South Africa | Immigration | Clarification on supporting documentary requirements for Visitor’s Visa applications to South Africa (Non-Visa Exempt Applicants) (Immigration Directive No. 9 of 2024)

Immigration

South Africa | Clarification on supporting documentary requirements for Visitor’s Visa applications to South Africa (Non-Visa Exempt Applicants) (Immigration Directive No. 9 of 2024)

Summary

The Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) has issued a Directive to ensure consistency in supporting documentary requirements for short-term Visitor’s Visa applications (not exceeding 90 days) for tourism and business travel.

The detail

To address inconsistencies, the DHA has issued a Directive prohibiting the requirement for additional supporting documentation (including death certificates of parents, marriage certificates, divorce certificates etc) which are deemed unnecessary for entry to South Africa as a tourist or business traveller.

The mandatory supporting documents for such Visitor’s Visas, to be submitted to the South Africa missions abroad or through the e-visa platform, are reconfirmed as follows:

• Passport valid for at least 30 days after the planned departure from South Africa containing at least 2 blank visa pages;
• Valid Visitor’s Visa / e-visa if the traveller holds a non-visa exempt passport;
• Statement / Documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit;
• A valid return airline ticket or proof of the reservation thereof; and
• Proof of sufficient financial means by way of three months bank certified statements (minimum balances removed).

Considerations

Ultimately the individual travellers’ nationality, duration and purpose of stay will determine the visa requirements. Whilst more alignment on the requirements is expected going forward, ongoing challenges are expected as the mandated requirements may still be subject to inconsistent Consulate discretion and implementation.

The above-mentioned Immigration Directive does not apply to Section 11(2) Visitors’ Visa applications.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Stephen Marlin
Partner: Territory Leader

Supriya Boodhena
Senior Manager

Natalie McLean
Senior Manager

Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

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