Tourist Visas Automatically Extended

UPDATE on Travel Exemptions: Tourist Visas Automatically Extended

The travel directive published on 17 December 2024 (see our last post) was updated a day later and includes important changes. 

To accommodate those affected by visa, waiver and appeal processing backlogs, Minister of Home Affairs Schreiber has extended the travel exemption until 31 March 2025. Those who applied for waivers or long-term temporary residence visas and not received an outcome by 18 December 2024 (previously 30 November), or who have appealed a negative decision, may continue their activities as per their last visas, OR leave the country by 31 March 2025 without being banned from returning. 

NOTE: The update now includes short-term visitors and tourists who wish to stay in South Africa longer than their 30- or 90-day visas. All those who arrived in the country on or after 1 October 2024 receive an automatic visa extension of 90 days, up to and including 31 March 2025. There are contradictory interpretations by senior officials as to whether or not those who fall under the directive need to make an application for extension of their visas at all. We are in the process of having this confirmed by additional sources and will update you here once clarity is reached.

For specific and detailed information, kindly contact our office on 021 462 3184, or send an email to info@imcosa.co.za. Note our festive season office closure: 10am SAST on 20th December 2024 – 3rd January 2025, opening 6 January 2025.

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