If you are thinking about volunteering, South Africa is a great destination. The country offers many opportunities for those who wish to do charity work and help the people. From busy cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth to the country’s many national parks and wildlife, there are countless opportunities for volunteer work.
What Is the South Africa Volunteer Visa?
The South Africa volunteer visa allows foreign nationals to perform volunteer work in the country. The visa grants foreigners who are attached to non-governmental organizations and charitable organizations the opportunity to carry out voluntary and charitable work in South Africa.
The charitable and voluntary activities are non-remunerative. Persons receiving payment, salary, or wages of any nature will require a work permit.
Requirements for a South Africa Volunteer Visa
For your application to be considered admissible, you must submit the following:
- Application form. The application must be completed and signed in black ink only.
- Two photographs. They should follow the specifications as required by Home Affairs.
- Valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days after you leave the country, and it should contain at least two blank pages. Copies of previous visas/entry stamps of visits to the Republic of South Africa. Copies of the second passport (if applicable).
- Vaccination certificate. If you are traveling through the yellow fever belt of South America or Africa, please submit a vaccination certificate.
- Proof of sufficient means. You must prove that you can support yourself during your stay in the country. Financial support by another party, such as a spouse or a parent, is no longer accepted— you must submit any of the following:
- Bank statements for the last three months (retrieved in the last seven days) showing you have a minimum of R3000 (approximately USD 173) per month/per person. Bank statements should all be stamped by the bank, or a verification letter from the bank is required.
- Cash available. Credit card statements must indicate an available balance and a limit of no less than R3000 (approximately USD 173) per month at the current exchange rate to cover monthly expenses for your stay.
- Traveler’s cheque. It must be signed and photocopied.
- Flight reservations. Reservations should correspond with the dates on the letter from the host organization.
- Police clearance certification. You must submit a police clearance certificate from each country you have lived in for longer than 12 months from the age of 18 and onwards— the certificate must be at most six months old. Additionally, the certificate is only accepted when issued by the Police authorities of the country concerned; certificates from other authorities will not be accepted.
- Medical report BI-811 in English (mandatory for all applicants). A registered medical practitioner should complete, sign, and date the report. The report should include the applicant’s general health and any medical condition the applicant suffers from. It must not be older than six months.
- Radiological reports. Reports are not required for pregnant women and children under 12 years of age— however, a doctor’s note is still required. A registered radiologist should complete, sign, stamp, and date the report. The report should include details that the applicant has been examined and that no signs of active pulmonary tuberculosis could be detected.
- A written undertaking that you will leave the country as soon as you finish your voluntary and charitable activities. Please submit a written statement that you will leave the country and will not accept new paid work in South Africa. You must state the date of your departure from South Africa in the letter.
- Proof of accommodation. You must submit proof that you have a place to stay in South Africa. You will need to provide one of the following:
- Confirmation from the institution that they will provide accommodation for the volunteer.
- Proof of hotel reservation, including details of the applicant’s name and hotel details.
- Letter of invitation from the host confirming the residential address, utility bill, and certified copy of the host’s South African identity document or foreign passport with a valid visa in case of private accommodation.
- A letter of confirmation of voluntary or charitable activities. You must submit a letter that confirms your voluntary or charitable work in South Africa. The letter must be written by the non-profit organization you’ll be working with and contain all details listed below:
- A summary of the South African organization (what it is about, its aim, its target group, and values).
- The NPO registration number.
- Details about the activities or tasks the volunteer will be occupied with.
- Work schedule specifying the times per week that the volunteer will be engaged in voluntary activities at the South African organization.
- Details about the accommodation of the volunteer.
- In case the volunteer takes place in other voluntary activities, all the above-mentioned details of the secondary organization should also be included.
- If the volunteer is managed by another organization, e.g., in their home country, then details of the organization (nature and purpose) must be specified. The letter should be submitted by the sending organization. Additionally, the letter should state that it is not a paid post.
- Lastly, a copy of the identity document of the person signing the letter of organization.
How Much Does a South Africa Volunteer Visa Cost?
A volunteer visa in South Africa costs R425 or around USD 24. Often, you will be charged extra for other optional services, especially if you are applying via an application center. You can pay the fee in cash or by card— usually at the embassy or visa application center. Please keep in mind that the fee is non-refundable.
Remember; visa fees are subject to change, usually with no notice.
How Long Does It Take to Process a South Africa Volunteer Visa?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for your visa to be processed from the day that your application is received. It may take longer if further information is required or in case of incomplete applications.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a South Africa Volunteer Visa?
You must submit a bank statement with a minimum bank balance of R3,000 (approx. USD 176) per month. For example, if you are volunteering for six months, your bank balance must reflect an amount of R 18.000.00 (meaning R3000 X 6).
How Long Is a South Africa Volunteer Visa Valid For?
A South Africa volunteer visa is issued for up to three years. Additionally, this type of visa is what is called a ‘multi-entry visa’, which means you can enter and leave the country during the duration of the visa without restriction.
Can I Extend My South Africa Volunteer Visa?
If you wish to stay longer in South Africa and perform voluntary and charitable work in the country, you can renew or extend your visa, but you cannot apply to change your status to a different visa while in South Africa on a volunteer visa.
Can I Bring My Family Members With Me on a Volunteer Visa?
Yes, you can. However, they are not allowed to study or run a business in the country. Additionally, they must submit an application on their own if they will accompany you. Any dependants must apply for matching dependent visas in order to accompany you as the main visa holder.
Can a Volunteer Visa Lead To Residency in South Africa?
No, the volunteer visa does not lead to residency. In order to obtain permanent residency in South Africa, you must apply for a permanent resident permit. You qualify for a direct permanent residence permit if you have lived in South Africa on the basis of your work permit for a minimum period of five years.