A recent amendment to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) means that yellow fever certificates, in relation to international travel, will now have a lifetime validation. Conditions for entry to South Africa As a condition of entry, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required from travelers who have passed through countries […]
Le Roux Attorneys: Permanent Residency Permit Outcome in Record Time
With the help of Le Roux Attorneys Zimbabwean national, Kudzai Mushininga was granted a permanent residency certificate in less than three months. Read her story below. As an aspiring actuary, Kudzai elected to study at UCT due to its international recognition, affordability in comparison to equivalent international institutions, and its close proximity to her Zimbabwean […]
Relief for spousal visa applicants
In-country change of status to spousal visa now allowed VFS in South Africa has been instructed to allow visitors visa holders to change status from within South Africa. In-country change of status will however only be allowed when the visitor wants to change to long-stay visitor visas or to a spousal visa. [UPDATE – see […]
Legalising yourself from within South Africa
In the past, prior to the amendments to the Immigration Act, it was possible for an illegal foreigner to “legalise” or “regularise” him/herself from within South Africa by making payment of the requisite fine. This is no longer the case and we are constantly encountering foreigners who find themselves illegally in South Africa with little […]
South Africa’s 8 Most Magical Backpacking Meccas
Whether you’re an intrepid traveler, cash-strapped meanderer, or just someone aiming to keep their #wanderlust game strong, backpacking allows you to see some of the most beautiful and under-explored parts of this country (and the world) on a shoestring budget. Like all things in life however, not every backpacker’s lodge is created equal, many have […]
2016 Update on South Africa’s Visa Rules
South African High Court sets spousal visa precedent
A Western Cape High Court ruling has set a precedent for spousal visa applications from within the country. The judgment saw Zimbabwean national, Lea Stewart, granted a spousal visa, after her initial application was rejected by the Department of Home Affairs. Clashing with the latest ammendment The basis for the initial rejection stemmed from amendments […]
Update on South African Visa Concessions
Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni addressed stakeholders on the 10th of December, with a view to clarify the terms and progress of the visa concessions put forward by the inter-ministerial committee. The presentation touched on the following points. Concessions that will take effect within the next 3 months: For countries where no South African missions […]
VFS Closing Dates Announced
Closing dates for South Africa’s VFS Global Visa and Permit Facilitation Centres have been announced, and are presented here.
Biometric Data Collection To Be Done At South African Airports
In accordance with the Department of Home Affairs’ recently proposed immigration revisions, staff at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport have commenced training for biometric data collection. DHA spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete explained that the system would be effectively implemented at OR Tambo from December 1st onwards, with a view to have Cape Town and Durban’s airports ready […]