Travel exemption for visa applicants extended until 31 March 2025

Show Voice Options Safe passage out of and back into South Africa has been extended for those awaiting outcomes of their long-term visa applications, waiver requests or appeals. The enormous visa processing backlog in South Africa has been significantly reduced during the past months. However, some long outstanding applications remain, and the elevated rejection rate of late has led to high numbers of appeals in the system. To accommodate those affected by these circumstances, Minister of Home Affairs Schreiber has once more extended the travel exemption until 31 March 2025. Those who applied for waivers or long-term temporary residence visas and not received an outcome by 30 November 2024, or who have appealed a negative decision, may continue their activities as per their last visas, OR leave the country by 31 March 2025without being banned from returning. For specific and detailed information, kindly contact our office on 021 462 3184, or send an email to info@imcosa.co.za. Note our festive season office closure: 10am SAST on 20th December 2024 – 3rd January 2025, opening 6 January 2025.