Visas

SOUTH AFRICA

Introduction

You will need both a entry visa and a work permit to do a swap in Africa. There are a few choices with work permits, but most are based on your vacancy not replacing work that could be carried out by a resident. This means that the more specialist the job, the more likely you are to get a job. In addition, the application process is usually employer led. Our advice would certainly be to work with a specialist as there is limited information available through official channels.

Do I need a visa?

Unless you are a South African national you will need both a travel and work visa. There are a good number of countries are exempt from the requiring a travel visa. A full list can be found here: www.home-affairs.gov.za

However, work visa applications are taken on a case by case basis and there aren’t exemptions for any countries.

Really useful sites

Main visa types

There is really only one type of work visa, called a business visa. The business case has to be led by the employer, which makes the process different from most other popular countries and means you will need to work more closely with you swap companies than in other places.

Are you eligible?

Each application is treated separately and there are no published guidelines, so you will only know if you are eligible by applying

Main conditions

The main condition is usually only duration of stay and restrictions on work activity

Application process

If you are making an application directly these need to go to a Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission

You will need to supply the following during the process:

(a) Passport with two blank pages, valid for 30 days longer than the duration of the visit to South Africa.
(b) Two passport-size photos (must be 45mm by 35mm).
(c) One completed application form (failure to complete the application fully and in detail may result in visa being delayed or refused).
(d) Fee (payable by cash, bank draft or postal order).
(e) A stamped self-addressed special delivery envelope if applying by post.
(f) A valid vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
(g) Proof of sufficient funds to cover visit, in the form of bank statements, bursaries, cash, etc.
(h) Onward/return ticket and, if in transit, proof of sufficient documentation for admission to the country of destination.
(i) Statement/documentation confirming purpose of visit.
(j) Comprehensive business letters from both the UK and South African companies confirming the purpose, nature and duration of the visit, containing written partner agreements with full details of the partners/directors and their residential status in the Republic, if applicable.

The processing time is 10 days, although visas may be processed quicker if application is submitted directly rather than by post. Nationals applying in the UK for a visa are advised to apply well in advance of their departure date. Work permits may take 12 to 30 calendar days to process

for more infomation select from the links below:
A. Introduction A quick overview about applying for visas and work permits
B. Documentation what you will need for your application
C. Visas by swap destination a look at the main visa types

Visas by destination: Australia; New Zealand; Canada; South Africa; UK; US; China; Singapore; UAE; Europe (General Advice)