Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? South Africa has begun issuing multiple-entry visitor visas that are valid for up to three years to business travelers, tourists and academics.
What does the change mean? The new visas are not available to first-time applicants or nationals of visa exempt countries. However, the change will greatly benefit frequent travelers who require visitor visas to enter South Africa because the allowable extended validity period should significantly reduce the need for repeat visa applications.
Background: The change is part of South Africa’s continuing efforts to address criticism that strict visa rules have caused a decline in travel to the country.
The new visit visas will be valid for up to three years, but may be issued with shorter validity periods at the discretion of the South African mission issuing the visa. Visa holders will be permitted to stay in South Africa for up to 90 days on each visit for business, tourism or academic purposes. Work activities are not permitted on visitor visas, and work authorization is still required in this regard.
BAL Analysis: The change does not affect nationals of visa exempt countries. The longer-validity visas will make travel more convenient for foreign nationals who require a visa and who travel frequently to South Africa.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The U.S. State Department suspends visa services in Haiti. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico moves to reduce visa wait times.…
The European Council adopted a revision to the 2011 single-permit directive, paving the way for an improved single work and…
The Romanian government announced updates to its EU Blue Card regulations, as well as changes to work permits, including extending…
The European Council agreed to lift controls at air and sea borders in Bulgaria and Romania in March, and the…