NEW and EXTRA LONG Automatic Visa Extension & Travel Exemption
Applicants for long-term visas, appeals and waivers covered until 30 June 2027
Once again at the eleventh hour at the close of 30 March 2026, the last travel exemption which was due to expire on 31 March, was extended by the Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber. It again accommodates those affected by visa, waiver and appeal processing backlogs on the part of the Department of Home Affairs.
According to the latest extension, those who applied and have not received an outcome for waivers or long-term temporary residence visas on or before the 30th of March 2026, or who have appealed a negative decision, may continue to stay in South Africa and follow their activities as per their last visas, OR leave the country by 30 June 2027 without being banned from returning.
NOTE: The update still largely excludes short-term visitors and tourists who wish to stay in South Africa longer than their 30- or 90-day visas. All those who are awaiting an extension of their short-term visa and whose previous visas have expired while waiting, must have left the country by the end of 31 March 2026, or receive the outcome of their application before their departure. If they leave from 1 April 2026before their extension has been granted, they should expect to receive a travel ban of 1 year or longer. Exception: Applicants for short-term visitors visa extensions who have received a rejection of their application, appealed this decision and have been waiting for an outcome of their appeal for longer than 3 months as at 30 March 2026, may leave the country until 30 April 2026 without receiving a travel ban.
For specific and detailed information, kindly contact our office on 021 462 3184, or send an email to info@imcosa.co.za.