Planning a trip for a client to South Africa? If you’re relying on the country’s e-Visa system, you might want to apply way earlier than expected.
For months, travellers have reported frustrating delays, technical glitches, and last-minute headaches due to South Africa’s problem-plagued e-Visa portal. The system, meant to simplify visa applications, has instead left many applicants stranded—forcing some to postpone flights or scramble for emergency visa solutions.
What’s Going Wrong?
The South African e-Visa system, launched to boost tourism and streamline entry for visitors, has been hit by persistent issues, including:
- Frequent website crashes – Applicants struggle to even access the portal.
- Unexpected processing delays – Some visas take weeks longer than promised.
- Payment failures – Transactions get stuck or fail without explanation.
- No clear updates – Many applicants have no idea where their visa stands.
Tour operators and frequent travellers have taken to social media to vent, with some calling the system "unreliable" and "a travel gamble."
Government Acknowledges the Problem
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) admits the system is still being optimized. In a recent update, officials urged travellers to:
"Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel to avoid disruptions."
But with some applicants reporting 6-8 week delays, even that may not be enough.
Is There a Fix Coming?
The DHA says improvements are underway, but no timeline has been given. Until then, travellers are stuck playing the waiting game.
Final Advice
If you are making a trip for south africa, don’t leave visa complications to the last minute. Apply early, stay patient, and keep an eye on official updates or opt for embassy stamping.
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