Transit visa requirements reinstated for Bangladesh, Pakistan nationals

Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the changes in a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

This mean that all travellers using ordinary passports issued by Bangladesh and Pakistan authorities are required to apply for a visa when transiting through South Africa to other countries.

The two countries were previously exempted from the transit visa requirements.

Motsoaledi says the decision comes after the recent incidents where passengers from the two countries were caught attempting to enter South Africa illegally.

A video of foreign nationals trying to exit OR Tambo International Airport through fire hydrants has gone viral on social media some two months ago.

“The reintroduction of transit visas is one of the practical and strong interventions we are making in our ongoing efforts of strengthening entry requirements in our airports. It also underscores our resolve to stop people from undermining our systems.

“Authorities of Bangladesh and the Republic of Pakistani have been informed of this decision through South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation,” said Motsoaledi.

The new measures are effective from 11 August.

ALSO READ