Visa Notifications
& Travel News
MOZAMBIQUE E-VISAS
Electronic Visa Plans, More Awesome News!
The testing of electronic visas and online visas has started! Visa requirements will be relaxed as of October 2022 to encourage more tourists to Mozambique and boost the country’s economy. This is good news for tourists seeking an actual tropical holiday in one of Africa’s most magnificent beaches and island destinations.
SCHENGEN VISAS
EU/ Schengen appointments and visa processing times are currently remaining stable. Appointment slots availability is within the next two weeks and processing is estimated to be between 10-15 business days.
Please do not pay for tickets and accommodation until visas are issued. Be flexible.
THAILAND
Effective October 2022, International travelers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or test results. A more extended stay for South African passport holders (45 days Visa Free) is now permitted.
Did someone say Christmas in Thailand? 👋🏼 Yes, please!
South African tourists who wish to visit the Kingdom of Thailand may now enter without a visa and are permitted to stay no longer than 45 days providing, on arrival, they can produce a confirmed onward air ticket and/or confirmed travel arrangements proving that they will leave the Kingdom within 45 days of arrival. Tourists holding South African passports who wish to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for more than 45 days and not exceeding 60 days can apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria.
If entering by land, however, they get granted 15 days AND they are not allowed to make land/border crossing on the visa exemption more than twice in a calendar year.
For business (as in meetings with Thai companies) SA passport holders DO require a business visa.
EGYPTIAN BUSINESS VISAS REQUIRED
There is some confusion surrounding South African passports requiring visas before departure.
Follow the below link to see if you need a visa for holidays and business.
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, AND USA PROCESSING UPDATE:
Australian processing is currently up to 30 business days; Canada, now up to 90 business days and USA, 3-4 weeks. This includes obtaining an appointment slot through our services! Plan well before departure, and do not confirm flights or hotel bookings until visas are issued!
MILLIONS OF FLYERS ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION
Eight million passengers who traveled to and from Europe during May 2022 are eligible to ask for a reimbursement of up to €600 (R10 500) as compensation for the hassles experienced traveling during this period.
Schengen Visa Info reports that the UK was the country to experience the most disruptions for this period, with 30 450 disrupted flights, followed by Germany and Spain, recording 24 169 and 23 256 disrupted flights, respectively.
The countries worst affected by the flight cancellations were Turkey and Italy, which witnessed 21 470 and 20 986 disrupted flights, respectively.
London Gatwick was the airport most affected by flight disruptions, recording 6 760 disruptions in May. Frankfurt International Airport followed with 6 415 disruptions, while Istanbul Ataturk Airport had 6 015 disrupted flights. Munich International Airport experienced 5 938, and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport saw 5 811.
PASSPORT PRICE INCREASE
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has gazetted a massive increase in application fees for South African passports as of November 1. Passports and related documents will cost 50%-100% more than previously.
Applications made before October 31 will be at the old rates.
The fee for a standard 32-page passport for adults and children will go from R400 (that fee was set in 2011) to R600, a 50% increase.
A big jump is in the price of a 48-page maxi passport used by frequent and business travellers, which will now cost R1 200, having previously cost R600.
Prices of applications at embassies or consulates outside of South Africa are also doubled: R1 200 for a standard passport for an adult or child and R2 400 for the maxi passport.
Passports- home affairs
Everytime You Fly!
Visas Zone is the preferred supplier for travel documentation and visas for some of South Africa’s largest corporates such as Chevron, Shoprite and Rennies Travel Group.