How to apply for a Research Visa in South Africa for Foreign Citizens

HOW CAN ONE APPLY FOR A VISA:

1 IN PERSON
The office dealing with Foreign Passport Holders will be opened from 09h00 – 11h00 Monday to Friday except on public holidays. No one will be attended to after. No appointments needed. Collections will be from 11h00 – 12h00.

Please note: Telephone Hours for the Home Affairs Section are between 15h00 – 17h00
PHYSICAL ADDRESS IS:
Consular Section South African High Commission Home Affairs 15 Whitehall London SW1A 2DD.

2 BY POST
POSTAL ADDRESS IS:
Consular Section South African High Commission Home Affairs 15 Whitehall London SW1A 2DD.

• Always use recorded delivery or special delivery when posting applications.
• A special guaranteed self-addressed envelope for the safe return of the passport must be provided.
• The e-mail address must be written at the bottom of the first page of the visa application form.
• Original and copies of the documentation must be provided.
• Telephone enquiries will only be attended from 14h00 till 17h00.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THIS VISA?

All foreigners who wish to undertake unpaid research with bona-fide institutions/organisation inside South Africa.

WHAT TO SUBMIT
Form BI-84 to be fully completed in black ink.

• Two passport size photographs. See guidelines on Passport & ID Photograph Specifications
• A valid passport in respect of each applicant. The passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended stay and must contain two blank pages for endorsements. A statement confirming the purpose and duration of the visit.
• Include a yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelled or intends traveling from or through a yellow fever endemic area. Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends traveling in direct transit through such area or where an application is made in the Republic.
• If a minor child subject to guardianship or custody is accompanying the applicant or joining the applicant in South Africa, then proof of guardianship and custody is required. In the case of an unaccompanied minor, consent from the guardian is required.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the living expenses during the sojourn in the Republic in the form of:-Recent bank statement (3 months);
• Salary advises (3 months);
• Travellers’ cheques.
• In the case of sojourn not exceeding 12 months, submission of proof of a valid return air ticket. A person who is unable to comply with the requirement to submit proof of a valid return ticket may be required to make a deposit; provided that such deposit shall be refunded to the depositor after the final departure of the applicant or after a permit contemplated in section 25 of the Act has been issued to the applicant; provided further that the payment of the deposit may be effected by means of a bank guaranteed cheque or credit card at places where such facility exists.
• A marriage certificate in the case of a married applicant. Proof of relationship as contemplated in regulation 3.
• A death certificate in the case of a widowed applicant.
• A decree of divorce in the case of a divorced applicant; or
• Proof of legal separation in the case of a separated applicant. An affidavit, substantially corresponding to Form 12 contained in Annexure A, confirming any spousal relationship of the applicant and the particulars of any children born of such relationship
• A police clearance certificate. “Police Clearance Certificate” means a certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or long since having attained the age of 18 years, in respect of criminal records or the character of the applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission
• Medical Report in respect of each applicant. A “Medical Report” means a report by a medical practitioner with regard to an applicant’s general state of health, detailing any medical condition he or she suffers from, which report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not required in respect of children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women).A “Radiological Report” means a report by a radiologist certifying that the applicant has been examined and that no signs of active pulmonary tuberculosis could be detected which report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• Unabridged birth certificate.
• Documents issued in a foreign language must be officially translated to English by a sworn translator.
• Proof of research to be undertaken.

FEES
The countries whose passport holders are subject to visa fees are listed below under the link: visa fee countries.

A deposit of £600-00 (which is subject to change) in lieu of a return ticket will be requested. Only cheques, cash or postal orders are acceptable. Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to South African High Commission The deposit may be claimed back only once the applicant has left South Africa or if he/she has acquired permanent residence in South Africa.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Postal applications must be accompanied by a pre-paid self addressed special delivery envelope.
• No fixed travel arrangements must be made prior to the issuing of the visa and ten (10) days must be allowed for the processing thereof.
• Fees are levied per application and are not refundable should application be refused or withdrawn.
• All source documents must be accompanied by the original plus one copy. The original medical, radiological and police certificate are not returned to clients as these form part of the application.
• Prepaid Self Addressed Special Delivery Envelope.

PROCESSING PERIODS
The processing period is 10 (ten) working days.

FORMS TO BE DOWNLOADED:

Form BI-84

South African High Commission
Home Affairs
Consular Section
15 Whitehall
London SW1A 2DD

Phone:
+44 (0) 20 7925 8900

Fax:
+44 (0) 7839 5198

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