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Issuing Offices

Foreign Countries

• Only Consular & Diplomatic representations. Honorary Consuls may not issue visas but facilitate applications.

Visa Timings at New Delhi

• Submission of Application: 09:00 A.M to 11:30 A.M
  
• Collection of Visa: 15:30 P.M to 16:30 P.M
  

In South Africa

• The Director - General : Foreign Affairs, Private Bag X152, Pretoria, 0001 only for Diplomatic, official, courtesy and United Nations Laissez Passer passports. However visas for these passport holders are usually issued via the SA Missions in foreign countries.

Types of Visas

Visitor's Visas                                              Download Form
A visitor's visa is granted to a foreigner who intends proceeding to South Africa for one of the following purposes:

• bona fide holiday or family visit
  
• sports persons (applications are processed at Head Office)
  
• spouse or dependent of a foreigner already in possession of a work-permit/immigration permit
  
• attendees of conferences/seminars/religious tours
  
• researchers
  
• other purposes
  

Business Visas                                              Download Form
A business visa is granted to a foreigner who intends visiting South Africa for the purpose of promoting trade, commerce and industry between South African and foreign businesses. It is not issued for the purposes of working, studying or seeking work in SA. It must be noted that should foreigners wish to engage in day to day running/managing a business in SA, an application for work-permit must be submitted. Directors with 25% or more shares must apply for a work permit.

Transit Visas                                              Download Form
Transit visas are issued in terms of section 12 of the Aliens' Control Act, 1991 to enable foreigners to pass through SA from outside the country to another destination outside the SA. These visas are valid only up to 72 hours, not being valid for shopping or sightseeing. The applicant must submit proof of admission to a third country.

Study Permits                                              Download Form
South Africa, in recognition of the importance of the cross-cultural and academic stimulation permits the admission of a limited number of foreign students. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and await the outcome of a Study-Permit application in their own country.

Study-Permits are issued on the condition that (1) no foreign student may displace a South African student at a local institution. (2) That the student will guarantee his / her departure on completion. (3) The student must be proficient in English or a South African official language.

Study-Permits are issued only for one year and may be extended (with documentary proof) in South Africa. Study Permit holders are not permitted to take up employment after completion of their studies.

Work Permits                                              Download Form
All work permit and work-seeker's permit applicants must be in possession of valid employment offer from an organisation in South Africa. All applications must be accompanied by the prescribed supporting documents and processing fees, which are non-refundable. Foreigners are permitted to reside temporarily in SA only for a maximum period of 3 years.

As South Africa's population reaches 40 million, one third of this population remains unemployed. Hence, it is the Government's intent to serve the interests of its citizens first. To do so the Government intends to apply a strict admission and migration policy so as to admit only those foreigners whose intention is to seriously and meaningfully contribute to the SA economy. SA has a vast reserve of unskilled and semi-skilled worker are entitled to employment opportunities and to an economically viable lifestyle. Hence the Government is committed to job creation through inter alia, foreign investors who are interested in investing their assets, skills, knowledge and experience transfer and development of its people.

Immigration Permits                                              
Foreigners are, by law, not permitted to enter or sojourn in SA with a view to permanent residence unless s/he is in possession of immigration permit issued in terms of Section 25 of the Aliens Control Act. An application for an Immigration permit must be submitted in the country of which the applicant holds a valid passport or in which s/he normally resides. Applications are to be submitted to the South African Mission abroad. All applicants are subject to a compulsory interview.

Work permit holders and dependants of SA citizens (who possess valid permits) must be residing legally in the country to enable them to apply for Immigration permits.