Key Points
- South Africa extended temporary visa measures until December 31, 2024, to address current processing delays
South African Government Extends Temporary Measures for Visa Delays
The South African government extended temporary measures, initially implemented in September 2022, to address delays in processing visa, waiver, and appeals applications.
- Visa holders with pending long-term visa or waiver applications or appeals as of June 30, 2024, receive an extension of their current visa status until December 31, 2024
- Those abandoning their applications and leaving South Africa can exit without being declared undesirable before or on December 31, 2024
- Visa holders awaiting waiver outcomes can exit and re-enter South Africa until December 31, 2024, without being declared undesirable. Non-visa-exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa to re-enter
Appeal applicants must show a copy of the rejection letter and receipt for the appeal application when departing and re-entering South Africa. Short-term visa holders (90 days or less) who applied for a renewal but have yet to receive it by June 30, 2024, must leave South Africa within 90 days of the original visa’s expiry to avoid being declared undesirable.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check South Africa’s government website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa
