South Africa: Deadline extended for Zimbabwean Exemption Permit

In brief

The deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders to apply for the appropriate visas or waivers in South Africa has been extended until 31 December 2023. 


Contents

In more detail

On 7 June 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa extended the deadline for ZEP holders from 30 June 2023 to 31 December 2023. This extension is to allow ZEP holders time to apply for the appropriate visas or waivers.

During the period until 31 December 2023, ZEP holders:

  • May be allowed to depart or enter South Africa, provided the holder complies with all other requirements (except having a valid permit) for entry into and departure from the country.
  • May not be ordered to depart, be arrested, be detained for purposes of deportation, or be deported for any reason related to the holder not having a valid exemption permit.
  • Should not be required to produce:
    • A valid exemption permit
    • An authorization letter to remain in South Africa when submitting an application for any category of visas, including temporary residence visas.

ZEP holders should submit their applications as soon as possible, especially given the current significant delays in processing visa applications.

Contact Information

Copyright © 2025 Baker & McKenzie. All rights reserved. Ownership: This documentation and content (Content) is a proprietary resource owned exclusively by Baker McKenzie (meaning Baker & McKenzie International and its member firms). The Content is protected under international copyright conventions. Use of this Content does not of itself create a contractual relationship, nor any attorney/client relationship, between Baker McKenzie and any person. Non-reliance and exclusion: All Content is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal and regulatory developments. All summaries of the laws, regulations and practice are subject to change. The Content is not offered as legal or professional advice for any specific matter. It is not intended to be a substitute for reference to (and compliance with) the detailed provisions of applicable laws, rules, regulations or forms. Legal advice should always be sought before taking any action or refraining from taking any action based on any Content. Baker McKenzie and the editors and the contributing authors do not guarantee the accuracy of the Content and expressly disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or permitted to be done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the Content. The Content may contain links to external websites and external websites may link to the Content. Baker McKenzie is not responsible for the content or operation of any such external sites and disclaims all liability, howsoever occurring, in respect of the content or operation of any such external websites. Attorney Advertising: This Content may qualify as “Attorney Advertising” requiring notice in some jurisdictions. To the extent that this Content may qualify as Attorney Advertising, PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME. Reproduction: Reproduction of reasonable portions of the Content is permitted provided that (i) such reproductions are made available free of charge and for non-commercial purposes, (ii) such reproductions are properly attributed to Baker McKenzie, (iii) the portion of the Content being reproduced is not altered or made available in a manner that modifies the Content or presents the Content being reproduced in a false light and (iv) notice is made to the disclaimers included on the Content. The permission to re-copy does not allow for incorporation of any substantial portion of the Content in any work or publication, whether in hard copy, electronic or any other form or for commercial purposes.