Stay of up to 3 Months
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g. UK, USA, Australia and most European countries) who wish to stay in South Africa for short periods of time without following an activity that requires authorisation, can obtain a visitor’s permit fairly easily. They will be issued with this permit (valid for 30 days or 3 months, depending on the visa exemption for their country of citizenship) upon entry to South Africa and presentation of a return flight ticket to their home country. Citizens of non-visa exempt countries need to apply for the appropriate visa through the South African mission in their country of residence. Only ONE extension for a maximum of 3 months may be granted from within South Africa on application.
Stay for a Period of up to 36 Months
As of 1 July 2005 extended visitor’s permits (valid for up to 3 years) are granted only in narrowly defined cases, e.g. voluntary or charitable activities (see Work) or academic research or sabbatical (see Studies / Education / Research). A mere long-term stay without any specific purpose other than leisure or holiday outside of the above categories is not provided for anymore through the visitor's permit. A retired person's permit may be considered in these cases.
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Temporary and Permanent Residence – Visit, Holiday
Generally this category only caters for temporary permits, visitors without any specific grounds for their stay do not qualify for permanent residence.
