How does a visa extension work for a family?
In South Africa, every person applies. Children too. Each one pays the VFS fees. That is R2 175 per person. We read that on 1 September 2026. And each one goes in person.
Must each of you apply?
Yes. Each person has their own visitor’s visa. So each person asks for their own time. Each pays the fees: R2 175 per person. We saw one family’s receipts, 2020 to 2023. One per person, every time.
Each person also goes to VFS. The visa office says: “You must attend the appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone in your place.” A parent can go in with a child. That rule is for children under 18.
What extra papers does a child need?
For children, the list adds one line. It asks for: “proof of parental responsibilities and rights or written consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent or legal guardian”. We read it on 29 August 2026. In plain words: show you are the parent. Or show the other parent says yes. Families show the birth certificate for this. That last line is practice, not a rule. Read the child deep-dive: what papers your child’s visa needs.
One family we know did this in 2023. Each child’s papers had two more things. A short letter from a parent. It says: I pay for my child. And a copy of the parent’s visa. All the children got their extensions. One family’s story, not a rule.
Can we go to VFS together?
Maybe. The 2023 family went on the same day. That is one story, not a promise. Each person has their own booking. Book early. Slots are few. Ask for days close to each other.
What do we charge a family?
Our service is optional and separate. One person: R1 899. A family of up to four: R2 899. One payment for all of you. Four alone would pay R7 596. Each person gets their own checklist. Each gets their own papers. Tax is in the price. The VFS fees stay extra, per person. See the fees page for those. The base list is here: what papers you need.
Get every checklist in one place. One payment, up to four people.
Three more answers
Does my child apply too?
Yes. Each child has their own visa. So each child asks for more time. And each child pays the R2 175 fees. We saw one family's receipts: one per child.
Can we all go the same day?
One family did, in 2023. That is one story, not a promise. Each person books their own visit. Book early and ask for close days.
What papers are extra for a child?
The visa office's list names one line. Proof of the parent tie. Or the other parent's written yes. Families also add two things in practice. The parent's short letter: I pay for my child. And a copy of the parent's visa. The first is the list. The rest is practice, not a rule.
The visa office’s list: read 29 August 2026. The fees: read 1 September 2026.