Immigration South Africa - Julian Pokroy Immigration Law Attorneys

BREAKING NEWS!!
SOCCER WORLD CUP – SPECIAL VISA DISPENSATION

The Minister of Home Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, recently announced a special dispensation for foreign visitors coming to South Africa to attend the FIFA World Cup Soccer matches.

In terms of general visa dispensations in South African Immigration Law and also in line with international best practice in this regard, foreign nationals entering South Africa for any purpose whatsoever require visitor permits.

Countries that, in terms of bilateral agreements with South African government that are visa exempt may simply enter South Africa on their foreign passports and be granted visitors permits for a period not exceeding 90 days for the purpose of any of the following:

Holiday;
Short study courses;
Medical treatment; and
In special circumstances designated by the Director General of Home Affairs, to conduct limited “work related” activities.

Visa exemptions are negotiated between countries and may vary from time to time.

A list of visa exempt countries, valid as at date of this update, can be viewed by clicking here.

It is, however, advised that you do contact your embassy or visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website in order to view the latest visa exemptions.

By way of example, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, most EU and Common Wealth countries and certain of our neighbouring countries enjoy visa exempt status.

The position differs somewhat, however, where a visitor intending to come to South Africa to be a spectator at the World Cup is not from a visa exempt country and, to this end will have to apply at the Embassy in their country of normal residence, for an appropriate visitors permit “visa”.

The so called “soccer visa” will be granted at the Embassy and/or High Commissioner and/or Consular Mission of application on an expedited basis. According to a Department of Home Affairs’ source, such application should be processed in 3 – 4 working days.

This is one of the first dispensations currently being made, i.e. an express processing.

The next dispensation being granted is that the visa application fee of R425.00 which is normally payable in this regard, excluding visa exempt countries, will be waived to any applicant providing all the relevant proof and sufficient documentation proving that they are attending the Soccer World Cup.

The following documentation will have to be presented to the South African High Commission, Embassy or Consular Mission when applying for the permit:

Visa application form “application for visa or transit visa” Form BI-84 This form can be downloaded off our website by clicking here;
A valid passport must be presented, valid for no less than 30 days after the intended date of return of the applicant;
At least 2 unused pages must be available in the passport of the applicant. It is important to note that failure to comply with this requirement could result in a refusal of entry. This is an internationally acceptable best practice in this regard;
A vaccination certificate will be required from any applicant who is travelling through or originating from a yellow fever endemic country;
A statement will have to be provided and/or documentation provided confirming the purpose and duration of the visit of the applicant, this would include but not be limited to a FIFA 2010 World Cup match ticket application number of actual ticket;
Passport sized photographs will have to be provided with the application;
Proof of financial resources available to sustain the applicant, will have to provided and this could include proof of travellers cheques, credit card facilities or cash;
Proof of medical insurance for the duration of the stay would have to be provided,

The Department of Home Affairs is also referring to the “soccer visa” as an “event visa”.

A further dispensation being made by the Department of Home Affairs at the various ports of entry is that a designated “express lane” will be available upon arrival by ticket holders and any holder of a ticket who can provide proof of their “event visa” will be expedited through the process.

Should you require any further information or perhaps acquire a “visa pack” which would include all the relevant forms and draft documentation then e-mail enquiries@immigration.org.za

If you have any further queries relating to this special type of visa then please do not hesitate to e-mail us at enquiries@immigration.org.za.