Welcome to C.R.O.W., South Africa’s pioneering wildlife rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing our country’s precious wild animals.
Since opening our doors in 1980, our team of passionate staff and volunteers has given a second chance at life to over 3,000 injured, orphaned, and displaced animals each year.
Volunteering with C.R.O.W. is not just about contributing your time; it’s about making a real difference in wildlife conservation and learning about the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, before you can join us in our mission, it’s essential to navigate the visa requirements for volunteering in South Africa. Understanding these requirements ensures that your transition into our team is smooth and your focus remains on what truly matters—helping the animals and enjoying a life-changing experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing the right visa for your volunteer journey with us. So, let’s get started and prepare you for an unforgettable adventure at C.R.O.W.!
- An overview of South African Visas
- Types of visas for volunteering in South Africa
- Step-by-step application process
- Financial & medical requirements
- Additional tips & resources
An overview of South African visas
Embarking on your volunteer journey with C.R.O.W. starts with understanding the visa process for entering South Africa. Whether you’re coming to us for a few months or looking to make a longer commitment, getting the right visa is important for hassle-free entry and a fulfilling volunteer experience.
General information about South African visas
South Africa welcomes visitors from around the globe with various visa options for different travel purposes, including tourism, business, and volunteer work. Typically, a visa indicates that a South African embassy or consulate has reviewed your application and you’ve been found eligible to enter the country for a specific reason. Upon arrival, an immigration official at the port of entry will make the final decision on whether you are allowed to enter and how long you can stay.
It’s important to apply for the correct visa to match the purpose of your visit. For volunteering, this means ensuring you select a visa that explicitly allows for volunteer or charitable activities, as general tourist visas may not permit this type of work.
Visitor’s visa section 11(1)(b)(ii) for volunteer/charitable activities
For those planning to volunteer at organisations like C.R.O.W., the Visitor’s Visa under Section 11(1)(b)(II) is tailored for unpaid voluntary or charitable activities. This visa can be issued for up to three years, provided you demonstrate sufficient financial resources for your stay and the specific activities you’ll be engaged in.
This visa category is perfect for our volunteers who commit to making a difference over several months or even years. It’s designed to ensure that while you contribute to our conservation efforts, you remain compliant with national regulations, keeping your focus firmly on the invaluable work you’ll be doing with us at C.R.O.W.
In the next sections, we’ll guide you through the application process for this visa, outlining the required documents and steps to ensure your application is as strong as possible.
Let’s make sure you’re well-prepared for a seamless start to your volunteering adventure!
Types of visas for volunteering in South Africa
Whether you’re planning a short stint to help out during our busy seasons or considering a deeper, long-term commitment to wildlife rehabilitation, understanding the specific visa requirements is key.
Here’s a breakdown of the visa options for volunteering at C.R.O.W., tailored to the duration and nature of your intended stay.
Short-term volunteer opportunities (up to 3 months)
For those looking to join us for up to three months, the standard tourist visa may suffice. This visa is typically used by those who wish to visit South Africa for leisure or tourism but can also be used for short-term, unpaid volunteer work.
However, it’s essential to confirm that volunteering is permitted under the tourist visa for the duration of your stay, as policies can vary.
- Eligibility: Available to most international visitors coming to South Africa.
- Benefits: Easier to obtain than other types of visas, with fewer requirements.
- Limitations: Strictly for short stays and you must ensure that the activities you engage in are covered under this visa type to avoid legal issues upon arrival.
Before planning your trip, check the latest guidelines from the South African Department of Home Affairs or consult with the nearest South African embassy or consulate to ensure compliance.
Long-term volunteer opportunities (3 months to 3 years)
For volunteers committed to staying longer than three months, the Visitor’s Visa Section 11(1)(b)(II) for volunteer or charitable activities is the appropriate choice. This visa is designed for those who wish to engage in unpaid work with N.G.O.s and other charitable organisations, like C.R.O.W. It offers a more extended stay to truly immerse in and contribute to our conservation efforts.
- Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older, demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support your stay, and be engaged in non-remunerative work under the auspices of a registered N.G.O.
- Benefits: Grants a longer period of stay, from three months up to three years, allowing for a substantial impact on our ongoing projects. This visa also provides a more profound engagement with local communities and ecosystems.
- Limitations: The application process is more rigorous than that for a tourist visa. It requires detailed documentation, including proof of affiliation with C.R.O.W., a statement of activities, and financial means, among others. Also, you cannot receive payment for your volunteer work.
This visa ensures that your time with us at C.R.O.W. is legally sanctioned and tailored to provide the maximum benefit to both the volunteer and our wildlife initiatives. In the next section, we’ll guide you through preparing and submitting your visa application, making sure you have all the necessary information to proceed confidently.
Step-by-step application process
Embarking on your volunteer journey at C.R.O.W. requires careful planning, especially when it comes to navigating the visa application process. Our only requirement is that our volunteers need to be at least 18 years of age, if you meet that requirement, please read on for specific visa requirements.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you apply for the appropriate volunteer visa, ensuring you meet all the necessary criteria and submit a complete application.
Step 1: Determine the appropriate visa type
- Short-term volunteers (up to 3 months): Typically apply for a tourist visa.
- Long-term volunteers (3 months to 3 years): Need to apply for the Visitor’s Visa Section 11(1)(b)(II) for volunteer or charitable activities.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
For a smooth application process, prepare the following documents well in advance. Please note that requirements may differ for long—or short-term volunteers, so be sure to double-check with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa and have at least two blank pages.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs (4×4 cm) with a white background.
- Visa application form (DHA-1738 Form 8): Complete in black ink and BLOCK letters. Ensure all sections relevant to your visit are filled out comprehensively.
- Medical report (BI-811) and radiological report (BI-806): These must be completed by certified medical professionals and not be older than six months at the time of application.
- Police clearance: Required from all countries where you’ve lived for one year or more since turning 18. Must be authenticated and, if not in English, translated by a sworn translator.
- Proof of financial means: This could include bank statements, traveller’s cheques, or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
Step 3: Additional documentation for dependants or partners
If you are travelling with dependants or a partner, additional documents are needed:
- For Partners: Marriage certificate or proof of a recognised partnership.
- For Dependants: Birth certificates, consent forms from non-travelling parents, and proof of guardianship.
Step 4: Submitting your application
- Where to Apply: Applications must be submitted in person at the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
- When to Apply: It is advisable to apply at least three months before your intended travel date to accommodate any delays in processing.
Step 6: Follow up and prepare for travel
- Track your application: Keep in touch with the embassy or consulate to track the progress of your application.
- Prepare for departure: Once your visa is approved, finalise your travel arrangements, ensuring you comply with all entry requirements, such as vaccinations and return tickets.
Advice on flight bookings and entry requirements
- Booking flights: It’s advisable to book flights that are flexible or refundable where possible, as visa approvals can be delayed. Do not confirm your flight until your visa has been approved.
- Entry requirements:
- Return tickets: Ensure you have a return ticket if your stay is short-term, as this is often checked by immigration authorities.
- Proof of vaccination: Depending on your travel history, you might need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from or have transited through a Yellow Fever belt country.
By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure that the visa application process is as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on the exciting prospect of volunteering with C.R.O.W. and contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa.
Financial and medical requirements
When preparing to volunteer with C.R.O.W. in South Africa, it’s essential to understand and meet both the financial and medical requirements associated with your visa application. These requirements not only ensure that you are prepared for your stay but also help safeguard your health and the health of the community you’ll be joining.
Financial proof for the duration of your stay
Ensuring you have sufficient financial means is essential for the approval of your volunteer visa. This shows that you can support yourself during your time in South Africa without the need for unauthorised work.
- What to submit:
- Bank statements: Recent statements (last three months) showing a consistent balance sufficient to cover your monthly expenses; typically, at least R3000.00 per month is required.
- Traveller’s cheques or credit card statements: These should reflect an available balance adequate for your stay.
- Financial support from parents or guardians (if applicable): A letter from them undertaking financial responsibility, accompanied by their recent bank statements and a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Health checks
South Africa requires certain health checks to protect both you and the local population from communicable diseases.
- Medical report (Form BI-811):
- Purpose: Assesses your general state of health and any pre-existing medical conditions that might need attention during your stay.
- Requirements: Must be completed by a registered medical practitioner, signed, stamped, and not older than six months by the date of your application.
- Radiological report (Form BI-806):
- Purpose: Screens for active pulmonary tuberculosis, which is a mandatory health check for anyone staying longer than six months.
- Requirements: Must be completed by a registered radiologist, signed, stamped, and also not older than six months. Note that pregnant women are exempt from this requirement but must provide a doctor’s note.
Compliance and verification
- Document verification: Ensure all medical forms are properly completed and certified. Incomplete forms can result in delays or denial of your visa application.
- Translation and authentication: If any documents are not in English, they must be translated by a sworn translator and authenticated as per the embassy’s requirements.
By meeting these financial and medical requirements, you not only comply with South African immigration policies but also ensure that your stay is safe and sustainable. Proper preparation in these areas will help you focus more on your volunteer experience at C.R.O.W. and less on administrative hurdles once you arrive.
Additional tips and resources
As you prepare for your volunteering stint at C.R.O.W., here are some additional tips and resources to ensure you have everything in order before you depart. This section will guide you through the essential steps, from finalising your visa to packing your bags.
Please note that C.R.O.W. will send you a more detailed packing list when you volunteer with us.
Contact information for South African Consular Services
- Find your nearest embassy or consulate: It’s important to contact the South African embassy or consulate in your home country. They will be your primary resource for visa applications, documentation requirements, and any consular support you might need before or during your stay in South Africa.
- Website: South African Department of Home Affairs. Email and telephone contact can typically be found on the official embassy or consulate websites for your specific country.
Your travel checklist
- Visa application: Make sure you understand the visa fees, which can vary by nationality, and the processing times, which can take anywhere from 10 to 15 working days or longer, depending on your country.
- Financial preparation: Have enough funds available in the required form, whether in your bank account or as traveller’s cheques.
- What to bring:
- Clothing: Pack for varying weather conditions, especially if you’ll be staying through different seasons. Include sturdy work clothes for daily tasks at C.R.O.W.
- Health supplies: Bring any personal medications with enough supply for your stay. It’s also wise to include a basic first aid kit.
- Travel adapters and electronics: South Africa uses Type M power sockets, so that you may need adapters for your electronic devices.
- Important documents: Keep your passport, visa documentation, travel insurance details, and any medical certificates handy in your carry-on luggage.
By preparing thoroughly and keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a smooth start to your volunteer experience at C.R.O.W. Remember, the better prepared you are, the more you can focus on the rewarding work of wildlife conservation upon your arrival.
Safe travels, and we look forward to having you join our team!