South Africa: Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

UK citizens are able to enter South Africa and stay for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. If you wish to stay for longer than this, or to work or study in the country, you must apply for the relevant visa. The South African High Commission in the UK  has details of the different visas and permits that are available.

Non-UK citizens should consult their embassy to find out if a visa is required in order for them to enter South Africa.

Work permits are usually granted for a particular job with a specified company, and any worker wishing to change employers must obtain the approval of the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Students wishing to study for courses longer than three months should apply for a study permit, providing evidence of:

• an official letter from the relevant institution confirming provisional acceptance at that institution and duration of the course;
• particulars of the person(s) in the Republic who will act as your guardian and confirmation from the intended guardian;
• recognised medical cover;
• sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and subsistence.

Specific exchange permits are also available for exchange students.

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

UK citizens can apply for relevant visas through the South African High Commission in the UK. Forms are available online. Various documents need to accompany the application and details of these are included on the High Commission’s website. Required documents may include:

• two passport photographs;
• passport valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended visit;
• medical and radiological report;
• documents relating to dependants and spouse;
• offer of employment detailing the terms, conditions and duration of the intended employment.

It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed and no arrangements for travel should be made until the permit has been approved.

If you are not a UK national, contact the South African embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the South African High Commission in the UK .

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in South Africa.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

It is possible for a UK citizen to apply for permanent residency in South Africa. The application is made through the South African High Commission in the UK and the relevant forms can be accessed on the Commission’s website. Various documents need to be submitted along with the application, details of which are on the website.

Non-UK citizens should check with the South African embassy in their country to find out whether permanent residency is possible.