After a South African visa has expired: Form 20 authorisation, leaving, and overstay bans
Someone whose visa has expired can ask the Director-General for authorisation to stay and apply for status, on Form 20. They must show in writing that reasons beyond their control stopped them applying in time. Anyone else who will leave can be ordered on Form 21 to depart within 14 days. A person who overstays may be declared undesirable for 12 months to five years, and can appeal in writing.
1 entry rule for South Africa based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers over 1 year arriving from a WHO yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) must show a valid yellow fever certificate. Without one: may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days or until the certificate becomes valid.
National Department of Health (South Africa): Health Protocols for Travellers Arriving in South Africa (2026) WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Moving to South Africa
Practical facts for newcomers, from official sources Finance Living
Finance
3
Currency
South African Rand
ZAR
South African Rand
Cost of living
43
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
18–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15%social security 1%
45% applies to taxable income above R1,878,600 (2027 tax year); rebates create an effective tax-free threshold.
Living
1
Happiness
#99 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Eligibility
Who it’s for: People in South Africa whose visa has expired, and people declared undesirable after overstaying.
Not arrested or ordered to leave
Sign in to check this route against your profileForm 20 is for a person who has not been arrested for deportation and has not been ordered to depart.
Reasons beyond your control
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou must show the Director-General in writing that you could not apply for status for reasons beyond your control.
Ready to apply
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou must prove that you can submit your status application immediately.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
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- 6 documents
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- 5 steps
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