FAQ’S – Visa/Travel Regulations & Resources
March 2021 Update: The FAQ’s and their answers to help guide the public during the quest for answers on travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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%.
Visa Tips
Follow these helpful Visa tips to enjoy a hassle-free business trip or well-deserved holiday.
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