th October and received outcome 29th Feb, so in total processing time took about 4 1/2 months
Thanks,
Ellie
Releived to hear it, Ellie. Thanks for the update!
Several times, I applied for a visa extension, just before my 90 day visa expires, this gives me another 90 days. Mostly, the visa approval comes months after I have left SA, the receipt from VFS always gave me a clean exit.
This time, I visited Lesotho for a week, just before my 90 day extension would expire (If it would have been granted) and the SA border official just stamped a visa in my passport with the applied extension period. No need to get approval from DHA, he just stamped it. I eventually left from CPT without showing my VFS receipt, the new visa stamp was enough. A loophole maybe?
Hello everyone – I submitted my application for a Visa extension in early January and am currently awaiting a decision. I have plans to leave the country by mid-April and am concerned about the potential of being banned. On the DHA website, I came across this statement from the president of the DHA:
"I need to explain something important again, when you apply for the extension of your visa before it expires, you are given a receipt which has a reference number with which you can trace your application. In case your visa expires before the department has responded to your application, that receipt will act as an extension of your visa until such time you get a response, negative or positive. This means that no law enforcement officer, immigration officer or officials at the port of entry may trouble you while you are carrying such a receipt. As I said earlier on, when the circular was issued, it was an attempt to guide BMA officials because they were regarded as new at the borders."
Does anyone know if that means, that I don't get banned with my VFS receipt? Thank you already!!
Link to the whole Statement: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/1756-presentation-by-the-minister-of-home-affairs-dr-aaron-motsoaledi-on-the-occasion-of-the-media-briefing-on-17-march-2024
I’m in the same boat as you, have you received any info?
There has been a discussion about this in the Cape Town Digital Nomads Facebook group, and it sounded like some people got away with leaving with their receipt and some people got banned. Seems like a bit of a 50:50 bet, because at this point it is officially not allowed to leave with your receipt, as there is no current directive about it. So it totally comes down to the officer you're getting at the airport. In that group I also read that people who have applied in November are now getting their outcomes. I have applied in December and haven't heard back. So you may not get anything too soon. If you have to leave, I guess it would make sense to speak to an immigration lawyer to find out if in case you do get a ban, they think it can get thrown out (which seems to be possible in most cases).
Hi Katrin. Have you seen people who applied within 90 days, stayed less than 180 days, and got banned? I've only seen people who applied get banned if they overstayed 180 days. No response is no excuse to overstay 180 days.
I wouldn't know if there is a difference. AFAIK it is depending on the mood of the officer. Have never heard that you can't overstay 180+ if you don't hear back. People get banned for leaving with their receipt within the 180 too, so why would one take that risk and leave , you can always just stay and wait for your outcome.
Not hearing back is no excuse to overstay 180 days. If you overstay 180 days because you don't hear back, when (if) you ever hear do hear back, your extension will only be for the initial 180 days, so you will have already overstayed. That's why agents have been instructed to allow anyone with a receipt leaving within their initial 180 days to leave without penalty.
I don't think that's correct, because I know for a fact people always have been and still do get banned if they leave with only the receipt within the 180 days (only if there is a directive out allowing that for a certain time frame or if you are lucky with the officer will you be able to leave with your receipt without a ban). I also know for a fact that they usually give 3 months from the date they process your application, they don't "backdate" them – what sense would that even make, giving someone an extension to a date that has already passed? Especially since it is due to them being late that this situation even occurs? It's not like that's the applicants fault? I've stayed in the country twice for more than 180 days due to them taking long & then just giving 3 months from the day they worked on my application. If you read this article, it even states that this is common practice.
Hey Chris, just want to update my experience here as I just picked up my visa extension. I had way overstayed my 180 days by now and it was not an issue. They gave me 3 months from the date they processed my application. Entered SA on Sept. 12th and am now allowed to stay until July 2nd, so basically managed to stay in SA almost a year without a visa run.
As per the experiences people in this forum are making, it is NOT good advice to tell people to leave with their recpeit when there is no directive out that allows it, even when it means overstaying 180 days.
Hey Katrin. thanks for letting me know. Glad to hear you got your extension. I updated the warning up top to share this. Seems like the only safe bet is to fly out before your three months is up.
I just attempted to leave on my receipt and was told by immigration if I left that I would be blacklisted, and that travelling on the receipt only was no longer allowed
Applied for the extension in February with my original 90 up three days ago. Was travelling out of OR Tambo.
The options given to me were to leave and be blacklisted, or stay and await the decision on the visa. Didn't want to be blacklisted so ended up not taking my flight.
Damn. So you arrived in early Jan, applied for an extension in Feb, went to leave in April, 93 days after initially arriving, showed your VFS receipt, and the agent said leave and get blacklisted or stay and wait till you hear back?
Sorry to hear this James, the DHA gives so much mixed messaging around this!
I spoke with an immigration lawyer last year who told me the following:
Submitting a short-term visitor visa renewal application in South Africa only benefits those foreigners who are prepared to remain in South Africa until an outcome has been finalised. It does not befit those who have predetermined travel dates. The submission allows you to choose to remain in SA beyond the expiry of your visa (so long as you have VSF receipt) but you will need to wait for the outcome of your visa extension application. Should you depart SA without having received the visa, you will be declared and undesirable person for an overstay.
Fingers crossed you receive your outcome soon!
Yes, that's, about it. The experience of Gael below in the comments pretty much confirms. If you leave within 30 days of your overstay, you will be considered undesirable for one year. If you leave after this it could be five years.
The official told me if I was blacklisted, I could appeal, and it may be successful. The fact that I had applied for an extension would work in my favour. Or I could turn around and wait for my extension.
Speaking to an immigration attorney, it seems a concession published in Dec 2023 states a change in the rules. Up until Nov 23 if you had a visa pending you could travel on the slip. After this it is not the case.
We are going to attempt to stay and see what the visa extension says, but I would suggest changing the advice that you can travel on the slip because this is definitely not always the case.
Sounds like you got the short end of the stick and we got lucky. I've updated to warning up top accordingly. All the best with avoiding the ban, James.
Hi Chris!
Thanks for the advice. Just came back from a successful visa run from Mozambique! Originally flew into Capetown on Jan 11 from the US and got stamped with a 90 day tourist visa. Decided to apply for the visa extension, on Feb 22 and but never received a response. I left on April 10 (a day before my visa expired, April 11) and went o Mozambique from April 10-14. Once entering CPT airport, the immigration officer asked was I here for holiday, I told her yes, and she stamped it for another 90 days. No questions asked. I never even mentioned the VFS receipt either.
Thanks again for the advice!
Quote from the Minister of Home Affairs Dr Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi at a press conference 6 days ago:
"This is what I explained if you apply for a Visa in home Affairs, whatever type of Visa, and you have not yet got a response but when you apply you are given a receipt.
If the time for which that Visa was issued expires before you get the response, the receipt works as an automatic extension, in other words, you don't have to worry that "home affairs is delayed now my Visa has expired what am I going to do" when you have already applied because we have already got a receipt that receipt will work as an extension until home Affairs responds to you."
source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPTC2lczIO8&t=1912s
Unfortunately it seems some border official didn't get the memo… What can we do about that?
Hello and thank you for this detailed article (and the helpful discussion that follows).
I left from OR Tambo yesterday with an overstayed visa and a pending visa extension (and the VFS receipt to show it).
At the passport control, I was taken to a room on the side of the queues and asked to wait outside. After a couple minutes, I was handed a Declaration of Foreigner as an undesirable person (valid for 5 years…) by the immigration officer. He told me that this was the process, that I now had to appeal within 10 days and that they would cancel this.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks Gael for sharing your experience. Good luck with your appeal.