VISA UPDATES
Passengers applying for Canadian visas will have to submit their biometrics in person at the Pretoria-based VFS application centre, according to the Immigration and Visa Section of the High Commission of Canada, based in Pretoria.
At the time of publication, no other South African submission centres had been provided.
The High Commission also confirmed that applicants who are required to submit biometrics will receive a Biometric Letter of Instruction from the Government of Canada informing them that they will be unable to obtain a Canadian visa without first submitting their biometrics to VFS.
When supplying biometrics, applicants will also need to bring:
• Passport
• The Biometric Letter of Instruction
Dubai announces new tourist visa rules
Tourists travelling to the UAE during the summer won’t need to pay visa fees for dependents aged 18 years or below, the UAE Cabinet announced.
The fee exemption will be applicable between July 15 and September 15 every year and is expected to boost tourist numbers during the off-peak season.
The decision follows the exemption of transit tourists from visa fees for the first 48 hours.
A 14-day express tourist visa costs Dh497 per head and a 30-day multi-entry tourist visa costs Dh917 if the traveller purchases it online.
Canada pax must submit biometrics in Pretoria
Schengen High Season
We are in peak season for Schengen visas. This has resulted in a shortage of visa appointment availability and extended processing times.
Appointment Availability:
Poland - Middle of August
Hungary - Middle of August
Processing Times
Portugal - Releasing a day prior to departure
Spain - Strictly 15 working days
Greece - Strictly 15 working days
Denmark - Strictly 15 working days
Germany - Up to 15 working days
Sweden - Strictly 15 working days
The standard processing time for Schengen visas is 15 working days. Applicants may start applying up to 3 months prior to travel. Please start applying early to avoid disappointment.