VOLUNTEER VISA

A Volunteer Visa is a type of Visitor Visa issued under Section 11(1)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act. It allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa temporarily while undertaking unpaid voluntary work with a registered organisation, such as a non-profit organisation (NPO), non-governmental organisation (NGO), religious institution, school, or community-based project.

A Volunteer Visa is available to foreign nationals who wish to undertake voluntary work with a Iegitimate, registered organisation  in South Africa. While volunteers may not receive a salary or other forms of employment remuneration, they may receive a stipend to help cover basic living expenses. This visa is suitable for individuals such as  volunteers for their work, including gap year students, retirees, and professionals participating in voluntary or community service programmes.

A Volunteer Visa may be issued for  a period of up to 3 (three) years, depending on the duration of the volunteer placement. In most cases, visas are initially granted for 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) months and may be extended, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.

No. A Volunteer Visa is intended strictly for unpaid, charitable Work and does not permit employment for salary or income. Receiving a salary or income could be seen as unauthorised employment, which may result in Visa cancellation, refusal of future applications, or deportation. However, volunteers may receive a daily stipend to assist with their basic or necessary living expenses, provided it is not considered remuneration for employment. 

You will typically need:

• A motivational letter from the host organisation.
• A valid passport (with at least 30 days after the intended stay).
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa.
• Proof of financial support (bank statements or sponsor letter).
• Medical and radiology reports.
• Police clearance from countries lived in 12+ months since age 18.
• A completed DHA-1738 form.

No, first-time Volunteer Visa applications must be submitted at the South African embassy, high commission, or consulate in your country of origin or legal residence. Once the visa has been issued, any renewal extension application must be submitted from within South Africa through VFS Global, provided the application is lodged before the current visa expires. 

In general, no. South African Immigration Law requires applicants to apply for a different visa category from outside South Africa. A change of status from within the country is only permitted in exceptional circumstances, where the applicant qualifies for a special application or waiver in terms of the Immigration Act and its regulations.

Yes, family members may accompany a Volunteer Visa holder, but they must each apply for their own appropriate visa, such as an Accompanying Visa or Study Visa for school going children. A Volunteer Visa does not automatically extend to or cover dependents.

Eligible host organisations include:

• Non-profits (NPOs/NGOs).
• Faith-based organisations or churches.
• Charities.
• Educational institutions.
• Community upliftment projects.

They must be legally registered in South Africa and provide formal documentation.

Volunteer Visa applications submitted through a South African embassy, high commission, or consulate are typically processed within  4 (four) to –8 (eight) weeks. However, processing times may , vary depending on the country of application, the volume of applications, and seasonal demand. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of their intended travel date.