The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has issued critical guidance on visa matters, particularly for those planning travel during the festive season. This advisory outlines essential immigration rules and compliance requirements to help you avoid overstays, visa violations, and being declared undesirable.
Understanding Application Processing Times
The DHA has stated that there are no backlogs in visa application processing. All pending applications are being processed within prescribed timeframes:
Standard Processing Times:
- 120 working days for spouse visitor’s visas (section 11(6)), Retired Persons, Treaty, and Relatives’ visas
- 60 working days for general visitor’s visas, medical treatment, study exchange, and crew visas (sections 11(1)(a), 11(1)(b)(i–iv), 11(2))
If your application is still pending, it is likely within the normal processing window.
Critical Travel Restriction: VFS Receipts Are Not Valid for Travel
You cannot travel using VFS Global receipts. This is a strict rule with serious consequences.
After submitting your visa application at VFS Global, you receive a receipt. However, this receipt does not permit you to exit and re-enter South Africa. There are no concessions for pending applications, except for applicants who submitted appeals before Directive 19 of 2025.
Attempting to travel with only a VFS receipt may result in:
- Denial of re-entry into South Africa
- Being declared undesirable
- Disruption to your studies or employment
Safe Travel Options for Those with Pending Applications
If you need to travel while your visa application is pending, the DHA recommends these alternatives:
For Visa-Exempt Nationals
If you are from a country that enjoys visa exemption with South Africa:
- Travel while your current visa is still valid
- Use your visa exemption status to re-enter South Africa as a visitor
- Follow up on your pending application after returning
Check the updated exemption lists on the DHA and DIRCO websites to confirm your eligibility.
For Non-Visa-Exempt Nationals
If your country requires a visa for South Africa:
- Apply for a visitor’s visa through your nearest South African High Commission or Consulate
- Alternatively, use the eVisa system if your country is eligible (see list below)
- Use this visitor’s visa to re-enter South Africa
- Follow up on your pending application upon return
Countries Eligible for South Africa’s eVisa (90-Day Visitor’s Visa)
African Countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal
Asian Countries: China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria
European Countries: Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia
Other Countries: Cuba, Mexico
Countries Eligible for Study Visa via eVisa
France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Uganda
Important Deadlines: When to Submit Your Application
Timing is critical. Late submissions will result in automatic rejection.
For Change of Status Applications (Regulation 9(5))
Submit your application at least 60 days before your current visa expires. You must provide proof of lawful admission (valid visa) with your application.
For Visa Extensions (Regulation 9(8))
The rules depend on how much time remains on your visa:
- If your visa expires in more than 30 days: Submit at least 60 days before expiry
- If your visa expires in less than 30 days: Submit no later than 7 working days before expiry
Required documentation for extensions:
- Valid visa showing lawful admission
- Affidavit attesting to your compliance with visa conditions and South African laws
- Personal submission at a DHA office, South African High Commission, or VFS Global center
Special Rule for Visitor’s Visa Holders
If you are in South Africa on a visitor’s visa, you cannot apply to change your status unless you are the child, spouse, or parent of a South African citizen or permanent resident. However, you may collect the outcome of pending applications while on a visitor’s visa.
Guidance for University Lecturers
University lecturers applying for work visas do not need to submit proof of registration with professional bodies. However, you must specify the classification of your education subject matter according to Annexure 2 of the Critical Skills Technical Report, available at: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices
Key Compliance Reminders
To maintain lawful status and avoid being declared undesirable:
- Never overstay your visa – even by a single day
- Do not travel with VFS receipts – ensure you have valid travel documents
- Submit applications well in advance – respect the 60-day rule
- Comply with all visa conditions – work, study, or stay only as permitted by your visa category
- Keep copies of all documentation – receipts, submission confirmations, and correspondence
- Monitor your application status – follow up appropriately without violating your current visa terms
What If You’re Unsure About Your Status?
If you have questions about your visa status, pending applications, or travel plans:
- Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly
- Consult with your university’s international office
- Seek advice from a registered immigration practitioner
- Check official DHA and DIRCO websites for updated information
Do not rely on unofficial sources or outdated information. Immigration laws are strictly enforced, and violations can have serious long-term consequences for your ability to return to South Africa.
Conclusion
The festive season is a time many wish to travel home. However, careful planning is essential to ensure you can return to South Africa without complications. By understanding these rules and planning ahead, you can travel safely while maintaining your lawful status.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.