General Requirements Applicable to All Visa Categories
Foreigners subject to South African visa control who wish to visit South Africa for holiday, business or transit purposes must be in possession of valid and acceptable passports/travel documents and visas. Visas must be obtained at the South African Missions abroad prior to travel to South Africa.
Please note that applications must be submitted in person only. Applications in respect of minors (under the age of 18) may be submitted by one of the parents. Applications i.r.o. the citizens of the Republic of Belarus may be submitted through the third person (power of attorney is not required), but not by postal/courier services.
For minors (under the age of 18) travelling to South Africa the Unabridged Birth certificate and Parental Consent Affidavit from not accompanying parent/parents shall be submitted when entering and leaving the Republic (if issued in foreign language a copy of the document and translation into English, both copy and translation certified at the Public Notary).
Please note that holders of official and diplomatic Russian and Belorussian passports are exempted from visas, if the period of stay in the Republic of South Africa does not exceed ninety (90) days.
Since 31 March 2017 Russian ordinary passport holders are exempted from visas for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days for holiday and business visits.
In case of work, study, SASTS exchange program during the period not exceeding ninety (90) days, the visa is still required.
For Study and SASTS exchange program please see the requirements for this category placed below.
For work related activities to be performed in the Republic the “Authorization to work” shall be applied for:
Authorization to work i.t.o. Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act No. 13, 2002 as amended for the period of stay not exceeding 90 days.
The visitors going to South Africa with the purpose of conducting of certain work related activities in the Republic should apply for a visitor’s visa: Authorization to work i.t.o. Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act No. 13, 2002, as amended.
These certain activities in the Republic relate, but not limited to –
- in respect of films and advertisements produced in South Africa, including, but not limited to, an actor, cameraman, hairstylist, make-up artist or lighting and sound engineer;
- a foreign journalist;
- a person involved in the entertainment industry, travelling through the Republic to perform i.e. ballet dancer, circus performer, singer, model (photo and catwalk).
Please be informed that a letter of invitation from South Africa shall reflect the request “to issue Authorization to work on visitor’s visa i.t.o. Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act”.
The Letter from employer (Russian company or the company in the Republic of Belarus) shall provide the answers on all questions below:
- purpose or necessity of the work;
- nature of the work;
- qualification and skills required for the work;
- duration of the work;
- place of work;
- duration of the visit;
- proof of remuneration or stipend that the foreigner will receive from the employer;
- identity and contact details of the prospective employer or relevant contact person from the host institution in the form of a copy of South African Identity document.
Please note that “qualification and skills required for work” shall be proved by submission of copies of relevant diplomas (if issued in Russian language a copy of diploma shall be accompanied by translation into English language). Notary certification is not required.
All other requirements you will find on the official website of the Embassy www.saembassy.ru in “Immigration and Civic Services”, “Visas”, “Business visit”.
Overstay Appeals
PLEASE NOTE: if you stay in the Republic of South Africa longer than 90 days (the visa exemption period) you will be declared undesirable person and prohibited from entering the Republic.
- In the case of a person who overstays for a period not exceeding 30 days, be declared undesirable for a period of 12 months;
- In the case of a person who overstays for the second time within a period of 24 months, be declared undesirable for a period of two years; and
- In the case of a person who overstays for more than 30 days, be declared undesirable for a period of five years.
Persons who are declared undesirable persons in terms of Section 30(1)(h) read with 50(1) of the Immigration Act, No 13 0f 2002 as amended must submit the written representation as indicated below:
The following documents must be submitted:
- Written representation;
- A copy of the declaration of undesirability (form 19) that was issued at the Port of Entry;
- Copy of the relevant pages of the passport, including bio page;
- Acknowledgment of receipt (in cases where the applicant has applied for a permit and the status is still pending);
- If the applicant overstayed due to medical reasons a medical certificate must be submitted.
The appeal must be e-mailed to: Overstayappeals@dha.gov.za
For confirmation that the appeal has been received applicants may contact the IMS Operational Centre at (012) 406-4586. Once appeal is submitted, the outcome thereof must be awaited.
Any applicant for a visa may be requested to be interviewed at the relevant South African Mission whenever it appears to any official processing his or her application that it is necessary to do so.
The Immigration Clerks are acting in accordance with the South African Immigration Legislation and the requirements received from the Department of Home Affairs and are not authorized to accept incomplete applications/documentation for visas.
The Consular Section is not responsible for the information about visas available on the other websites.
Processing period for visas is not less than 5 working days.
Processing period for visas General documents for all visa categories.
The Immigration Section is open to the public from Monday — Friday, 09:00 — 12:00
Telephone enquiries regarding status of visa application may be made from 13 -16 pm ONLY (Friday: from 13 -14 pm)
VISA REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF:
- TOURISM
- TRANSIT
- PRIVATE VISIT
- BUSINESS VISIT
- CONFERENCES
- TRAINING
- STUDY
- SPORT PURPOSES
- RESEARCH (UP TO THREE MONTHS)
- MEDICAL TREATMENT
- INTENDED MARRIAGE
- SASTS EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
TOURISM(visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
Statement and / or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letters of invitation from the South African travel agencies accompanied by detailed itinerary must be submitted (copies are accepted) or the hotel booking for the entire period of a visit to the Republic (copy of on-line internet booking is also acceptable).
Confirmation of employment in original, signed by company official and certified by company seal, reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave, granted for the period of visit.
For the individual entrepreneur and freelancers: copy of business registration and copy of tax registration at the tax authorities.
For pensioners — a copy of pensioner certificate
For students — a letter from educational institution
Minor children travelling
TRANSIT
General documents for all visa categories
The travelers transiting through the following international airports are exempted from transit visas:
- O R Tambo International;
- Cape Town International;
- King Shaka;
- Lanseria
A transit visa is required to proceed to and from all neighbouring countries of South Africa forland transit only (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Swaziland).
Please note that transit visa may be granted for a period not exceeding 48 hours.
Visas to countries of destination unless exempted or proof that it will be issued at the port of entry must be presented.
Republic of Mozambique — valid visa for Republic of Mozambique must be acquired in your passport prior to applying for a South African transit visa.
Confirmation of employment in original letter on the company letterhead, signed by company official and certified by company seal, reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave for the period of trip.
For the individual entrepreneur and freelancers: copy of business registration and copy of tax registration at the tax authorities.
For pensioners — a copy of pensioner certificate
For students — a letter from educational institution
PRIVATE VISIT(visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
- An original letter of invitation, signed by the host — Letter of invitation
- A copy of SA ID or proof of long-term residential status in the RSA (excluding visas)
- Proof of residential address in a form of water-bill or electricity bill (copies are acceptable)
- Proof of financial responsibility is required from both SA host and applicant. Proof of financial responsibility
- Confirmation of employment in original letter on the company letterhead, signed by company official and certified by company seal, reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave for the period of trip.
For the individual entrepreneur and freelancers: copy of business registration and copy of tax registration at the tax authorities.
For pensioners — a copy of pensioner certificate
For students — a letter from educational institution
N.B: The Host — be it a South African or Foreign national with status in South Africa — may not check on the outcome or status of the application as he/she is not the applicant.
BUSINESS VISIT(visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
The invitation from the South African host company must provide the following information: the purpose of the visit in detail, relation between the companies, duration of the visit.
The invitation is accepted in copy sent to the applicant by e-mail (clearly scanned) or by clear fax.
An original letter from the company in Russia/Republic of Belarus providing the following information: purpose of the visit in detail, relation between the companies, duration of the visit.
Both letters from South African companies and Russian/Belorussian companies must be on company letterheads with the contact details and the physical address of the company (no P.O. Box address) and must be stamped and signed by a relevant person. This letter can not be signed by an applicant.
N.B: The profile of the companies (RSA/RF/Republic of Belarus) may be requested at the First Secretary: Immigration’s discretion.
CONFERENCES(visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
Invitation from the South African conference organizers (if conference is organized by a foreign company, invitation from SA organizing committee or company must be provided).
The following information must be provided:
The invitation letters to applicants are acceptable in faxed or scanned copy.
An original letter from the company in Russia/Republic of Belarus with the following information: the purpose of a visit in detail, duration of the visit.
Both letters from South African company and Russian/Belorussian companies must be on company letterheads with the contact details and the physical address of the company (no P.O. Box address) and must be stamped and signed by a relevant person. This letter can not be signed by an applicant.
TRAINING (visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
Invitation from the South African host company.
With the following information: duration of stay and confirmation that applicant will return to his current job on completion of his training. The invitation letter is accepted in a copy sent to the applicant by e-mail (clearly scanned) or by fax.
An original letter from the company from Russia/Republic of Belarus providing the following information: the purpose of a visit in details, (i.r.o. training), relation between the companies, duration of the visit.
Both letters from South African company and companies in Russia/Republic of Belarus must be on company letterheads with the contact details and the physical address of the company (no P.O. Box address) and must be stamped and signed by a relevant person. This letter can not be signed by an applicant.
STUDY (visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
Official letter from the relevant institution confirming provisional acceptance at this institution and the duration of the course. The letter must be on the letterhead with the contact details and the physical address of the relevant educational institution and must be signed by a relevant person. The invitation is accepted in copy sent to the applicant by e-mail (clearly scanned) or fax.
Confirmation of employment in original, signed by company official and certified by company seal, reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave, granted for the period of visit..
In the case of a minor (i.e. a person under 18):
Minor children travelling
SPORT PURPOSES(visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
Invitation from the South African sport organisation, with confirmation of detailed purpose and duration of visit.
The invitation is accepted in copy sent to the applicant by e-mail (clearly scanned) or fax.
An original letter from the sport club/organisation, represented by the applicant, stating purpose and the period of visit.
Both letters from South African company and company in Russia/Republic of Belarus must be on company letterheads with the contact details and the physical address of the company (no P.O. Box address) and must be stamped and signed by a relevant person. This letter can not be signed by an applicant.
In the case of a minor (i.e. a person under 18):
Minor children travelling
RESEARCH (visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
Invitation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African inviting organisation (copies are applicable).
Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and the duration of visit is required.
MEDICAL TREATMENT (visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
A letter from the applicant’s medical practitioner or medical institution, indicating the reasons for treatment, why medical assistance cannot be sought in Russia/Republic of Belarus, the period of treatment and particulars of the treatment in the Republic of South Africa.
Letter from South African Medical practitioner/centre with confirmation of the appointment and duration of treatment. The confirmation letter on the letter-head of the medical centre/medical practitioner, signed by doctor is accepted in copy sent to the applicant by e-mail (clearly scanned) or fax.
SASTS EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (visa up to 90 days)
General documents for all visa categories
- SASTS exchange applicants must abide with the following rules:
- A letter from the Department of Education in South Africa confirming the existence of the programme;
- A letter from SASTS confirming the applicant is participating in the programme;
- A letter from SASTS taking responsibility for the applicant during his/her stay in South Africa and confirming that the Organisation will be responsible for all costs, should it become necessary to repatriate the applicant;
- A letter from a foreign organ of state (Russian Federation) confirming awareness of the exchange programme;
- An annual report from SASTS outlining the progress of the programme;
- Proof of South African medical cover with a South African medical scheme;
- A notary certified copy of diploma from the University (in case if applicant graduated) and its notary certified translation into English
- For students — letter from the University confirming student status and the date of graduation