VISAS AND OTHER PERMITS TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH AFRICA
6. Question: Do I need a visa for an Internship/Traineeship?
Answer: A visa is not required for nationals exempted from visa requirements if the training/studies period does not exceed 90 days. Belgian & Luxembourg nationals may enter South Africa on their exemption of 90 days and will receive a Temporary Residence permit upon arrival. You may apply for an extension 30 days before the visa expires and you will receive an extension of 90 days to cover the rest of your time (as long as you are not getting paid in the country). This extension may be applied for once only and should be applied for at your nearest Regional Office of the Department of Home Affairs. For clarity and further assistance please contact the Customer Service centre: csc@dha.gov.za or www.dha.gov.za

If you do get paid then you will need to follow the route of applying for a Work Permit. If you want to apply for an Internship as medical “Elective” at a hospital you must apply for a Study permit.

7. Question: How do I find the Regional Offices of the Department of Home Affairs where I can, inter alia, go to receive an extension on certain visas?
Answer: The details for the Regional Offices of the Department of Home Affairs can be found on the following website: http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/regions.asp

8. Question: Do I need to make an appointment for a Visa or Permit application?
Answer: Yes. The Consular section is open for Visa and Permit applications Monday to Friday (excluding Embassy Public Holidays), from 09h00-12h00
ON APPOINTMENT ONLY

9. Question: Do I need a visa for tourism or business purposes with a Belgian/Luxembourg passport?
Answer: No. As a Belgian/Luxembourg Citizen, you do not need a visa to enter South Africa. You may travel to South Africa on your exemption of 90 days.

10. Question: How long should my passport be valid before applying for a Visa or Permit?
Answer: Your passport has to be valid for at least thirty (30) days after the eventual date of departure from South Africa. It must contain at least one (1) blank page for endorsements.

11. Question: Can I travel to South Africa with a temporary Belgian or Luxembourg passport?
Answer: A temporary Belgian or Luxembourg passport with a photograph may be used to enter the Republic of South Africa. This document must also be valid for at least thirty (30) days after the eventual date of departure from the Republic of South Africa, and contain at least one (1) blank page for endorsements.

12. Question: I have incurred a fine because I overstayed in South Africa. Where can I pay it?
Answer: The following documents should be submitted to the Consular section in respect of each person who has received an administrative fine for an “overstay”:
Original passport to enter the endorsement that the administrative fine was paid;
• Original form BI-1731 regarding the administrative fine that was issued to the person on departure from the Republic of South Africa;
• Persons should submit the above-mentioned documents personally during the Consular Section’s opening hours – Monday to Friday (excluding Embassy Public Holidays), from 09h00-12h00.
13. Question: Can I pay for my application with a bank card?
Answer: No. The Embassy does not have the Pin System machine. All payments have to be done by bank transfer except administrative fines in respect of overstay must be paid in CASH.

14. Question: I am travelling with my children using my Belgium/Luxembourg passport. Will they be allowed to enter South Africa while registered on my passport?
Answer: Children are allowed to enter South Africa on their parent’s passport. Should only one parent be accompanying the children it is advisable that the parent who is not travelling write a letter in English with a copy of his/her passport agreeing that their children will be travelling with the other parent. Or if in a case of divorce, the parent should have the custody decree with him/her.