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    Visa Guide · 🇿🇦 South Africa

    South Africa Film Industry Visa (Short Term) from Bangladesh

    Short Term Visa for film productions, shoots, modelling projects, and approved industry assignments in South Africa.

    Last Updated: 30 August 2026

    The South Africa Film Industry Visa (Short Term) is a Visitor’s Visa framework for Bangladeshi nationals and eligible residents travelling for film, television, advertising, modelling, or related production activity for up to three months. VFS distinguishes oversight applicants from specialist applicants: oversight visitors perform supervisory functions, while specialists who conduct work on a film project use the short-term Section 11(2) category.

    Applications from Bangladesh are handled by the South African High Commission in New Delhi and must be submitted through VFS Global New Delhi. A prior VFS appointment is currently not required. The applicant’s actual role and the projected production duration should match the film-industry supporting letter and the selected short-term category. 

    Document Checklist

    1. Passport (Original): Original passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa, with at least two unused/blank visa pages. Submit the current passport together with the required copies.
    2. Previous Passport(s) & Travel History: Full clear copies of previous passports, including relevant visa and immigration pages, where available. Travel history should be disclosed consistently with the application and supporting records.
    3. Photograph (South Africa Visa Format): Provide 2 recent colour passport photographs, 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last 30 days against a plain white background and meeting the current South Africa VFS photo specifications.
    4. DHA-84 Visa Application Form: Fully completed Form 11 (DHA-84) in black ink and block letters, signed by the applicant with a signature matching the passport.
    5. Cover Letter: Applicant’s signed letter explaining the film-industry purpose, role, production or project, intended travel dates, accommodation and funding arrangements. It should clearly state who will bear the travel expenses and include the physical address and contact details of the applicant or authorized signatory.
    6. CPA / SAASP / NAMA Supporting Letter: Valid film-industry letter confirming the applicant’s name, purpose of travel, role or oversight function, production or modelling project, intended duration and the relevant undertakings for the visit.
    7. Proof of Occupation: Documents confirming current professional, study, family, business, or property ties to the country of residence. For employed applicants, this commonly includes 3 recent payslips and an employer letter confirming leave and return to work.
    8. Employer / Production Company Introduction Letter: Where applicable, a letter from the applicant’s employer or production company confirming the applicant’s position or role, purpose and duration of travel, company details and cost responsibility. The information should remain consistent with the film-industry letter.
    9. CV & Qualification Certificates (specialist applicants, where applicable): For short-term specialist film work under Section 11(2), provide the applicant’s CV and notarized copies of relevant qualification certificates in line with short-term work requirements.
    10. Personal Bank Statements & Solvency Certificate: Original bank statements (personal and/or salary account) for the last 6 months, issued by the bank and showing the bank name and contact details. Statements must be stamped and signed by an authorized bank officer (e-statements not accepted), and accompanied by a bank solvency/financial standing certificate where required.
    11. Personal TIN & ITR: Copy of the personal TIN certificate and Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 3 tax years, along with the acknowledgement receipts.
    12. Flight Reservation: Valid flight ticket or provisional reservation showing the intended travel dates and consistent with the application. Applicants should avoid purchasing non-refundable travel tickets before a visa decision.
    13. Hotel Reservation / Accommodation Booking: Hotel booking or other accommodation evidence covering the intended stay, showing the relevant address and dates and remaining consistent with the invitation and travel plan.
    14. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (where applicable): Required if the applicant will travel through or stay in a yellow-fever-risk area before entering South Africa. Check the current South African yellow fever policy against the planned itinerary.
    15. Proof of Legal Residence in Bangladesh (where applicable): Applicants who are not Bangladeshi nationals should provide evidence of lawful residence in Bangladesh.
    16. Minor Applicant Documents (where applicable): For applicants under 18, provide the required birth, parental consent form, parent/legal guardian identification, custody or guardianship documents, and other supporting records required under the current minor-travel rules. 

    Process Roadmap

    Step 1

    Identify the Film Role

    Confirm whether the applicant will perform an oversight function or directly undertake specialist film work. The role and production duration determine the appropriate short-term film category.

    Step 2

    Complete DHA-84 Carefully

    Complete Form 11 (DHA-84) carefully and keep the stated role, travel dates, production purpose and South Africa details consistent with the supporting records.

    Step 3

    Secure the Industry Supporting Letter

    Obtain the required CPA, SAASP or NAMA letter confirming the purpose, applicant’s role, production or modelling project, duration and relevant undertakings.

    Step 4

    Assemble Production & Travel Evidence

    Add the required film-role records together with passport, flight, accommodation, financial and residence evidence relevant to the application.

    Step 5

    Prepare for VFS New Delhi Submission

    Bangladeshi applicants must submit through VFS Global New Delhi under the jurisdiction of the South African High Commission in New Delhi.

    Step 6

    Lodge the File & Pay Applicable Charges

    Applicants can currently attend without a prior appointment. Present the complete file at VFS New Delhi and pay the applicable visa and VFS charges.

    Step 7

    Track the Decision & Check Visa Conditions

    Follow available VFS updates and, after passport return, confirm the visa validity, permitted period and any conditions before travel.

    Common Rejection Pitfalls

    Film role is not clearly classified

    How UnivEase helps

    We help clarify whether the visit is for oversight or specialist activity and align the application with the relevant short-term film category.

    Industry supporting letter is incomplete

    How UnivEase helps

    We help identify the purpose, role, production details and duration that should be clearly reflected in the CPA, SAASP or NAMA letter.

    Production dates and travel evidence conflict

    How UnivEase helps

    We help align the film schedule, travel period, accommodation and supporting records so the proposed stay remains consistent.

    Specialist work lacks Section 11(2) support

    How UnivEase helps

    We help identify the role, CV, qualification and project evidence relevant to a properly supported short-term specialist application.

    VFS & Embassy

    Embassy

    South African High Commission, New Delhi
    Address: B-18 Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057, India.
    Telephone: +91-11-2614 9411-14
    Immigration Queries: Infoza.india@vfshelpline.com
    Website: Click Here
    Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, 08:30-17:00; Friday, 08:30-14:15.
    Consular & Immigration Section: Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:30. 

    Visa Application Centre

    South Africa Visa Application Centre, New Delhi
    Address: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India.
    Helpline: 02267866066 (Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00)
    Website: Click Here
    Submission Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-16:00. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Prepare your South Africa Film Industry Visa application around the right production category.

    Get clear guidance on DHA-84, film-industry supporting letters, required documents, fees, VFS New Delhi submission and passport-return steps before you apply.

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