Passport / travel document holders who are exempt from the South African visa requirement are only exempt from the South African visa requirement for the specific period of exemption and in respect of purposes for which a visitor's permit may be issued e.g. holiday (see note below). A visitor's permit may therefore be issued to such a foreigner at a South African port of entry e.g. international airport, provided that he or she is able to submit the following documentation to the immigration officer:

• A passport valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and containing at least one (1) blank page for endorsements;


• Documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit, if applicable;


• Proof of a valid return air ticket or payment of a deposit, or both the return air ticket and deposit, which shall be refunded after the foreigner's final departure or after a permanent residence permit has been issued to the foreigner;


• A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if the foreigner travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area: provided that the certificate shall not be required when the foreigner travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area.

• A visitor's permit may be issued at a South African port of entry by an immigration officer to Passport / travel document holders who are exempt from the South African visa requirement in respect of the following purposes:
  


• Holiday visits
  
  
• Business visits
  
  
• To attend conferences, seminars or sports events
  
  
• To join fiancé / spouse
  
  
• As an accompanying spouse and/or dependent children of a foreigner, who holds a valid visitor's permit, study permit, treaty permit, business permit, medical treatment permit, work permit, or exchange permit.
  
  
• Studies not exceeding three (3) months
  
  
• Medical treatment not exceeding three (3) months
  
  
• Academic sabbaticals not exceeding three (3) months
  
  
• Voluntary and charitable activities not exceeding three (3) months
  
  
• Research not exceeding three (3) months


• The above-mentioned entry requirements do not apply to persons who intend conducting work in the Republic of South Africa. Such persons, including interns, technicians, journalists and film crews, should see the temporary residence permits section.