The Department of Home Affairs has stated that only Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTD) are accepted to enter South Africa, with effect from November 24, 2015. This is to comply with regulation 2(1)(a) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
Home Affairs said in the case of a bona fide emergency, travellers would be allowed to use Emergency Travel Documents to enter and depart from South Africa.
Travellers who entered South Africa before November 24, 2015, on non-MRTD will be allowed to return to their countries of origin or residence.
Travellers who entered South Africa with an MRTD and lost it while in the country, will be allowed to depart with Emergency Travel Documents.
