What if I want to stay in SA for longer, or to change to the purpose of my visit? It is best to request the full duration of your intended visit when you first arrive, as extensions are subject to additional fees. If you wish to extend your stay further, you must keep your temporary residence permit valid by applying for an extension at your nearest Department of Home Affairs office in SA. You should do this well BEFORE your permit expires - once your permit expires it cannot be extended, and you will be obliged to leave the country and apply to re-enter from abroad. You should also be clear about the purpose of your visit, as this may not officially be changed once you are in South Africa. Access/download your permit extension application form online (PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader, automatic free download): Select the appropriate form here. What if I plan to work or study in SA? If you intend to be professionally active in South Africa or to undertake any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a work, work-seeker's or study permit. These permits are also issued outside South Africa, and function as valid visas in allowing their holders to proceed to a South African port of entry. (In other words, if you're applying for one of these permits, you do not have to apply for a visa separately.) See: If you are passing through South Africa from a place outside its borders, you may need a transit visa, depending on your nationality. See Who needs a visa for travelling to SA?. If you're a seaman, regardless of your nationality, you will NOT need a visa in order to join a vessel in South Africa. Note that a transit visa does not allow for sightseeing or shopping outside of the port transit area - for this, you would need a visitor's visa