Home Affairs has extended travel concessions until 31 March 2026 for foreign nationals awaiting visa waiver or appeal decisions. Learn who qualifies and how to travel safely.
Overview
The Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025, extending the temporary travel concession for foreign nationals with pending waiver or appeal applications until 31 March 2026.
This measure ensures that applicants affected by ongoing processing delays can remain lawful in South Africa and travel without penalty while awaiting their outcomes.
1. Applicants with Pending Waiver Applications
All visa holders whose waiver outcomes remain pending are granted a further temporary extension until 31 March 2026.
Such applicants may depart and re-enter South Africa up to that date without being declared undesirable, as per section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act.
Non-visa-exempt nationals must obtain a port-of-entry visa before re-entry if they travel with a waiver receipt.
2. Applicants with Pending Appeal Applications
Individuals appealing the refusal of a long-term visa or permanent residence permit are covered by the same concession.
Their existing visa conditions are temporarily extended until 31 March 2026, provided they continue complying with those conditions.
Applicants must carry:
– A copy of the refusal letter; and
– Proof of the appeal submission via VFS Global.
– Non-visa-exempt travellers must hold a port-of-entry visa for re-entry.
Eligibility and Verification
The concession only applies to individuals who were legally admitted into South Africa and can produce a verifiable VFS Global receipt for their waiver or appeal application. Anyone who applied before 7 March 2024 and still has no outcome should immediately contact the Home Affairs Contact Centre (hacc@dha.gov.za).
Why this matters
This extension gives affected applicants breathing space to regularise their status and avoid the severe implications of being declared undesirable upon departure. It also reflects the Department’s acknowledgement of continued administrative delays in processing long-term visas and permanent residence appeals.
Practical advice for travellers
1. Carry printed copies of all application receipts and related correspondence.
2. Avoid overstaying beyond the concession deadline of 31 March 2026.
3. If your circumstances change, consult an immigration professional before travelling.
Contact Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants for expert guidance
AUTHOR
This article was drafted by Adri van Niekerk, Senior SA Immigration Consultant at BIC. Adri has more than 25 years of experience in South African immigration law. This article was written under the guidance of Hannes Breytenbach, Founder of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws are subject to change and legal eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
