On 29 March 2023, the Department of Home Affairs announced a further visa extension for visa and waiver applicants.
The announcement came just in time for anxious visa holders, as the current extension was set to expire on 31 March – a mere 48 hours later.
Eligible temporary residents can remain in South Africa until 31 December 2023
Under the extension, temporary residents who are still waiting on the outcomes of their visa and waiver applications can legally stay in South Africa until 31 December 2023.
Eligible temporary residents are defined as those who entered South Africa legally, and who applied via VFS before or on 31 March 2023.
Any visa holders who’d like to abandon their visa or waiver applications can leave South Africa on or before 31 December 2023 without being declared undesirable at a port of entry.
Residents from countries that are not visa-exempt and who have travelled out of South Africa must apply for a visitor’s visa to enter South Africa.
Visa applicants who left South Africa with their receipts, and who re-enter with a visitor’s visa, will be able to return to SA to wait on the outcome of their visa extension.
Contact us for advice
Please feel free to contact us if you’re seeking professional advice on your situation. Our team can also assist with visa applications.
You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a call-back, and one of our immigration consultants will contact you instead. You can expect a call within 24 hours.
