Pretoria, South Africa – October 11, 2024: The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has taken steps to simplify the visa application process and address instances of officials requesting unnecessary documents from applicants.
In a directive issued on October 8, DHA Director-General Livhuwani Makhode outlined the three essential documents required for visa processing for visits of 90 days or less:
- A statement detailing the purpose and duration of the visit
- A valid return airline ticket or proof of reservation
- Certified bank statements from the past three months demonstrating financial means
The directive comes in response to reports that officials at diplomatic missions and e-visa managers were requesting additional documents, such as marriage and divorce certificates, proof of bank balances, and consent letters from employers or educational institutions. These documents are not required for short-term visas.
Makhode has instructed officials to remove these unauthorized requirements from websites and communications and to inform intermediaries, including visa documentation agencies, about the changes.
