South Africa: Extension of Temporary Visa Measures

Key Points  

• South Africa extended temporary visa measures until 31 December 2024 in order to address current processing delays  

South African Government Extends Temporary Measures for Visa Delays: 

The South African government extended temporary measures, originally 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 30 June 2024, receive an extension of their current visa status until 31 December 2024. 
• Those abandoning their applications and leaving South Africa can exit without being declared undesirable before or on 31 December 2024. 
• Visa holders awaiting waiver outcomes can exit and re-enter South Africa up to 31 December 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 not received it by 30 June 2024 must leave South Africa within 90 days of the original visa’s expiry to avoid being declared undesirable. 

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of South Africa’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.