Visas

Montenegro - Visa info - 8/19/2010

SA passport holders, with a valid Schengen visa, do not require a visitors visa for Montenegro. (Dates must cover visiting period in Montenegro)

Please be advised that there is still no representation for Montenegro in SA, however, the Embassy of Serbia in Pretoria will act as their representative.

Spain - Apply in person - 8/18/2010

As from the 1 September 2010, all applicants living within a 400km radius from the Cape Town Spanish consulate, wishing to obtain a Spanish Schengen visa, MUST apply in person.

An appointment must be made with the Spanish consulate in Cape Town. They are contactable on 021 422 2415.

Nigerian/ South African - Visa Relations Sour - 7/9/2010

It has been brought to our attention this week, that consular offices of both countries are reluctant to issue visas for either traveller.

It seems to be a ‘tit-for tat” situation.
Consular offices at the Nigerian Consulate-General in JNB are not issuing visas to SA passport holders

and so the South African officials in Nigerian are not issuing visas for Nigerians.

There is a new Ambassador at the Nigerian office in JNB and new procedures seem to being implemented.
Example one of our clients have had to fly from CPT today, to the Nigerian consulate in JNB for her Multiple entry/6month business application.

Please advice your clients who wish to visit Nigeria that there are delays in the processing of their visas.
We shall keep you updated to any further progression.

Serbia - New info - 5/21/2010

As from 01 June 2010 requirements and form will be changing. Please check on our website for updates.

Schengen Visa Form - Update - 5/21/2010

We are experiencing Schengen application forms that are only signed ONCE.

Please note that the applicants must sign TWICE/THRICE where applicable, particularly the declaration where each country of Schengen has their own "data protection agency details".

Spain - Latest news - 5/21/2010

As of 01 September 2010, applicants within 400km of the CPT consulate needs to apply in person.

CPT consulate will accept applications from these following regions:

Western Cape
Northern Cape
Eastern Cape
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Madagascar
Comores
Mauritius

Spain - New CPT website - 4/1/2010

The Spanish consulate in CPT has a new website address:

www.consulateincapetown.maec.es

Spain - Kwazulu-Natal applicants (CPT consulate) - 4/1/2010

As of 01 April 2010, all Kwazulu-Natal applicants to submit their applications to the Spanish consulate in CPT.

Spain - Urgent notice - 3/17/2010

CPT Spain consulate will not process any visas between 26.03.2010 - 06.04.2010 as they will be updating their systems. We can however still submit applications.

France - New french visa form - 3/11/2010

As of the 5th of April 2010 the new french schengen form will come into effect.But the form can be used with immediate effect.The website is updated constantly by the French Cape Town consulate, so please refer to the website www.consulfrance-lecap.org

India - Visa form - 2/22/2010

There has been some discrepancies about the correct visa application form for India. The Indians have been using their old form for the past two weeks but have now changed back to the new form, which is loaded on our website for easy access.

UK - Visa info - 2/11/2010

Question:

Dear Visa Section

I want to know if some one has a valid visa in an expired passport, can the traveler travel with both new and old passport?

Answer:

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your query,

You can only have the visa transferred in the UK at the Home Office (kindly refer to the link www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk). If you have a valid visa (not just stamps) in an old passport, you may travel with both the old and new passports to show at immigration. It is not mandatory to have the visa transferred.

Best Regards,

Vinit Shende
UKBA VFS Helpdesk

Cyprus - Visa info - 2/11/2010

The Cyprus High Commission no longer issues multiple entry visas, only single entries. They do offer an urgent service at double the cost of the visa fee and will do it in 2-3 days instead of normal processing time of 5 days.

Austria - CPT and PTA - 2/3/2010

As from the 03 February 2010 all applicants must apply in person for their visas. Appointments must be made prior submission via Call Centre 087 754 4499

India - New requirements - 12/21/2009

India has new list of requirements:

Tourism:
Valid passport
2X Colour photos
E-ticket and Itinerary
Copy of SA ID
Uitility bill
Utility bill and copy of passport of invitee
Invite letter/Hotel booking

Business (additional):
Invite letter from inviting company

Visalogix closure dates - 12/3/2009

Dear Valued Clients

Re: Visalogix Closure Notice – for Festive Season

2009 has come as quickly as it is about to go!

Visalogix shall be operating with skeleton staff over the December and January months.

CAPE TOWN & MIDRAND OFFICE CLOSED
However, we have made the decision to close office for 4 days between Christmas and New Year.
DATES CLOSED: 28, 29, 30, 31ST DECEMBER, (Monday to Thursday)


SATURDAY CLOSED
We would like to advise all of our clients of our Saturday closure period during the festive season of 2009/2010.

As from the 19th December 2009 until 30th January 2010, the Cape Town office will be closed on those SATURDAYS.


We would like to take this opportunity in thanking you for your ongoing support during a challenging 2009 travel year!

Wishing you all a safe and happy Festive Season!

Best wishes from
Michele and Diane and the Visalogix Team

Nigeria - No visa stickers - 11/3/2009

The Nigerian consulate in Pretoria has run out of visa stickers. All pending applications will be on hold till further notice.

Germany - Visalogix submission details - 10/19/2009

Visalogix can process applications for applicants who have either had a Schengen visa with the validity of one year issued to them, by the German Embassy in the past 24 months prior to application.

Appointments need to be made by applicant.

Germany - New appointment system - 10/14/2009

Germany has appointed a new system for applicants. You now need to make an online appointment through the link www.visa-germany.co.za or call 0861-00 22 45. All applicants MUST apply in person as from 15 October 2009.

France CPT - New location and new processing times - 10/12/2009

The Cape Town French consulate has relocated their visa department to a premises located at 2 Dean Street, Cape Town. In this regard, they do not assist with same day issuing or 24 hours anylonger. They are 3 days strictly.

UK - Veteran passports - 9/8/2009

If you were born before 02.09.1929 you are qualified for a Britsh Veteran Passport.

A normal application form is completed and is submitted. The consulate will send the veteran form thereafter.

Canada - Tip when completing a form - 9/2/2009

Consulates have advised that applicant's please refrain from using Tipex on application forms.

Canada has especially advised.

U.A.E - Visa Query - 9/2/2009

Passenger flies Etihad Airways to visit son, who lives in Dubai. Father's air ticket shows Cape Town - Dubai, but he will land in Abu Dhabi and has bus transport to Dubai.

Solution 1:
As part of the condition, Etihad Airways arranges visa, but 3 nights accommodation in Abu Dhabi must be paid for to obtain visa. Requires minimum of 10 working days to process.

Solution 2:
Sponsor in Dubai, his son, applies for his visitor visa in Dubai. Original approved e-visa must be taken to the Visa Office at the Abu Dhabi Airport, (as this is 1st port of call). Advised to send a copy of visa to father in South Africa

Cyprus - Hotel info requirement - 8/27/2009

If staying in a hotel in Cyprus, the booking from the hotel in Cyprus MUST be faxed to the Cyprus High Commission in Pretoria. It must be on the hotel's letterhead and a copy must be submitted with the application.

Spain - New Requirement - 8/19/2009

When travelling to Spain and onto any other country, the other country visa MUST be processed first before Spains. E.g, Morocco - Spain - Egypt, Morocco and Egypt need to be processed first

Croatia - Fees 2009 - 8/6/2009

Single, Double and Multiple R468.00
Urgent visa fee R945.00

Germany - Requirement - 8/5/2009

Please be advised that the photo for visa application must not be the same in the passport or previous visa.

Egypt - Closed: 23.07.2009 - 7/22/2009

The Egyptian consulate in PTA is celebrating a public holiday on 23 July 2009 and will be closed.

North West Africa - Visas - 7/21/2009

Visa Touristique Entente - visa covers 5 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote D Ivoire, Niger and Togo.

Visa is valid for 60 days from date of issue, single entry each.

Visa issued via Benin Embassy in Pretoria if applying in South Africa.

We can assist!

Canada - Visa fee decrease - 7/9/2009

single entry visa R555.00 Multiple entry visa R1110.00 for Temporary Resident visa. Please contact us for other visa categories fees. updates

Taiwan - Cape Town photo specifications - 7/9/2009

The Taiwanese consulate at present is not happy with photos which have staple marks on them.

China - Consulate Cape Town - 7/9/2009

Presently the Chinese consulate is wanting to have a R1000.00 available per day as proof of finance for a tourist applicant.

Italy - Cape Town visa processing - 7/7/2009

Please note that due to technical reasons applications submitted from 10th July to Tuesday 21st July will only be processed after the 22nd July. Please note that new fees will be effective from 1 July 2009.

UK - Exemption of transit details - 6/24/2009

A person is exempt from a DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa) if you have any of the following valid visas in your passport: Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the United States of America.

On return, you are also exempt from the transit visa.

Trinidad and Tobago - Interviews - 6/22/2009

As from June 2009, the Trinidad and Tobago consulate may request personal interviews with applicants.

UK - New visa info - 6/22/2009

The exemption closing date for entering the UK without a visa is 01 July 2009.

Meaning that if you enter before 01 July 2009, and you have an entry stamp for the UK in the passport you are travelling on, you will be exempt from the visa.

If you are travelling onwards out of the UK then wanting to return again, e.g from the UK to France and back, YOU WILL NEED A VISA!

UK - Visa exemption closure date - 4/28/2009

As from 1 July 2009, all South Africans with or without entry stamps in their current valid passports, will require a visa for the UK.

UK - Visa updated info - 3/14/2009

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN VISITORS TO THE UK

The British government have announced changes to the visa requirements for South African nationals who wish to visit or transit the United Kingdom.

From 3 March 2009, South African nationals seeking to visit or transit the United Kingdom will need to obtain a visa before travelling. There will be a temporary exemption to this requirement for those who have previously travelled to the UK in their current passport.

If you are travelling to the United Kingdom for the first time, or if your current passport does not contain evidence previous travel to the UK (i.e., a UK arrival stamp), you will need to apply for a visa.

If you have previously travelled to the United Kingdom using your current passport, you will qualify for the exemption and will not need to

Applying for a visa is a simple. Use the links on the left to find out more information on how to apply for a UK visa.

All of the Visa Applications Forms (VAFs) and General Guidance for visa can be found on the UK Border Agency Website.

http://www.vfs-uk-za.com/newrules.aspx

UK - Exemption period - 3/14/2009

We have downloaded the relevant visa information to make it easier for you to obtain the information on hand. As this visa information is “hot off the press”, we have noted that the VFS Global, websites are not updated as of today, so please expect updated information to follow:-


These are the immediate questions we can answer for you now:-

- YOUR CURRENT VALID PASSPORT MUST HAVE A UK ENTRY STAMP IN IT, THEN YOU DO NOT REQUIRE A VISA TO ENTER THE UK
- THIS EXEMPTION IS VALID UNTIL MID 2009


- PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM DATE OF APPLICATION
- 2 CONSECUTIVE BLANK PAGES NEED TO BE FREE FOR UK VISA TO BE ISSUED THEREIN
- DELAYS ARE TAKING ABOUT 5-10 WORKING DAYS TO PROCESS THE VISA
- APPLICANTS NEED TO APPLY FOR THE VISA AT THEIR NEAREST VFS OFFICE
- VISA FEES AT PRESENT APPROXIMATELY R991.00 FOR A TOURIST VISA (£65.00)
- VISA FEES AT PRESENT APPROXIMATELY R680.00 FOR A TRANSIT VISA (£45.00)
- REGARDLESS OF AGE OF APPLICANT ALL THE SAME FEES ARE APPLICABLE

- YOU CAN AQUIRE AN AUTHORISATION LETTER TO GIVE US PERMISSION TO COLLECT YOUR PASENGERS PASSPORT WITH THE ORIGINAL COLLECTION SLIP. THIS IS ONLY FOR THE JNB/PTA/CPT VFS OFFICES.

- SHOULD YOUR PASSENGERS WISH FOR US TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR UK VISA QUERIES, OR PROVIDE A CONSULTATION THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT US.

Croatia - Visa requirement - 3/14/2009

For the Croatian Visa submissions at the Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, special agreement has been made by Zagreb, that applicants need not have to apply in person.

However, there are more strict visa requirements.

- If you already have a valid Schengen visa in your passport, when you apply for your Croatian visa, the delay shall take about 10 -14 working days.
- If you do not have a valid Schengen visa in your passport and you are not travelling to a Schengen country, then the delay can take 20 -30 working days.
- Travel Insurance must be produced, particularly for the medical cover
- Accommodation must be booked and a voucher to show that at least 30% deposit has been made.
- No internet bank statements or documents accepted

- If private visit, then a “natural persons Letter of Guarantee Form” must be completed

- If a business visit, then a “Legal persons Letter of Guarantee Form” must be completed

- Download form from http://za.mvphr

Supporting documents as before,

- Valid passport ( 3 months valid after date of departure from Croatia)
- 1 x colour photo 35x45mm
- e – ticket

Visa fees s/e; d/e; m/e R468.00
Urgent issue R945.00 for approximately 3 working days if Schengen visa issued
Applicants under the age of 15 years, pays 50% of the applicable visa fee
Visa Fees can change without prior notice.

Dubai - Photo requirement - 3/2/2009

Dubai have now requested that 2 colour photographs be submitted with the application.

Germany - CPT applications - 3/2/2009

Please ensure that all passports be signed prior to submitting applications for Germany.

UK - Visa for SA passports - 2/9/2009

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS INFORMATION IS NOT CONFIRMED.

WE AWAIT THE PRESS RELEASE FOR TODAY FROM THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES.

VFS GLOBAL,(VISA FACILITATING SERVICE) IN CAPE TOWN WILL ONLY ATTEND TO OUR QUERIES AS OF TOMORROW AFTER THE PRESS RELEASE.

THEY (vfs) WERE NOT EVEN SURE OF THE VISA CHANGE INFORMATION.

WORD IS OUT THAT AS OF 3RD MARCH 2009 SOUTH AFRICAN’S WILL REQUIRE A TRANSIT OR VISITOR VISA, PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM.

WE SHALL KEEP YOU POSTED AS SOON AS WE HAVE CONFIRMATION FROM THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.



Thank you
Visa Solutions
Cape Town and Midrand offices

09 February 2009

Switzerland - Schengen Visa - 2/9/2009

Cape Town:
No appointment is necessary during normal opening hours at the Consulate in Cape Town.

Pretoria:
First time Schengen visa applicants have to apply in person. Applicants who have been in possession of a Schengen visa in the past two years are exempted from this and can send their applications by courier. An appointment is necessary and can be made by telephone at the following number: 012 452 06 62, from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm. Monday - Thursday only.

Switzerland - Apply in person - 11/21/2008

Switzerland has now issued a statement that all applicants applying for a Schengen visa MUST APPLY IN PERSON. It has not yet been confirmed if applicants require an appointment to submit.

Switzerland - Joining Schengen - 10/22/2008

The Swiss consulate in Cape Town has indicated that they are to join Schengen around about the 5th December 2008. At present no visa forms or requirements have been issued. As soon as we have the forms they shall be available on our website.

Mexico - Interviews - 9/10/2008

All applicants MUST go in person to the Consulate in Pretoria as from the 1st October 2008

Thailand - New forms - 9/8/2008

New Thailand forms ***

Mexico - Photo requirement - 9/8/2008

Requires 2 photos as from the 08.09.08

Dubai - Travel insurance - 8/4/2008

Please note as from the 4th August 2008 Travel Insurance is needed for all applications. for more info call 0113255891

Visa Solutions - JHB - 7/10/2008

Please note that visa JHB is located @ 5th floor, South Wing, Hyde Park Shopping centre, Sandton. Docex 11, tel: 011 325 5891; fx: 011 325 5913, e-mail: claude@visasolutions.co.za

Croatia - Cruise Visa Requirements - 6/11/2008

SA passports require visas NOW, 10/06/08 consulate was made aware of change no more captains visas. Passengers, need to obtain visas prior to travel 10-14 working days. No visas issued if travel is sooner.

Czech Republic - New Visa form - 2/25/2008

Please download the new form for the Czech visa as they are part of the Schengen now.

Visa Solutions - JHB 2008 - 2/25/2008

Please note that we have moved.

Tel: (011) 312 9451/2
Fax: (011) 312 9453

Cell: 083 344 1040 (Diane)
Cell: 073 799 5348 (Claude)

Visa Solutions - Closure updates - 12/12/2007

Visa Solutions will be closed the 24th December 2007

Canada - SA temporary passports - 12/12/2007

Canada high commission will not accept South African Temporary passports anymore as from 01.01.2008.

Visa Solutions - Closure updates - 12/11/2007

Please note that Visa Solutions will be closed on all Saturdays from the 15 December to the 02 February 2008.

Hungary - Price increase - 10/3/2007

R345.00

SA Temporary Passports - 10/2/2007

With immediate effect, the following countries no longer accept temporary passports.
Germany
Luxemborg
Netherlands
Belgium
United Kingdom
Norway

France - Temp SA passports - 9/28/2007

Please note that of today the French Consulate will NO issue French Visas on South African Temp passports. 28.09.07

Italy - Cape Town - 9/18/2007

Please note as from the 17 September 07. Visa applicants have to appear in person for an interview. Unless the person stays more than 70 km out of Cape Town. If the visas are urgent and no appointments available.

Ivory Coast - New visa form - 8/23/2007

Please fill in two visa forms per applicant.

China - New requirement - 8/23/2007

Please note if you have not been to China before the consulate will need proof of funds.

Hungary - Closed today due to holiday - 8/20/2007

no submitions on Tuesdays

Croatia - Taking 15 Working days to issue - 8/17/2007

Croatia are taking 15 working days to issue

India - Business visa requirement - 8/17/2007

Please note for India need two orginal forms for business. No copies will be taken in by the Consulate

India - 8/17/2007

please note for India need two orginal forms for business. No copies will be taken in by the Consulate

Uganda - No longer issues M/E - 7/31/2007

No multiple entry visas will be issued until furth notice.

Spain - 7/30/2007

Please check for new requirements under the visa form page

Nigeria - is now 156 usd - 7/20/2007

please note the visas are no longer R400.00 we pay in usd with a credit card +- R1300.00

Nigeria - We need at least 3 weeks to process - 7/20/2007

delays at consulate please be aware

Nigeria - 7/17/2007

Please contact Diane on the new requirements for Nigerian visas. diane@visasolutions.co.za

Uganda - New price list - 7/13/2007

S/E R350.00
M/E R1400.00 not exceeding six months

Australia - New visa processing time - 7/12/2007

Visa Processing Time
IMPORTANT - The Australian High Commission is committed to assessing all visa applications in the most efficient and timely manner possible. However, due to recent high volumes of applications, the Visa Section is currently processing all tourist and business visitor visa applications within 10-12 working days. Clients are asked to take this into account when planning travel dates. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy period.
Please note that the table below lists the average processing times for various types of Australian visa and citizenship applications in Pretoria. The average processing times show the standard this office aims to achieve with a majority of its’ applications.
The processing times apply from the date that a valid and complete visa application is received by the Australian High Commission. This does not include the time an application is with VFS before it is received by the Australian High Commission. The average processing times also do not include any periods that a visa application is held by your agent before it is lodged.
The average processing times are indicative only and do not guarantee an application will be finalised within these timeframes.
Actual processing times may fluctuate or change due to a number of factors, including:
• workload demands and identified workload priorities;
• student processing peaks from December to February and from May to July, leading to delays in the processing of applications in other temporary visa subclasses due to these peaks;
• resourcing constraints, staff travel and absences;
• applicants lodging applications from countries outside South Africa, where interviewing or integrity checking may be required;
• health or character matters which must be resolved prior to an application being finalised;
• lodging of incomplete applications or delays in applicants responding to requests for additional/outstanding information/documentation can also cause delays in the finalisation of an application.
PRETORIA AVERAGE PROCESSING TIMES
Subclass Name Average processing time for a valid and complete application
Visitor (Tourist and Business) and Transit Visas
676 Tourist (Short Stay) 3 working days
686 Tourist (Long Stay) 3 working days
456 Business (Short Stay) 3 working days
675 Medical Treatment (Short Stay) 2 weeks
685 Medical Treatment (Long Stay) 2 weeks
976 ETA (Visitor) 1 working day
977 ETA (Business – Short Validity) 1 working day
956 ETA (Business – Long Validity) 1 working day
771 Transit 3 working days
Temporary Residence
410 Retirement 8 weeks
411 Exchange 4 weeks
417 Working Holiday Maker 4 weeks
418 Education 4 weeks
419 Visiting Academic 4 weeks
420 Entertainment 4 weeks
421 Sport 4 weeks
425 Family relationship 4 weeks
428 Religious worker 4 weeks
430 Supported dependent 4 weeks
442 Occupational trainee 4 weeks
560 Student 6 weeks
Partner Migration*
309/100 Partner 3 to 6 months
310/110 Interdependent 3 to 6 months
300 Prospective Marriage 3 to 6 months
Child Migration*
101 Child 3 months
102 Adoption 3 months
117 Orphan Relative 6 months
445 Dependent Child of a provisional visa holder 3 months
Other Family Migration*
114 Aged Dependent Relative 8 months
115 Remaining Relative 8 months
116 Carer 8 months
* Applications from West Africa across all family migration categories, have an average processing time of 9 to 12 months.
Resident Return Visas
155 Five Year Resident Return 2 weeks
157 Three Month Resident Return 2 weeks
159 Provisional Resident Return 2 weeks
Citizenship
N/a By descent (under age of 25) 4 weeks
N/a All other situations (must be referred to Australia) 6 months

Enquiring on your application
Please note that if your application is still within the above average processing times, we will be unable to give you any information.

News on Consulates - 5/21/2007

Ethiopia and India don’t want us to submit applications too far in advance.

They will either reject it (as in the case of Ethiopia) or hold it in the consulate for longer (as in India).

There are other consulates that do this too.
Turkey with urgent visas – they take the urgent fee – don’t mark it on their receipt – and then don’t rush it for you – they give a delivery date and then tell you it’s not ready when you collect.

UK - delays to issuing passports (29/03/07) - 5/16/2007

Important notice - delays to issuing passports (29/03/07)

Due to unprecedented demand, we regret that passport issuing is taking longer than the published 10 day target. We are working hard to address the backlog, but most passports are now taking 4 to 5 weeks to issue. To assist us in reducing our backlog, we regret we are unable to deal with any enquiries relating to applications that have been in process for less than 4 weeks unless it is a genuine emergency. If you submitted an application more than 4 weeks ago but circumstances have changed and you now need to travel urgently please email PTA.PassportEnquiries@fco.gov.uk or fax 012 421 7877 with the details. It would assist greatly if applicants refrain from calling to check on non-urgent applications.

We remind applicants that travel should not be booked until a passport has been issued and HM Government cannot accept responsibility for any costs incurred if flights are booked and subsequently cancelled because a travel document is not available.

French - Consulate Cape Town - 4/6/2007

French appointments are booked up for the next 1-2 weeks.

Germany - Proof of forex - 4/6/2007

The German Consulate only will accept proof of forex rept or credit card statement.

Croatia - Multiple Visas - 4/6/2007

Please note the consulate will not be issuing any Multiple visas.

UK - Visa fee increase - 4/6/2007

Please be advised that the British have doubled the visa fees as from the 1st April 2007. Please contact us should you require a price list.

Spain - News URGENT!! - 4/3/2007

The Spanish consulate are fully booked for appointments up until 18 April 2007 They are taking about 8days to do a visa. The consulate is CLOSED 5th April 2007

Visa Solutions - New Consultant - 4/3/2007

Lungelwa Mhlabathi,who can be called Lungi,has joined Visa Solutions as an Intermediate consultant,who has had visa experience in the industry for a number of years. We welcome her to this exciting world of visas and we wish her many happy years with us!

BENIN - 3/7/2007

For all new applications Benin needs 2 application forms and 2 photos

Tanzania - New application form - 3/1/2007

As of 1 March, Tanzania will be using a new application form. (They have not updated their website as yet, for applicants to download.)

Chinese - Consulate closed 5 - 9 March - 3/1/2007

Please note that the Chinese consulate will be closed from the 5 - 9 March inclusive.

Temp passports for Schengen - 2/28/2007

As of the 1st April 2007, Luxemborg, Netherlands & Belgium will not be accepting South African temporary passports

Japan - South African Temp passports - 2/28/2007

Japan will not longer be accepting temporary SA passports for applications nor entry into the country

Spain - Urgent update - 2/26/2007

Take note from today on an appointment will have to be made in advance for the submission of more than 3 applications.
The Consulate General WILL NOT ACCEPT applications submitted less than SEVEN WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE (applicable to clients living in the Cape Town area). Please also remember that when submitting an application on behalf of a client living outside Cape Town area, you will need to provide for the amount of time needed by your agency to send the visa to the client, on top of our minimum requirement of 7 working days.
Two original application forms need to be accompanied by all necessary documentation and photocopies.

Germany - SA Temp passports - 2/9/2007

As of the 1 March 2007, no person on a South African temporary passport will be allowed entry into Germany, let alone applying for a visa.

World Cup Cricket - Update - 2/1/2007

For any queries please call us

Visa Solutions JHB - Office officially open - 1/29/2007

Visa Solutions is proud to announce the opening of our Johannesburg office doors on 29 January 2007. Address is 3rd Floor, South Wing, Hyde Park shopping centre. Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue & 6th Road, Sandton, Johannesburg 2196. Contact number is 011 325 5891 and fax is 011 325 5913, person to speak to is Ulla or e-mail ulla@visasolutions.co.za

India - Changes - 1/25/2007

India is having some internal changes which would affect the processing time of their visas. These changes will come into effect about the 1st week of February 2007

Croatia - Stricter measures - 1/25/2007

The Croatian Consulate are taking stricter measures to ensure the safety of client's passports etc. Couriers are now advised to advise Companies of their ID number, which the company requires to hand a list to the Consulate. Couriers will either have to have their name tags on or present their ID's when going to Croatian Consulate.

Croatia changes in fees - 1/25/2007

Single entry - R290
Double entry - R370
Multiple entry - R580

URGENT - AUSTRIA - 1/19/2007

Please note the Austrian consulate is very busy and appointments should be made at least 2 weeks prior to departure of your clients.

Italian Visa fees - 1/2/2007

Visa fee for Italy is R543.00

French visa fees - 1/2/2007

French visa fees have increased to R560.75. Visas are free to the following, children under 6 years old, scholars, students, post graduate students, members of the teaching profession who are undertaking a study or educational voyage. Research workers of third countries coming for scientific research defined by recommendation 2005/761/CE of the Parliment and the Council dated 28 September 2005.
Visa Applications are still free of charge to family members of European Union passport holders.

Visa Solutions closing hours - 12/20/2006

Visa Solutions will be closing on Friday 22 December 2006 at 16:00, 27, 28, 29 December at 16:00, all urgent work to be handed in by 13:30 for the bag.

ITALY - 12/14/2006

Please note that the Italian Consulate in Cape Town can no longer accept visa applications for passengers travelling in less than 7 days. This is due to the growinf volume of visa applications.

Thank you

AUSTRIA - 12/14/2006

Please note that the wait for an Appointment is currently TWO WEEKS. Processing time is about one week at present.

Thank you

BURUNDI - 12/14/2006

Please note that the Consulate of Burundi in Pretoria are only issuing applicants with a letter. They are not able to issue visas at present.

Thank you

SPAIN - 12/14/2006

Please note that the Spanish Consulate in Cape Town is needing at least ONE WEEK to process visa applications.

Thank you

Schengen Visa fee increase - 12/13/2006

As from 01 January 2007, all Schengen visa fees will be increasing to the rand equivalent of 60 Euros. ie: The Finland visa fee at the moment is R330.00, as of 01 January 2007 it will be around R550.00.

Thank you

Visa Solutions closed on Saturdays - 12/6/2006

Our offices will be closed for Saturdays from 16 December 2006 and will re-open for Saturdays on the 3 February 2007.

Visa Solutions closed 25 November 2006 - 10/30/2006

Please note to all Travel Agents and clients our offices will be closed Saturday 25 November 2006 for our Xmas staff function

Nigeria - apply in person - 10/20/2006

Clients are only to apply in person if they are applying for a Tourist visa.

Mozambique visas needed - 10/20/2006

South African passport holders require visas for Mozambique even going in on business or tourism.

Ghana - new rules - 10/20/2006

Ghana consulate are only accepting Postal orders for visa payments. They will not accept cash anymore.

Congrats to Michele on her new arrival - 10/3/2006

Congratulations to Michele and husband to the arrival of their little baby girl, born 2 Oct 2006. Weighing 3.99kg.

Chinese Closed - 9/26/2006

Consulate will be closed from the 2 October - 4 October and will be open on the 5 October again.

Visa Solutions closed 23/9 - 9/12/2006

Our offices will be closed Saturday 23/9

Namibia Business Visa - 9/11/2006

Please note that you no longer require a Business visa for Nmaibia for a stay of up to 90 (ninety) days. For more information please contact us.

Italy - Minors - 9/11/2006

Please note that there is a seperate application form for Minors travelling to Italy. The Application form and the Affidavit are available on the website.

Austria Appointment - 9/6/2006

Austrian Consulate will only accept application by appointment as of 1 September 2006. Bookings are to be made at least 3 weeks before departure.

Chinese closed - 8/31/2006

Consulate will be closed from 31 August and will re-open on the 4 September

South African visas - 8/10/2006

We are offering the services of South African visitor extensions, renewal of existing SA work permits etc, for more info please contact Visa Solutions

New Turkish Application Form - 7/20/2006

Please note that as of today 20 July 2006 there is a new form for the Turkish consulate. Please see our website.

Thank you

Passport and certificate services - 7/19/2006

Visa Solutions is now up and running with assistance in obtaining SA passports and certificates. Please enquiry prices.

Canadian visa price increase - 7/12/2006

Canadian visa fees go up as from the 1 August 2006.

Visa Solutions 425 5896 line down - 7/11/2006

Our one extention is down 425 5896, pls dial 425 5897 or 98, while the other line is being sorted out.

French accommodation - 7/3/2006

Please note that the French consulate are checking up on hotel confirmations.

Nigeria Strike - 6/8/2006

Nigerian consulate in JNB & PTY are not issuing visas until further notice as there is a strike happening at the consulates. The Nigerian Consulate was up and running 2 weeks later.

France bookings - 6/7/2006

French consulate is booked up till the 23rd of June. Please phone timeously for appointments to avoid disapointments.

Rosy & Diane away - 5/24/2006

Rosy & Diane will be out of the office from Wednesday afternoon and will only be back in the office on Monday morning, we will be visiting various consulates in Johannesburg & Pretoria.

South African Temporary Passports going to the UK - 4/20/2006

The British Government announced on 19 April 2006 that it would stop accepting South African temporary passport for travel to the UK. They have put in place transitional arrangements that will allow travellers holding a temporary passport, issued on or before 19 April 2006 to travel to the UK up to 1 June 2006. This will ensure that anyone who plans to visit the UK will be able to do so. Those who hold a valid airline ticket purchased before 10 May 2006 will be allowed to travel before 1 June 2006. Anyone with a temporary passport who purchases an airline ticket between 11 and 30 May can also travel to the UK before the 1 June 2006 but will need to obtain a UK visa. From 1 June 2006, South African temporary passports will no longer be accepted for travel to the UK

Easter Weekend - 4/13/2006

Please note that our offices will be closing at 16h00 on Thursday 13th April and will be closed for business on Saturday 15th April.

ENJOY THE EASTER WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!STAY SAFE AND ARRIVE ALIVE!

Regards
Visa Solutions

Angola - 3/14/2006

Pretoria are no longer issuing visas for clients living outside of Pretoria. If they reside in Cape Town they have to apply personally through the Cape Town consualate.

Kuwait visas - 3/3/2006

All passport holders require visas before hand to enter Kuwait.

India - 2/21/2006

Please check that your client signs both pages (3 + 4) where signatures are requested.

Thank you.

Turkey (Cruise) - 2/21/2006

Day visits - Rules have changed. Problems have been experianced at the border for SA Passport holders. Even if your pax is staying on the Cruise Ship and arrives at port in the morning, your pax excursion and departs the same afternoon, a visa is required before travelling.

Thank you.

Namibia Payment Details - 2/17/2006

Please note that as from 1 March, the Visa Section of the High Commission of the Republic of Namibia will no longer accept any cash payments. Payments are to be made in the form of a CASH DEPOSIT at First National Bank through the Missions Bank Account.
Bank Name: First National Bank
Account Name: Namibia High Commission
Account No.: 51420046174
Branch Code: 251445
Branch Name: Church Square.

Please submit original of cash deposit slip with your Namibian Application, otherwise a banking fee will be charged.

Thank you.

VAF 1 Form - 2/10/2006

Please note that we have a NEW form in our office. We will upload it ASAP, until then please ask us to fax it to you. Also note that NO OLD FORMS will be accepted as from the 13 February 2006.

Thank you

Panama - 2/8/2006

There is no representation for Panama in South Africa at the moment. The office in Cape Town is closed.Passengers must obtain their visa en route.

Mozambique Consulate(Cape Town) - 2/7/2006

Please note that the Mozambique Consulate in Cape Town will be out of Visa Stickers until further notice.

Thank You.

Brittish High Commission - 2/6/2006

Please note that the Brittish High Commission wil be undergoing staff training in the week of the 13th of Frebruary 2006. During this week the Visa Section will be operating with substantially reduced staffing and the service will be adversely affected. Applicants are therefore urged to avoid lodging applications during this week. Any applicants hoping to travel during this week MUST lodge their applications well in advance.
During this period the Brittish High Commission will reserve the right to restrict their opening hours if necessary.

Thank you.

Mexican Update - 2/1/2006

Please note that as of immediate effect, all visa applicants will be required to show for a personal interview at the Consulate in Pretoria.

Thank You.

Visa Solutions - 1/31/2006

We are uploading new applications and information on our website on a daily basis, if there is an application that you require urgently please advise us so we can upload it immediately for your convenience.

Michele Kendall (nee Steinhoff) - 1/31/2006

We are proud to announce that Michele is expecting her first baby. Congratulations!

USA update - 1/30/2006

From February 2 appointments to apply for nonimmigrant visas at a US Consulate General in SA must be scheduled by telephoning the new Visa Information Service call centre. This will replace the current system where applicants can make appointments via the Embassy's website.
Under the new system applicants must pay R86 to obtain a personal indentification number (PIN) enabling them to consult with Visa Information Service representatives via telephone for nine minutes. The PIN can be purchased during the telephone call or at any Pick 'n Pay supermarket. The Visa Information Centre will be open from 08h00 to 19h00 Monday to Friday and 09h00 to 14h00 Saturdays and can be reached at (011) 275 6300.

Canada - New additional form - 1/24/2006

The Canadian consulate has implemented an additional form to be completed and accompanied with the application form, it is on Visa Solutions website under New additional form.

Mali - 1/20/2006

Please note that the consulate will be closed Friday the 20th January 2006

Consulates Closed - List under applications - 1/20/2006

Please check under Visa Forms for a detailed list of consulate closing dates for 2006.We cannot be held responsible for any unpublished dates. List avalible from the 25.01.06

Nigeria reminder Submission Times - 1/20/2006

Submissions on Tuesdays and Thursdays only and Collections Mondays and Fridays only. Wednesday closed

Visa Solutions Saturday Working Hours - 1/19/2006

As from the 4th of February 2006 we will return to normal Saturday times. 09h00 to 12h00. We thank you again for your continued support.