How to Extend Your Tourist Visa

Visa runs are basically leaving the country just before the expire date of a Tourist Visa and come back into the country at least a week later. This is the more extreme option for visa renewal, which only make sense for someone needing to stay for around 9 months in the country.

There are some risks to visa runs, which are worst-case scenarios, but we want you to be informed:

  • The possibility that you will not be given another three months, or that you would be given a shorter amount of time (a month or even only one additional week)

  • There is a risk of entering the country in future times being more difficult.

This being said, most of our experiences with visa runs have turned out to be successful.

THE WAY THAT IT WORKS:

  • After the length of time you have been given for your visa (typically three months), you leave South Africa to another country. This cannot be a bordering country of South Africa (it is recommended to try to go to Dubai or Europe if possible).

  • You then return to South Africa at least a couple of days later, but preferable a week or longer.

  • Upon returning to South Africa you will (hopefully) get another three months visa. 

  • These visa runs typically have to be done at least 2 times in those 9 months assuming you only get a 90 day visa each time.

VISA RUNS :