Extending our Stay in South Africa

[taniyamorris]

My husband & I (both British) are about to come to the end of our 90 day permitted stay in South Africa. I know we can get another 90 days by leaving the country as the permit finishes & re-entering a day or so later - hence obtaining a new 90 day stay. I also know this can be done by entering Namibia or Botswana, for example, but we are currently quite close to Lesotho & that would be far more convenient. However I have spoken to a few people recently who have said that they don't believe that they issue entry permits/visas at the land border from Lesotho to SA. Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of this, as it's a long drive north to Botswana that we'd rather avoid if possible.

I know we can apply for an extension for our stay via the Home Affairs, but having spoken to several people going through this process, the drive to Botswana seems less hassle!

Thanks

[roamingyak]

From my own conversations at two different borders and from the experiences of a married couple (SA/Brit) I know, you will +not+ get given another 90 days if you exit and enter SA. They will only give you 90 days on your first entry. After that they will only give you 30 days. It is all computerised.

Lesotho is kind of considered part of SA when it comes to carnets and visas (even though it isn't). When I came out of Lesotho they just used my original 90 day SA visa, so my days in LS counted on my SA visa. So doubt that will work either. You might have to try and get an extension in the country, but it is hard work etc

[MikeAfrica]

Hi guys, I just got back from Mozambique for my second visa 'extension', and I can assure you it's possible by leaving the country and coming back. In my case, no questions asked - even though it was a computerized border. Though, truth be told, someone else I know got refused at the border.. he was told that he had to fly back to his country of origin before he could get a new visa (and this was at the same borderpost where I went for my first visa-run, just south of Gaborone).

I heard from other travelers along the way that they got new visa coming from Lesotho, but also from others that that is not customary for the Lesotho border. So, I guess going to Botswana or Mozambique is your best guess, though still a bit of a gamble.

One word of warning though.. traveling to nicer climates makes the SA cold pretty much unbearable (especially here in Joburg )

[Moto Zulu]

Hi,

from Lesotho to South Africa you can get a 2 or 4 week extension for your Visa if you are lucky ! But as far as I know they dont give 3 month.

Your first VISA you can extend in a Home Affairs Office in South Africa for another 3 month. Cost around 500 Rand if I remember right.

Where are you guys ! Lesotho is quite cold at the moment I guess. The Home Affairs Office in Port Shepstone has extended a lot of tourist visas in the past.

Good place to stay while doing that www.spotbackpackers.com right on the beach.

Regards

Thomas

[taniyamorris]

Thanks guys - we have decided to head up to Boswana & spend a few weeks in the Kgalagadi/Kalahari.... less risk methinks. Currently in Hogsback & lovin' SA!

[parker36]

I've been living in Lesotho for the last two years. The standard issue visa for entering the RSA is 7days only. You can, however, get 30day or 90day visas if you ask nice. This works best at boarder crossings other than Maseru Bridge. I've gotten the 90day ones without even asking at the Ficksburg/Maputsoe and the Sani crossings.

[parker36]

Update: 90day RSA visa, no questions asked at the Telle Bridge boarder as well.