Research South Africa entry using the passport you will carry, every relevant journey leg and the real activity planned. Do not select a visitor or transit answer from nationality alone while leaving the itinerary or work purpose unstated.
Write the actual itinerary and activity
DHA's exemption information distinguishes passport categories and includes specific transit guidance. It warns that exemption information can change. Visa-exempt travel, a transit arrangement and permission for a particular activity must be checked against the actual journey and purpose. Read South African DHA: Exempt Countries.
Your working sheet
The following is an editorial organisation tool, not an official application checklist. Copy the rows that help and fill them with your own verified records.
| Check | What to record |
|---|---|
| Passport | Record nationality document category and any individual status question |
| Itinerary | List arrival airport transit onward destination and whether entry is required |
| Activity | Describe the intended visit employment study or other purpose honestly |
A practical example
A traveller transiting through an airport may have a different question from someone entering South Africa before continuing overland. Their research card should preserve that difference. A general statement that a passport is exempt does not answer every transit or activity condition.
Before the next step
Read DHA's current exemption information and the responsible mission's route guidance. Confirm carrier document questions separately. If paid or unpaid work is intended, research its authorisation explicitly rather than treating a visit or transit arrangement as the answer.
Continue with the guide library or save the next task in the moving planner. Official requirements can change; the source above was checked on 17 October 2026.