The article below is summarized and paraphrased. It is adapted from The Unconventional route written by Chris.
South Africa is a beautiful country and maybe the 90 days you are given to explore the country are not enough by the end of the journey. The following steps given by a VFS agent can assure that your application to get your South African tourist visa extended will be accepted. Although it is not a guarantee you may have a higher chance if you follow these steps correctly.
1. Go to the VFS online application page
*VFS is the company to which the South African Department of Homeland Affairs (DHA) outsourced the visa extension process.
2. Fill out the form and click “Submit”
On the webpage select “Temporary Residence Visa,” “TRV – Renewal Visa,” “Visitors Visa Section 11(1),” and the city you’d like to apply in. (for example Cape Town)
3. Create your account
To create an account, you will need to provide and email and set a password.
4. Fill out the fields in the “Particulars of applicant” and “Visa details” tabs
The info for ‘Visa details’ will be found on your passport stamps. Such as the entry dates and the expiry dates of your visa. The visa number can be found underneath the date on your visa stamp. .
You can’t leave the “Details of any subsequent visa issued to you, or the most recent thereof” section blank, so in those fields input the same data as in the preceding “Visa details section.”
5. In the “Overview” tab click “Submit’
If you find that you’ve made an error after submitting, you can just go back and create a new application following the same steps as before.
6. Add applicants as necessary
If you are traveling with friends or family members, click “Add Applicant” in the summary screen (the one shown under Step 7 below).
You’ll have to repeat Step 4 for each new applicant, but then you can pay and schedule your appointments together.
7. Pay R1,775 per person
Pay the balance required and then schedule visa screen (you may use a credit card). Save the proof of payment and print it for your visa appointment.
8. Schedule Your Appointment
Pick a date as earliest as possible to avoid backlog of your application.
9. Save the Appointment Letter and Application forms
Click the “Appointment Letter” and “Download Form and Checklist” links to open and print these documents for your appointment.
10. Print off all 10 items in this checklist
Each person applying to extend their visitor’s permit needs items 2-9 separately. For example, if you paid for two applications at the same time you’ll need two copies of that receipt, one for each person’s application.
- Your appointment letter
- Application form
- Proof of payment of the R1,775 each
- 3 months of bank statements. (Bank account balance does not matter)
- Letter of why you want to extend (keep it brief)
- Return flight ticket (should be within next 90 days you’re applying for)
- Copy of your passport bio page (make sure it is not going to expire before you leave)
- Copy of your passport stamp
- Proof of accommodation (recommended as many people were sent away that did not have it with them)
(For parents:) A copy of your child’s birth certificate and a letter explaining your you are financially responsible for your child.
Also be mindful that your need separate copies of all the previous 10 documents for each child.
11. Go to your appointment to submit your application
The appointment may take some time as you must go through 3 different checks.
- Quality control: An agent checks your documents are in order
- Submission: Another agent officially submits your visitor permit extension application
- Biometrics: They take your photo and fingerprints
Keep your application receipt in your passport. You’ll need it when you return to pick up your visa
12. Wait
You may have to wait 8- 10 weeks for approval or not, but many have reported that they received approval within 3 eeks of their appointment.
13. Pick up the verdict
You must go to the VFS office to get the verdict for you extension visa. It is recommended to go early in the morning as the lines can get very long.
Hopefully following the above steps helps you get that extension you need, and you can enjoy the beautiful South African scenery for a few extra days (and maybe come visit @Work coworking office space right on the doorstep of Blouberg beach with an amazing view of Table Mountain.)
