VISAS  

 AUSTRALIA                
Important Note Health check and Travel insurance for aged visitors to Australia is now 75 years and over - previously 70. Visa checklists updated

New Payment Procedure :

  • Australian Government visa application fee to be paid by a bank issued cheque made payable to ‘Australian High Commission’
  • The VFS administration fee should be paid separately.
  • Please provide the original bank issued cheque (for the visa application fee) and the original proof of payment (for the VFS administration fee) to VFS at time of application

**South African passport must now complete tourist visa application form 48R (for tourism or other recreational activities).
South African passport holders who have previously travelled to Australia within the last 10 years are no longer required to provide any additional documentation (except if they are under 18yrs old, over 74yrs, or staying longer than 3 months in Australia). They are only required to complete the application form 48R, provide their current valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), evidence of payment of the application charge and a passport photo (not older than 6 months).**

*The Australian High Commission in Pretoria has entered into an arrangement with VFS (South Africa ) Pty Ltd which offer greater accessibility and extended opening hours to provide visa services.

You may lodge your visa applications, certain citizenship applications and the evidencing applications directly with VFS at their offices in Pretoria.



There are different forms depending on the type of visa is being applied for. Latest form can be obtained from Travelmap.
General Application Requirements
  • Current Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity.
  • A recent (no older than 6 months) passport-sized photograph of yourself.
  • A bank issued cheque for the applicable fee made payable to ‘Australian High Commission’.
  • Have you travelled to Australia within the last 10 years? (If yes, no other documents are required, unless you are under 18 years old, over 74 years old, intend staying longer than 3 months or have been charged with or convicted of any offences – see below depending on the type of visa is being applied for.)
  • A photocopy of the biodata page of your current valid passport
Check list Tourist/visitors visas are intended for visitors seeking to enter Australia for the purpose of tourism or as a visitor. They do not permit the applicant to engage in work. A single-entry or multiple-entry visa may be issued, depending on the needs and circumstances of the applicant. This is entirely at the discretion of the decision maker.

Applicants are to complete and submit a visitors checklist along with a completed and signed application form (Form 48R).

Persons with no travel history to Australia – If applicant has never travelled to Australia, they must provide all the additional documentation listed on checklist. Applications can only be processed quickly if all appropriate supporting  documentation is provided at the time of lodgement.
  • Evidence of funds. Either Original or original certified copies of bank statements showing a history of savings of at least 3 months prior to date of visa application. The statements must show the account holder's name, account number & current account balance; OR bank statements for the past 3 months of the person/s who will be supporting you while in Australia as well as a certified letter from them showing their willingness to do so. (NOTE: internet statements, ATM statements, term or investment accounts will not be accepted)
  • An original letter from your employer confirming your employment and leave dates (must be on company letterhead) OR evidence of enrolment at a school, college or university.

If you are 75 years or over:

  • An original assessment from an Australian approved panel doctor stating
    you are fit to travel (see list of panel doctors at
    http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/panel-doctors/index.htm ). Note: a fit
    to travel assessment is only valid for 6 months, so should only be
    obtained within 6 months of proposed date of travel. An assessment is
    valid for one visa only.
  • Evidence of travel or medical/health insurance that provides coverage in
    Australia. The evidence must include the name/s of the persons covered,
    period of coverage, which events are covered, the coverage amount and
    confirm that the coverage applies in Australia. The insurance needs to
    cover the full period of your intended visit to Australia.
    If you would like a long validity visa – up to 1 year validity, multiple
    entry, stay of 3 months on each arrival. You are required to provide
    travel insurance for the whole year and a form 26. Please note a chest
    x-ray may be requested.

If you are under 18 years old:

  • Original or certified copy of your full birth certificate, showing your
    name and the full names of both your biological mother and your
    biological father.
  • If either parent/guardian is not travelling with you, a fully completed
    form 1229 or an original certified letter from the non-travelling
    parent/guardian authorising permission to travel to Australia. If you
    are travelling unaccompanied by either of your parents/guardians, then
    both parents must provide written consent for your travel. The letter
    must specify the dates of travel as well as who will be caring for you
    while in Australia. If one parent/guardian is deceased – a certified
    copy of their death certificate is required to evidence this.
    If you are travelling to Australia as an exchange student you are
    required to provide a letter from your school in South Africa as well as
    an invitation letter from the school in Australia.

Other:

  • If you have been charged with or convicted of any offences in any country, a police certificate from the police authorities in the relevant country. OR If you have served in the armed forces (army, navy, air-force, reserves) in any capacity in the last 10 years, a discharge certificate indicating the period you served and the date of discharge.
  • If you intend staying in Australia longer than 3 months, or visiting a hospital for any period, a chest examination from an Australian approved panel radiologist

** Internet or ATM Bank Statements WILL NOT be accepted. Funds MUST be available and not held in term or investment accounts and clearly show the account holder’s name, account number, and available balance.

If you are travelling with a family member who holds a valid visa, or is an ETA eligible passport holder, a certified copy of their passport and visa is required

Due to the high volume of visa applications received, a decision may be made on the information available without requesting further documentation, therefore it is in the applicants interests to submit a complete application.

Short Stay
Business Visa		 Intended for genuine business visitors seeking short-term entry to Australia for a stay of up to 3 months to undertake business activities such as official visits, attending conferences, business meetings, training, building inspections or equipment installation of a one-off nature where work cannot be done by an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The visa is not intended to be a work visa..

Please note: This type of visa does not permit the applicant to engage in work that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 

Applicants are to complete and submit a Business (short stay) checklist along with a completed and signed application form 456 

(There are different forms depending on the type of visa is being applied for. Latest form can be downloaded from http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/application-forms/

The following must be included with General requirements listed above:
  • Original or certified letter from employer/company in your country of usual residence detailing the duration and purpose of your travel to Australia. This letter must also include a full business itinerary, training schedules, whether the employing company will be covering all costs and expenses for the trip. If you are personally covering the costs for the trip – 3 months of your original bank statements must be provided. See ** below. This letter must be signed by the author - not marked ‘PP’.
  • Original, certified, faxed or e-mailed invitation letter from the company in Australia indicating the purpose of your visit and the duration of stay. If you are attending a conference – proof of paid conference registration must be provided. This letter must be signed by the author - not marked ‘PP’.
  • If you are self-employed, the ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPY of your company registration showing your involvement in the business must be provided.
  • Itinerary from travel agent with proposed arrival and departure dates.
  • If you have been charged with or convicted of any offences in any country, an original police certificate from the police authorities of the relevant country (no older than 12 months). If you have served in the armed forces (army, navy, air-force, reserves) in any capacity in the last 10 years, a discharge certificate indicating the period you served and the date of discharge
  • If you are visiting a hospital/patients for any period, a chest x-ray and report from an Australian approved panel radiologist.

IF YOU ARE 75 YEARS OR OVER OF AGE:

  • An original assessment from an Australian approved panel doctor stating you are fit to travel. Please note: A fit to travel assessment is valid for 6 months and therefore should only be obtained within 6 months of your proposed date of travel. The assessment is valid for one visa.
  • Evidence of travel or medical/health insurance which, at a minimum, covers emergency medical treatment in, and medical evacuation from Australia. The evidence must include the name/s of the persons covered, period of coverage, which events are covered, the coverage amount and confirm that the coverage applies in Australia. The insurance needs to cover the full period of your intended visit to Australia.

If you are including family members in your visa application you will need to provide the following:

  • The original or certified copy of the unabridged birth certificates of any children under the age of 18; and
  • if either of the parents/guardians of a child under 18 is not travelling, a certified signed consent letter must be submitted from the non-travelling parent/guardian showing permission for the child to travel, including dates.
  •  A certified copy of your marriage certificate.

**   Internet or ATM Bank Statements will not be accepted. Funds MUST be available and not held in term or investment accounts and clearly show the account holder’s name, account number, and available balance.

If you are travelling with a family member who holds a valid visa, or is an ETA or e-Visitor eligible passport holder, a copy of their passport and visa is required
Transit Visa
 		 This visa is required if a passenger intends to stay in Australia for less than 72 hours to catch the next available flight to their onwards destination. (provided they are not undertaking a domestic leg, remain in the transit lounge and they hold a confirmed onward booking). This visa does not provide for tourist or business activities.
 
When a visa is not needed
Some travellers do not need a transit visa if they:
  • depart Australia by air within 8 hours of the scheduled time of their arrival
  • hold confirmed onward booking and documentation necessary to enter the country of their destination
    and
  • remain in the transit lounge at an airport.

Note: Travellers changing airlines in Australia are advised to verify with their airlines whether they will need to personally re-check their luggage as part of the transiting process. If so, a visa will be required to retrieve and re-check their luggage before departure.

Visa Fees - The Australian high commission advises that due to Australian financial legislation, it can only accept payment of the Australian government visa application charge/fee in the form of a bank issued cheque. The bank issued cheque must be in South African Rand, made payable to 'Australian high commission'. Note that the Australian high commission cannot accept cheque in any currency other than Rand, and it cannot accept personal cheque

Australian High Commission - Visa Charges

   01 Jul 2011
Visitor Visa R 820
Temporary Business R 890
Student Visa R4200
Resident return Visa R1930
Business Electronic Travel (long Val.) R 780
Re-Evidencing of a resident return visa R 740
Working Holiday R2010

Under no circumstances will the Australian High Commission in Pretoria accept payment by personal cheque, business cheque, bank guaranteed personal cheque or ATM issued cheque. Credit card facilities are also not available at this stage. Please note that fees are not refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.

Notes:

  • All fees mentioned above are applicable visa application fees per person (including children).
  • The fees once paid are non-refundable.

Average
Processing Times		 The Australian High Commission is committed to assessing all visa applications in the most efficient and timely manner possible.
 
Name
 		 Average processing time for a valid and
complete application (SA Citizens)
Visitor Visa 5-10 working days
Transit Visa 5-10 working days
Temporary Residence (non business) 4-8 weeks
Short stay Business Visa 3-5 working days
Days Closed 2011: 3, 4 Jan/ 21 Mar/ 22, 25 Apr/ 2 May/ 16 Jun/ 9 Aug/ 3, 10 Oct/ 23, 26, 27, 28 Dec
Contact Details Australian High Commission (Pretoria) 

China    

Important Note The Embassy of the People's Republic of China only accept cash payment for visa/ passport/ notarization/ authentification fees. Applicants are kindly required to:
1)Do deposit or bank transfer into our account in FNB;
2)Pay through a speed point machine in our office at collection window;
3)Pay by cheque in our office at collection window (cheque payment are not recommended because the process of cashing may take long). Payment should be made before the date of collection so that we can verify with the transaction history of our account issued by FNB. Please note that payment on the date of collection may result in passport/visa releasing declined.

The applicant born in China who applies for Chinese visa for the first time with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or old foreign passport.

The Embassy is entitled to request the applicant to provide other relevant documents or to reject the application in accordance with the Law and international practices.

Applicants are required to check the documents carefully. You will bear all the responsibilities if you do not complete the visa application form truthfully.

Applicants are urged to submit applications at least 7 days prior to departure for China to avoid delays. You must present the Pick-Up slip given by visa officials and proof of payments when you come to get your passport back.
Cost/Validity

 

1 entry visa

R.500

2 entry visa

R.630

Multiple entry visa valid for 6 months

R.750

Multiple entry visa valid for one year

R.1000

If the applicants want his/her visa on the following working day, other than the normal visa fee, an extra R250 rush fee per person will be charged or R170 for collection on the third working day. Only with the consent of the Embassy can it be expedited but you are required to pay extra rush fees.

Jnb:- cash deposit or bank transfer into the Consulate account in FNB (Cash payment not accepted). Payment must be made before the date of collection so that they can verify with the transaction history issued by FNB.

Cpt:- Cash only

single-entry (valid for 3 months)

A refund will not be available if the application is withdrawn or refused.  Cheques are not accepted.  The offices are not responsible for any mishandling of mail by post or any other services.

Delay: Normally the visa may be issued on the fourth working day from the date of the application 
Basic Requirements  
  • One completely filled out visa application form; all blanks on the application form should be filled in with genuine information;
  • One recently taken 2X2 inch photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Please affix the photo to the application form;
  • Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.

single-entry "L-visa" - (Incl. basic requirements):

  • The latest 3 months bank-statements with adequate money.
  • Hotel reservation in China
  • Round-trip ticket booking
Business Visa "F" type  (Including Basic requirements)
  • Qualified original invitation & guarantee letter with signature and stamp from the applicant's sponsor and business partner in China. The letter should state clearly applicant's name, position and passport number, applicant's company name, address and telephone number, purpose of visit, duration of stay and specific itinerary in China;
  • Qualified original introduction letter with the full name, title, date & signature of the issuing person from applicant's company. The letter should state clearly applicant's name, present occupation and position in the company, purpose of the visit, intended duration of stay, city intended to visit, name and address of applicant's business partner in China, items and quantity of goods planned to order and purchase.

Requirements for multiple-entry visa: a letter or fax from the authorized Chinese department or company or organization together with a letter of introduction from your company. Otherwise, a proof of being a regular visitor to China is needed, such as previous Chinese visas.

Tourist Visa "L" type (Including General requirements)
  • Applicants are requested to provide proof of accommodation.
  • A letter of confirmation from a Chinese travel service or a local travel service.
  • applicants who will visit relatives in China should present proof of kinship, ID copy of relatives in China and return air tickets booking.
Transit Visa "G" type (Including General requirements)
  • Applicants are requested to provide a valid visa of the destination country and an onward airline ticket.
Days Closed 2011: All South African public holidays and 2-4 Feb/ 5 Apr/ 6 Jun/ 3-4 Oct/ 12 Oct

 

India

Important Note As per new immigration regulations, the Government of India has mandated a 'Two Months Gap' between two tourism related visits to India.
Hence, a tourist visa holder will be allowed to re-enter India only after a gap of 60 days from the last date of his/her departure from India. Please access www.indiainsouthafrica.com for more info on this.

A photo copy of the applicants South African ID will be required.

South Africans of Indian origin no longer need to produce an affidavit to prove that they are of Indian origin.

All foreign visitors to India, holding any category of visa, are required to compulsorily register with Foreigners Registration Office (FRO/FRRO), if their continuous stay in India exceeds 180 days. They are required to register with the FRO/FRRO within 14 days of first arrival only. This registration is required during the first visit after the visa is issued. Subsequent travels using the same visa do not require registration. Children below the age of 16 years are exempt from this requirement.

SA Passport holders need a transit visa if transiting in India. A transit visa will not be issued for more than 15 days

Normally the applicants are advised to file the application in person at the Consulate. However, those not resident in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban could submit the application through mail. Applicants are encouraged to use a courier service instead of sending through normal post. However, the Consulate does not take the responsibility for safe delivery of application, passports and the documents or delays in processing of visa.

Also the Consulate reserves the right to summon the applicant for an interview by the consular officer.

In certain cases the visa officer may also demand additional documents such as proof of financial strength of the applicant.

On submission of application, a receipt is issued by the Consulate wherein the date or time of delivery is clearly mentioned. Visa can be collected through an agent who should produce his ID on demand and produce an authorization letter from the applicant.

Delay/Validity/Cost Delay:  2-3 working days. No application for urgent visa will be entertained on the grounds that the tickets have been booked for a particular date. The applications in all emergency cases must be accompanied by appropriate documentary proof from India.

Valid: valid for the given period from the date of issue (Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible).

Cost:  Free - for SA passport holders only but a courier fee is charged.
Requirements (Application forms which are not filled in properly will not be accepted)

TOURIST VISA
  • Visa application form (filled in black ink or typed by the applicant). Children intending to travel to India must apply on a passport in their own names.
  • Two recent passport size colour photos.
  • Copy return air ticket.
  • South African passport (original valid for at least 6 months).
  • Photo copy of birth certificate/ South African ID
  • Proof of residence in South Africa (e.g. utility bill) and also proof accommodation in India

BUSINESS VISA

  • Visa application form (filled by the applicant) -duplicate.
  • Copies of confirmed return air ticket - Duplicate
  • Copies of Invitation letter/ Sponsorship from India - Duplicate.
  • Letter from South African company - Two copies
  • Copy of South African ID and passport- duplicate
  • Proof of residence both in India as well as in South Africa
    (applicants are required not to engage in money lending and petty trading)

STUDY VISA
Same Tourist visa requirements, including the following:

  • Visa application form filled by the applicant (duplicate).
  • South African passport (original).
  • 4 passport sized colour photographs.
  • Letter of admission from the Institution or College in India (Duration of study must be mentioned in the letter).
  • Copy of South African ID
  • Evidence of financial support and a bank guarantee from parents/ guardian.
  • All documents should get attested and verified from Ministry of  Education and / Foreign Affairs, South Africa.

For info on Employment visa or Sports visa, contact the Embassy.

Health Requirements Yellow Fever certificate is recommended.
Days Closed 2011: 26 Jan/ 15 Feb/ 3 Mar/ 22,25 Apr/ 17 May/ 15,22,30 Aug/ 28 Sep/ 2,26, Oct/ 2,6,26 Nov/ 25-26 Dec

Note, visa information is not guaranteed. Kindly confirm details

with the relevant authorities