Visa NOTICES
Stay informed with updates from around the world
Festive Greetings 2023
Visas Zone will close for the Festive Season on the 22nd of December 2023 and re-open for the New Year on the 8th of January 2024.
Understanding Visa Validity Post-Covid
Understanding Visa Validity Post-COVID-19 Pandemic visa policies, and how motivational request letters may no longer have the impact they once did.
Why more Visa Rejections?
It’s important to note that the specific reasons can vary from country to country and from one type of visa to another. Here are some possible factors that may contribute to higher rejection rates.
Why Travel Insurance is important
Travel insurance is a vital aspect of trip planning that helps protect you against unexpected events and expenses while travelling.
Urgent Chinese Notice
The Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg will temporally suspend its consular services.
Impact of Taxi Strikes
The ongoing taxi strikes have caused significant disruptions to our daily business operations and the transportation services relied upon by our employees.
Visa Supply Chain Process
The supply chain process for visa applications involves various steps and multiple parties, including the applicant, visa service providers, and the relevant consular or immigration authorities.
Increased Rejections
There may be several reasons why more South African passport holders are experiencing difficulties obtaining visas for first-world countries.
Travel Budgeting Tips
Welcome to your ultimate travel guide for Global Travel! Here are some budgeting tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Travel Guide Schengen Territories
Here’s a travel guide for Schengen territories with the best time to visit each country.
Appointment Constraints Guideline
Visa Notifications & Travel News
USA No Vax | CANADA Visa Delays
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Happy Easter!
PLEASE NOTE: Visa delays are imminent during the month of April and May due to all the public holidays.
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Travel News 2023 – Welcome Back
Visas Zone offices have opened for the New Year and administering travel requests.
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Our offices will be closed from 19 December until 9 January 2023. Wishing all our clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
FAQ & Visa Tips
Follow these helpful Visa tips to enjoy a hassle-free business trip or well-deserved holiday.
Festive Season 2022 Consulate Closures
We have included the Festive Season closures for 2022/23 of those countries our clients travel to regularly. However, please keep in mind that changes may occur without prior warning.
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Visa Notifications & Travel News
Turkey – Get your visa at 20% less
Get your visa at 20% less, and we’ll handle all the paperwork! Complete your quick E-visa form, and we’ll do the rest!
UK Priority and Super Priority once again suspended
Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa appointments are now only available for new student and work visas.
UK Priority Visa Processing has returned
The UK High Commission confirmed that a limited amount of Super and Premium Priority visitor visas will be made available weekly.
Turkish E-visa suddenly returns
The visa process makes a total 180 and E-visas can again be applied for through our service offering.
Ongoing UK & USA Visa Processing Delays
The demand is increasing, but little to nothing is done by the authorities to help manage the workload. We are inundated with requests, and the public’s desperately seeking their previous Premium Priority Processing option!
Thailand entry as from 1 July 2022
Thailand Pass registration and the US$10,000 health insurance requirement for foreign visitors will be lifted from 1 July 2022.
Visa Processing Guidelines: What you should know
Just as the world has changed since the outbreak of a pandemic, so too has the business landscape. Our clients have experienced changes in our service module and will continue to do so in the future. We must adapt to these changes in order to provide them with the best possible service.
Travel Industry: Adapting to New Visa Regulations
As many have experienced, the travel industry is in a state of flux as countries around the world implement new visa regulations.
Be flexible
Travelers must please choose flexible flights and accommodation options when planning trips abroad.
Visa Appointments and Processing Constraints
Various Consulates/ Visa Lodgement Centers are still experiencing visa appointment and processing delays, and therefore it is in the traveler’s best interest not to confirm flights prior to obtaining the necessary visa/s.
South African Consulates Issuing Visas
Countries and territories with no self-isolation required when entering
(Subject to change without prior notice)
Visas Zone’s Promise to You
The world is changing; this is clear. Everything related to “travel” will change indefinitely. On the one hand, this makes us nervous; however, at the same time, there’s excitement circulating amongst our peers and fellow travel industry partners.
Coronavirus Outbreak Update -25.03.2020
The Coronavirus outbreak in China has been all over the news, worldwide. We will be keeping a close eye on the outbreak and relevant information will be distributed when necessary.
Business as usual
In light of the pandemic, Visas Zone is operating at full capacity and still servicing its valued clients. Now, more than ever before is the time to stand together.
Schengen Visa Changes bring benefits
All Schengen Visa applicants applying from February 2020 and on, will be subject to the new Schengen Visa Code, which among others foresees an increase in visa fees by 33.3%.
Home Affairs Minister changes policy regarding foreign children entering SA
Aaron Motsoaledi has signed a waiver which allows foreign children to enter the country without carrying additional supporting documents such as birth certificates and consent letters
Travelling this December Holiday? – Delayed Visa Processing Times
Please note that peak season’s approaching quickly for various holiday destinations and the following Consulates/ Embassies create the most delays when applying for visas: (Based on South African passports, all foreign passport please enquire within)
e-Visa Application Forms
We are pleased to announce the introduction of our “e-Visa Application Form” concept.
Business Travel Showcase – 10 September 2019
Come and attend the Travel Showcase of the year to see how you can fastrack your travel programme to the next level.
7 New countries can now visit South Africa visa-free
Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, announced that seven 7 new nations will be added to the list of countries that can enter South Africa visa-free.
Important Notice – Eid
Please note that most Islamic Consulates may be closed Wednesday, the 5th of June and Thursday the 6th.
Consulates Closures – April
Please note that most weeks during April are short due to various Consulate/ Embassy and South African public Holidays, and influences processing times at most Consulates.
Canadian Meet & Greet services available through our Cape Town branch
The Department of Home Affairs recently relaxed some international travel requirements for children going through South African ports of entry.
Home Affairs Relaxes Document Requirements For Minor Travellers
The Department of Home Affairs recently relaxed some international travel requirements for children going through South African ports of entry.
Estimated Closures – Embassies, Consulates & Lodgement Centres
Estimated Closures this Festive Season for Embassies, Consulates and Lodgement Centres that Visas Zone submit to on a regular basis.
Pay Zone: Secure, Quick & Easy Payments
Visas Zone has introduced quick, easy and safe payment options through our secure Pay Zone platform, making payments more convenient.
Cancellation of E-VISA kiosks at Turkish Airports
Visas Zone has held back on sending any form of notice regarding the “No E-Visa’s available at the self-service Turkish airport kiosks.”
Travelling this December Holiday? – Delayed Visa Processing Times
NOTICE UPDATE: 22 November 2018 – Please note that peak season’s approaching quickly for various holiday destinations and the following Consulates/ Embassies create the most delays.
Notice: UK Website Payment Delays
The past few weeks we’ve experienced major delays with most online United Kingdom payments due to technical problems on their website.
Reminder: Romanian Consulate Cape Town Closed until 4 September 2018
Please note that the Romanian Consulate in Cape Town will be closed until the 4th of September 2018.
Schengen Visa – What happens if I overstay?
What are the consequences of overstaying in Schengen Area? If you are tempted to overstay, you should be aware of the following:
Angola – No VCD (Short Stay) Visas
The Johannesburg Angolan consulate DO NOT issue VCD (short stay) visas, until further notice. We’re aware this may aggravate the logistical arrangements for many of our clients, but this is unfortunately out of our control.
Immigration Suspends $90 Visa-On-Arrival Charge in Lagos Airport
News from Nigeria this morning that they suspended the $90 charge. Please encourage your travelers to obtain their visas prior to arrival. We have spoken to the Visa head and OIS management confirming the suspension.
Australia Transit Visas Online
Transit Visa applications must be lodged online through Visas Zone. Paper application will no longer be accepted at any Australian Immigration Office.
Canada – Applications
As from 31 July 2018, all applicants for Canadian Visas will be required to submit fingerprints at the Lodgement Centre when applying for visas.
Important Notice – Dubai
Please note that Dubai immigrations will be closed from, Thursday the 14 June 2018 & will re-open on Monday 18 June 2018 Due to Eid.
EU – Spousal and Citizen Visas
There’s been quite a bit of speculation and uncertainty in the press about EU-SPOUSAL/ CITIZEN visas.
RUSSIA – FIFA World Cup 2018 – FAN ID and VISA FREE TRAVEL
The “FAN ID’s” everyone’s talking about and how to make use of the “Visa Free” travel to Russia during this period.
Consulate and Lodgement Centre – Appointment Delays
General Schengen and United Kingdom visa applications appointments and processing times: (REMINDER AND UPDATES)
Schengen and USA – Appointments + Processing Times
Portugal processing times, Schengen season in general and the United States of America
Important: Spain – Processing Times
As per our requirements all Spanish visas (Nationally)
General Schengen, Portugal, UK and USA Processing Times
General Schengen, Portugal processing reminder, United Kingdom and USA processing times