About applying for treaty permit

If you are a foreigner conducting official activities with one of the organs of the South African government, you may apply for a treaty permit, provided your country has a treaty agreement with South Africa.

This means government to government treaty to be obtained from the Department of International Relations and Coorperation or confirmed with home affairs that such treaty exists.

A treaty permit is an official document that gives foreigners permission to enter South Africa to participate in programmes that have been agreed upon by South Africa and their respective countries.

The permit is issued for the duration of activities as provided in the treaty and may be renewed.

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
• Complete application form BI-1738
• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit.
• Bring the following:
• undertaking by the host in South African (organ of state)  
• a valid temporary residence permit, if applicable
• letter from your government stating:
• nature of the programme and the treaty under which it is conducted
• you are participating in such programme
• the type of activities which you are expected to perform under such programme,the duration and whether you  are expected to conduct work
• medical and radiological report
• police clearance from all countries you lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18 years
• proof of government treaty to be obtained from Foreign Affairs or confirmed with Head Office that such treaty exist.
  

Timeframe

It might take six months to finalise your application.

How much does it cost

R 425

Forms to complete

*Application for temporary residence permit, BI-1738

Note: *Special specifications and requirements regarding the processing of this form apply and it may therefore not be downloaded for use as an application or registration form. All forms are available at any regional or district office of the Department.

Who to contact

Department of Home Affairs.