What email address is used for South Africa overstay appeals?

DIRCO overstay appeal guidance lists Overstayappeals@dha.gov.za for written representations against declarations of undesirability.

What documents are needed for an overstay appeal?

DIRCO lists written representation, Form 19, passport copies, pending-application acknowledgement where relevant, and a medical certificate if medical reasons caused the overstay.

How long is a South Africa overstay ban?

Regulation 27 provides for 12 months for an overstay not exceeding 30 days, two years for a second overstay within 24 months, and five years for more than 30 days.

Overstay Appeal

South Africa Overstay Appeal: Form 19, Email and Documents

If you leave South Africa after overstaying a visa, you may be declared an undesirable person and issued Form 19 at the port of entry. The DIRCO overstay appeal procedure says appeals must be sent by email with supporting documents.

Reviewed 5 August 2026. This guide is based on South Africa Immigration Regulations, 2014, the DIRCO overstay appeal procedure, and current DHA directive wording. It is information only, not legal advice.

Appeal Email Address

Email: Overstayappeals@dha.gov.za

Use one clear email thread, attach readable PDF copies, and keep delivery/receipt evidence. If the address or process changes, follow the latest DHA/DIRCO instruction.

Documents Listed by DIRCO

Written representation explaining what happened and what relief you request.
Copy of the declaration of undesirability, usually Form 19, issued at the port of entry.
Copy of relevant passport pages, including the bio page and South African entry/exit stamps.
Acknowledgement of receipt if you had applied for a permit and the status was pending.
Medical certificate if the overstay was due to medical reasons.

Overstay Periods Under the Regulations

Situation	Possible undesirability period
Overstay not exceeding 30 days	12 months
Second overstay within 24 months	2 years
Overstay of more than 30 days	5 years

This summary is based on Regulation 27 of the Immigration Regulations, 2014. Individual cases may need legal advice.

What to Put in the Written Representation

Your full name, nationality, passport number and contact details.
Date of entry, visa expiry date and date of departure.
Why the overstay happened, with evidence.
Why the declaration should be set aside or uplifted.
Evidence of ties, compliance history, pending application, medical issue or other good cause.
A clear request for confirmation of receipt and outcome.

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