South Africa•Africa

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Section 17 — Medical Treatment Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

5–10 days

Estimated Cost

$36 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

This visa is for foreign nationals intending to receive medical treatment in South Africa for a period exceeding three months.

The Medical Treatment Visa is designed for foreign nationals requiring specialized medical care in South Africa for periods longer than three months. It requires comprehensive documentation from local medical practitioners and proof of financial solvency. The visa does not permit any form of employment or business activity.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	6 months
Extension increments	6 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must intend to receive medical treatment in South Africa

Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses and living costs

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed Form DHA-1738

Valid passport (at least 30 days beyond intended departure, 2 blank pages)

Letter from a medical practitioner/institution in South Africa detailing the condition, treatment plan, estimated costs, and duration

Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses and living costs

Details of accompanying persons (if any)

Medical and radiological reports (Form BI-811 and BI-806)

Police clearance certificate (if required)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for extended medical care
Renewable if treatment duration exceeds six months

Worth Knowing

Strict prohibition on work
Requires independent applications for dependents
Inability to prove financial means
Lack of medical practitioner letter from South Africa

Application Process

Obtain medical letter from South African practitioner

Complete Form DHA-1738

Submit application via VFS Global center

Pay government and VFS service fees

Application Forms

DHA-1738

Fill online

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Overview

This visa is for foreign nationals intending to receive medical treatment in South Africa for a period exceeding three months.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must intend to receive medical treatment in South Africa

Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses and living costs

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed Form DHA-1738

Valid passport (at least 30 days beyond intended departure, 2 blank pages)

Letter from a medical practitioner/institution in South Africa detailing the condition, treatment plan, estimated costs, and duration

Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses and living costs

Details of accompanying persons (if any)

Medical and radiological reports (Form BI-811 and BI-806)

Police clearance certificate (if required)