Passport holders from certain countries are exempt from South African visa control for a period of ninety (90) days. See: www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp. A visitor's permit for a period not exceeding three (3) months may therefore be issued to such passport holders at a South African port of entry e.g. international airport, provided that he or she is able to submit the following documentation to the immigration officer:

1. a passport valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and containing at least one (1) blank page for endorsements;
2. documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit, if applicable;
3. proof of a valid return air ticket or payment of a deposit, or both the return air ticket and deposit, which shall be refunded after the foreigner's final departure;
4. a yellow fever vaccination certificate, if the applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area: provided that the certificate shall not be required when the applicant travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area.

Note:
Should the holder of a visitor's permit wish to stay in the Republic of South Africa for a period exceeding three (3) months, but not exceeding six (6) months, he or she may, at least thirty (30) days before the expiry of this visitor's permit, apply for an extension of the visitor's permit for a maximum period of three (3) months at any regional office of the Department of Home Affairs in the country. See: www.home-affairs.gov.za/regions.asp

The following documents must be submitted for such an application:

1. a fully completed application form (see Form BI-1739);
2. a passport valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and containing at least one (1) blank page for endorsements;
3. documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit, if applicable;
4. proof of a valid return air ticket or payment of a deposit, or both the return air ticket and deposit, which shall be refunded after the foreigner's final departure or after a permanent residence permit has been issued to the foreigner;
5. proof of sufficient financial means;
6. the non-refundable application fee of 425 ZAR.

In the case of an internship in the form of research at a university or research institution for a period exceeding three (3) months, a visitor’s permit may be applied for and issued at a South African mission abroad before proceeding to the Republic of South Africa. It is each student’s responsibility to maintain the validity of his/her permit.

Please contact your nearest South African High Commission or Embassy to confirm the requirements. See: www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm. The different forms that you will need are available from them. Normally, you would have to:

1. Obtain and complete application form BI 1738. Apply for Study (>3 months).
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee of 425 ZAR.
3. Make sure your passport is valid for longer than the duration of the study period.
4. Apply for police clearance from your local police station in the country where you have resided for the past 12 months as well as any other countries where you may have resided since the age of 18.
5. Obtain a medical certificate from a medical doctor
6. Have chest x-rays and obtain a radiological report
7. Pay a repatriation guarantee. The cost to you will be similar to the cost of a single ticket plus airport taxes from South Africa back to your country of origin. Keep the original receipt in your possession. You may reclaim this deposit upon return to your country of origin.
8. Present proof of funding, e.g. a bursary award letter.
9. You will have to provide proof of medical cover that is recognised in SA. If you do not have appropriate cover within your own country that will be valid in South Africa, then you can apply online for:

• INGWE Health: www.ingwehealth.co.za
• If you experience difficulties with this application for medical cover, please contact Linda Uys or Josephine Dzama for assistance.

Downloads

Medical certificate		Radiological report