THE AUTHORIZATION CONTEMPLATED IN SECTION 11(2) ON VISITORS VISA

All foreigners who intend to conduct short term or urgent work in the Republic of South Africa, including, but not limited, to service technicians, trainers / instructors and film crews, for a period not exceeding three (3) months must hold authorization to conduct work in terms of section 11(2), which must be applied for and issued at a South African foreign embassy, before traveling to the Republic of South Africa.

  • Section 11(2) authorization to conduct work on a visitor’s visa
  • Service technicians (installation, repair and maintenance work)
  • Commercial stills and film producing industry

Update: If approved, the authorization to work shall not be extended beyond the validity period of the visa issued. On first issue, a section 11(2) visa may be issued for not more than 3 months. Where a further extension is required within the Republic an extension may be allowed for a final period not exceeding three months.

Any person who has been issued with a section 11(2) visa and had it extended for another 3 months shall not qualify for a section 11(2) visa within the same calendar year. If a visa was issued with dates that overlap into a new calendar year, the dates falling into the new calendar year will be calculated as part of the new calendar year.

Applicants should be informed, and reminded that a section 11(2) is not a work visa and should not be used for an ongoing regular work activity. In the case of technicians for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who are required to travel to RSA on a year on year basis to maintain and repair equipment, such applicants will have to re-apply for authorization each year. Back to back 11(2) applications within the same year by the same applicant at the Mission will not be accepted. Within the Republic, extensions or renewals not exceeding 3 months will only be accepted once per calendar year.

CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED:

  • Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. Passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa

  • A duly completed Visa application form DHA-84 signed by applicant
    Note: Under Permanent Residential Address, please state the address in the United States where you reside.
  • Two (2) passport photos with white or light background
  • Certified/notarized copy of bio page of the applicant’s passport
  • Proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
  • Certified/notarized copy of proof of legal status for non-U.S. citizens (copy of greencard, H1B, J1, etc.)
  • Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation)
  • Proof of sufficient fund (in the form of three months recent bank statements stamped by bank) for own maintenance for the duration of stay.
  • Non-refundable fee of $36.00 money order for processing
  • Yellow fever certificate is required if applicant is passing through yellow fever belt area before entering South Africa.
  • Stamped letter of invitation from the South African Company/ Organization confirming purpose and duration of visit.
    • purpose or necessity of the work;
    • nature of the work;
    • qualifications and skills required for the work;
    • duration of the work
    • place of work;
    • duration of the visit;
    • proof of remuneration or stipend that the foreigner will receive from the employer; and
    • identity and contact details of the prospective employer or
      relevant contact person from the host institution
  • Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only USPS self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
  • Attention Washington, DC Applicants:  With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
  • Processing time is 5 business days and may take up to 10 days during peak season
  • Where to submit your application