About Us Processing Time

The timeframe for processing of visa for South African nationals is five working days in the normal course. However, each application is examined individually and the time taken for issuing visas may vary from case to case. The processing time also depends on type of visa applied for as well as the amount of overall workload in the Consular Wing of Mission/Consulate.

The processing time in respect of visa applications of foreigners who are not permanent residents in South Africa depend on case-to-case basis. However, the minimum time for processing is seven working days for those applications submitted by the applicants in person. The processing time for visa applications of foreigners with permanent residence in South Africa is relatively shorter compared to those with temporary residence or work permit. The working day is counted from the next working day after receipt of visa applications at the counter.

The Mission/Consulate makes all possible efforts to process the visa applications within the stipulated timeframe yet this must not be construed as an obligation on the part of Mission/Consulate.