Tourist visa

 

Applying for a visitor visa for South Africa allows foreign nationals to temporarily immigrate to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days. As with travel visas in many countries, undertaking employment is prohibited and South Africa visit visas are specifically intended as a temporary immigration service.

 

With a South African Tourist Visa, a foreign national can travel and stay here for a period of 90 days. This type of visa is meant for temporary residence in South Africa and does not allow its holders to take up any work during their stay in the country.

 

Tourist Visas offer their holder permission to travel to the country. As is the case with a visa for any country, the document affords permission to seek entry upon arrival. In most cases a South Africa visit visa provides the standard route for those wishing to enter the country for a short period for the purpose of tourism, business activities (though employment is not permitted) visiting family, or to undergo education or training up to a maximum period of three months.

 

Tourist Visas in South Africa are actually available in two categories – Short Term Visit Visa and Extended Visitor Permit. 

 

In order to be eligible to secure a Tourist Visa for South Africa, an applicant has must be considered to be of sound mind and have no criminal record. If required, an applicant may have to produce divorce papers along with other required documents. An applicant has to undergo medical examinations. 

 

Candidates who wish to apply for a Short Term Visit Visa are required to provide a valid passport with a minimum of six months remaining, passport sized photographs and evidence that they can support themselves financially throughout the time in the country. 

 

This kind of Visit Visas remains valid for a period of 3 months. If a visitor wants to extend the Visit Visa to South Africa then it can be extended for another 3 months depending on the importance of the purpose. A person applying for a Visit Visa extension should be able to provide a valid return ticket. 

 

Extended Visitor Permit is designed for those foreign nationals who come to South Africa to pursue a study program or conduct research for a short period. People willing to come to South Africa for any charity work or voluntarily social service can also apply for this type of South African Tourist Visa. 

 

Immigrating to South Africa for a limited time is permitted for nationals of some countries. Candidates migrating to South Africa from certain countries may reside in South Africa without the need to apply for a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.

 

This list is not exhaustive as foreign nationals of several other nations are permitted to enter the country without making a visa application for a reduced period of thirty days.

In addition, nationals of the United Kingdom and many (though not all) of its territories are exempt from the need to apply.

 

Those entering the country en route to another final destination may apply for a South African transit visa, which grants its holder entry to the international transit zone of the airport, but not to the national territory.

Visas of this kind may be valid for up to 72 hours and will require candidates to be in possession of return or onward tickets.

 

In South Africa, immigration through the Tourist visa class is specifically intended as a temporary solution for migration to South Africa.

Applicants will be expected to return home at the end of their stay and as a result, Spouse immigration and dependent immigration are not expressly provided for. All candidates applying for South African visitor permits must qualify in their own right.