Due to the backlog and long turnaround time for visas processed by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), some tourists have been advised to leave the country by the end of February. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DHA issued a directive on 21 December 2023<\/strong><\/a> that will require tourists who wish to extend their stay in South Africa to leave the country by 29 February 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According the Democratic Alliance, this will do incredible damage to the country’s tourism industry, as any visitors who wished to extend their stay over a busy holiday season would now be denied – all because of the department’s backlog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Tourists, when entering South Africa, can be issued with a 90-day visa and subsequently apply for a 90-day extension if they wish to stay longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “South Africa stands to lose millions in lost revenue by not allowing them to extend their visas during the busiest season,” said DA MP Angel Khanyile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DA has written to the Minister of Home Affairs to request that he issue a new directive which will provide tourists who are in our country on a 90-day visa, awaiting the outcome of their extension, to be granted the right to remain until such a time that the backlog is resolved or on the basis of their date of departure (depending on which comes first).<\/p>\n\n\n\n