Pending visa applications made within South Africa: Travel exemption extended until 29 February / 30 June 2024
Due to the persistent backlogs in the processing of visa applications within South Africa (over 70 000 at this point), the Minister has once more extended the exemption for persons awaiting outcomes of pending waiver or visa applications and temporary residence appeals.
Those who (entered the country legally and) applied for waivers or temporary residence visas, or who have appealed a negative decision on or before 30 November 2023, and who are still awaiting an outcome, may continue their activities as per their last visas, OR leave the country without being declared undesirable. Those awaiting long-term visas are exempted until 30 June 2024.
Note: The exemption includes tourists who have applied for extensions of their 30- or 90-day visas and not received a result prior to their departure, BUT unfortunately their exemption has only been extended until 29 February 2024. They will therefore have to leave the country by then to avoid being banned from re-entry.
For further information, kindly contact our office on 021 462 3184. We are available again from 8 January 2024. In cases of urgency, please send an email to info@imcosa.co.za, and we will revert as quickly as possible.