South Africa Extends Temporary Concessions for Pending Waiver, Visa and Appeal Applications

Key Point  

• South Africa extended temporary concessions for foreign nationals with pending waiver, long-term visa and appeal applications, allowing continued lawful stay and travel until 30 June 2027. 

South Africa Extends Validity of Pending Visa, Waiver and Appeal Applications to June 2027 

South Africa issued Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, extending temporary concessions for foreign nationals affected by ongoing delays in the processing of waiver, visa and appeal applications.  

The directive, signed on 30 March 2026, acknowledges that the Department has not finalized all applications on time and cites ongoing efforts to reduce historic backlogs and transition to the new Electronic Travel Authorization system.

Key Measures Effective 1 April 2026 

Applicants with Pending Waiver Applications 

Foreign nationals with pending waiver applications may remain in South Africa lawfully until 30 June 2027. The directive grants “a further temporary extension until 30 June 2027” to allow processing and follow‑on visa submissions.

• They may also depart and re‑enter South Africa until 30 June 2027 without being declared undesirable.
• Nationals of non-visa-exempt countries must obtain a port‑of‑entry visa before returning. 

Applicants with Pending Long-term Visa Applications 

Individuals awaiting outcomes for long-term visas (sections 11(1)(b)–20 and 22) receive an automatic extension of their current visa conditions until 30 June 2027. 

• They may also travel and re-enter the country without being declared undesirable. 
• Non-visa-exempt nationals must secure a port‑of‑entry visa before returning. 

Applicants with Pending Visa Appeal Applications 

Foreign nationals who have appealed a negative long-term visa decision are likewise granted a lawful stay until 30 June 2027. 

• They may travel and return with proof of the appeal submission. 
• Non-visa-exempt nationals must obtain a port‑of‑entry visa before re-entry. 

Exclusions 

The directive explicitly excludes individuals appealing the rejection of a visitor’s visa renewal under section 11(1)(a) if the appeal has been pending more than three months. These individuals must depart by 30 April 2026 and “will not be declared undesirable.” 

Additional Notes 

• The concessions apply only to applicants who were legally admitted to South Africa and who can produce a verifiable VFS receipt. 
• The measures do not apply to permanent residence applicants. 
• All concessions cease immediately upon issuance of an outcome. 

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