Withdrawal of Visa Exemptions for travellers from COVID-19 High and Medium risk countries as determined by the World Health Organisation(WHO)
VISA EXEMPTIONS WITHDRAWN FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES:
Germany
Italy
South Korea
Spain
United Kingdom
United States of America
France
Switzerland
*No foreign national departing from these countries will be allowed to enter the Republic of South Africa
Visas issued to persons from the following countries in terms of section 10(9) of the Immigration Act, 2002, has been cancelled with immediate effect:
Iran
People’s Republic of China
In terms of Section 10A(4)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002, the Visa Exemption of passport holders of the medium risk countries has been withdrawn:
Hong Kong
Portugal
Singapore
South African citizens, PR holders and Refugees of South Africa returning from identified risk countries will be subjected to extensive screening on arrival.
Any foreign national who is already present in the Republic and originates from a country which is affected by the COVID-19 outbreak or who, in order to reach such destination of origin needs to transit a country which is affected by COVID-19, and whose temporary residence visa is due to expire or has already expired, will be allowed to re-apply for such a visa provided they meet all the prescribed requirements. Visas valid until 31 July 2020 may be issued to such applicants.
Any foreign national who originates from a country which is affected by the COVID-19 outbreak or who, in order to reach such a destination of origin needs to transit a country which is affected by the COVID-19, and who is the holder of a temporary visa which expired since 01 December 2019 and those which will be expiring up to 31 March 2020 will be allowed to re-apply for such a visa without the need to first obtain FORM 20 (Authorisation for an illegal foreigner to remain in the country pending an application for status)
These are temporary measures and is applicable until further notice.