About applying for visitor’s visa – research

If you want to conduct research in one of the South African educational institutions for three years or less, you may apply for visitor’s visa under research category.

The visa is valid for three years only. You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in the country.

What you should do

• Apply at a South African representative in your country or nearest mission.
• Complete form BI-84.
• Submit the following:
• passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa
• cash deposit of equivalent value of your return ticket to your country of origin or residence
• undertaking (commitment) by the South African organisation/institution
• a vaccination certificate, if required
• a medical report and radiological report
• proof of financial means in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available, or travellers’ cheques to cover living expenses 
• a police clearance from all countries you lived in since the age of 18 for 12 months or longer
• a letter from your educational institution, confirming the nature and period of the research and confirming the available funds to cover accommodation, living and medical expenses for the duration of research.
  

Note: The immigration act requires you to enter South Africa on a temporary residence permit commensurate with the intended activity to be taken in the country.

Timeframe

It might take about five to ten days to process your application.

How much does it cost

R 425

Forms to complete

Application for a visa, BI-84

Who to contact

Department of Home Affairs