Other Visa Categories
The Immigration Act holds a variety of categories available to foreigners who wish to reside or work in South Africa on a long-term or short-term basis. These include:
Short-term Visitor Visa (30-90 days)
A short-term visa is required for non-visa exempt foreign nationals who wish to visit South Africa for tourism, holiday or business purposes for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days. This visa may be extended for a further ninety (90) days in South Africa, provided that there are no restrictions.
This application must be submitted to the South African High Commission/Consulate/Embassy from the applicant’s home country or country of temporary residence.
Foreign nationals who are from visa exempt countries do not need to apply for such a visa and may enter South Africa without a visa and will receive a stamp at the port of entry when entering the country.
Volunteer Visa
This visa allows a foreign national to volunteer at a non-profit organization for a period of three (3) years. An applicant must demonstrate that s/he has sufficient financial means to support themselves for the duration of their stay in South Africa.
To qualify for this visa, the volunteer position must be:
Unpaid
At a bona-fide charity or volunteering institute
Exchange Visa
This visa may be issued to a foreign national participating in a programme of cultural, economic or social exchange organised or administered by an organ of state or learning institution.
Alternatively, this visa may be issued to persons under 25 years of age who wish to conduct work for no longer than 1 year.
Please take note that in certain instances, on the expiration of the exchange visa, one may not qualify for different visa until s/he has been out of South Africa for a period of one (1) year.
Medical Treatment Visa
This visa is issued to foreign nationals needing to receive medical treatment in South Africa for longer than 3 months. The visa may be issued for a maximum period of 6 months at a time, but may be extended where necessary.
Crew Visa
This visa may be issued to the foreign members of the crew of a conveyance and may be issued for a maximum period of three (3) months.