Can I get a new full visa-free period in South Africa by border hopping the day before it expires?

Can I get a new full visa-free period in South Africa by border hopping the day before it expires? - Top view of paper world map with continents and different countries oceans and seas placed in sunny room

I'm a UK citizen visiting South Africa on a 90-day visa-free visit.

I understand that due to rule changes you must now leave the African continent before returning (don't necessarily need to return to your home country) in order to receive another 90-day stay before the current period expires.

My admission period is due to expire on 3rd April. If I leave SA on 2nd April for a neighbouring country or another African country (e.g. Mozambique or Zambia) and then allow the original admission period to expire whilst I am out of the country, will I receive a new 90-day stay if I return on say 4/5/6th April?

Or do the same rules apply as when you leave the country during your 90 days and you must leave the continent?



Best Answer

I successfully traveled to Mauritius and back, I stayed for 5 days and they gave me a new 90 days, but your first 90 days needs to expire while you're gone, if you return before they expire they will give you the remaining and if you leave after they expire you will be deemed "undesirable" and banned from the country for 1-5 years.




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What if your visa expires while waiting for another one South Africa?

A South Africa visa overstay of fewer than 30 days will mean that travelers will be banned for a period of 12 months. In addition, they will also be given the status of \u201cundesirable person\u201d. In the event that a traveler overstays their visa for more than 30 days, the ban period will be at least 5 years.

Can I renew my visa before it expires?

Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance? You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.

Can I change my visa status in South Africa?

Applying for a change of status or change of conditions relating to an existing temporary residence visa. An application for a change of status or change of conditions relating to an existing temporary residence visa must be submitted online at www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica within the validity period of the visa.

How do I extend my South African tourist visa in 13 steps?

13 Steps to Extend Your South Africa Tourist Visa
  • Go to the VFS online application page. ...
  • Fill out the form and click \u201cSubmit\u201d ...
  • Create your account. ...
  • Fill out the fields in the \u201cParticulars of applicant\u201d and \u201cVisa details\u201d tabs. ...
  • In the \u201cOverview\u201d tab click \u201cSubmit' ...
  • Add applicants as necessary. ...
  • Pay R1,775 per person.





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