6. Medical Treatment Visas
Medical treatment visas are granted for six months at a time and can be renewed in South Africa. the visa envisages two types of medical sojourns in South Africa:
Pre-planned Medical Operations
South Africa boasts top medical skills and resources and is considered affordable for those who have planned to undergo certain medical treatments.
- Some foreign medical patients seek forms of cosmetic surgery and treatments that require a period of recovery before returning to his or her country or origin;
- Whilst others require specialised invasive medical treatments and surgeries that is either not offered abroad in their own countries or we have experienced most recently that medical facilities are unable to provide treatments due to overburdened hospitals as a result of Covid and its variants
- There are also those who attend on local South African rehabilitation centres for addictions, and the like. South Africa has become a very sought-after destination for treatments and recovery.
Unplanned Invasive Medical Treatment or Care
Many foreign applicants experience unforeseen medical needs whilst in the country.
Whether it relates to a medical emergency for a physical injury or internal medical treatment, such foreign applicant would be required to booked into a medical facility as an in-patient for urgent medical surgery or treatment and may be required to remain in care for a long period.
The issue of an overstay may arise where the foreign person has an unplanned medical procedure and his or her initial visitor’s visa may expire. To avoid such risk of an overstay, a foreign applicant should consider a medical treatment visa.
A medical treatment visa may be renewed if the requisite medical treatment is expected to extend beyond six months.
