Visa Exemption for certain categories of persons for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

“N.B. The Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002) does not make provision for persons from visa restricted countries, who arrive at ports of entry without visas, to be admitted into the Republic of South Africa, or for visas to be issued at ports of entry.

In order to facilitate the admission of persons for the purpose of activities related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Minister of Home Affairs has approved that certain categories of persons be exempt from visa requirements until the end of the event in 2010. This includes site visits, meetings and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

CATEGORY 1

Individuals falling within the categories listed below may be admitted on visitor’s permits in terms of section 11(1) of the Immigration Act, 2002(Act No. 13 of 2002) for a period not exceeding 90days. They must however, satisfy the Department of their bona fides by submitting a valid passport with at least one unused visa page (not endorsement or amendment page) and a formal letter from FIFA specifying the purpose of the visit.

a) All soccer players representing their national teams
b) FIFA VIP’s, executives and officials with support staff
c) Support staff for the soccer teams (e.g. medical practitioners, physiotherapists, managers etc.)
d) Referees
e) Media representatives
f) Spouses and children of persons listed in (a) to (e) above

CATEGORY 2

Spectators of the same nationality as the teams that qualify for the semi-finals and/or final matches of the tournament, provided that such spectators hold:

• a valid passport, with at least one unused visa page (not endorsement/amendment page)
• proof of having purchased an event ticket voucher as defined by FIFA

Spectators of the same nationality as members of the teams that qualify for the semi-finals and/or final matches of the tournament, provided that they have:

• a valid passport, with at least one unused visa page (not endorsement/amendment page)
• a valid match ticket on arrival”