10

I am a citizen of two different countries: Ghana and Brazil. I have passports from both of these countries. Each passport has the same information (name, date of birth, etc.)

In 2010, while traveling on my Ghanaian passport, I was deported from South Africa. I was removed because I had overstayed my visa, and Ghanaian passports required having a valid visa when visiting South Africa.

Since then I received my new Brazil citizenship. My Brazilian passport does not require a visa to visit South Africa. Can I travel to South Africa using my Brazilian passport without facing problems at immigration?

I previously tried to travel on my Ghanaian passport to transit through South Africa and was denied boarding. Can I use my Brazilian passport or will I face the same problems, since this passport has the same name and information as the other?

Vince
  • 21,035
  • 11
  • 90
  • 146
lifestyle african
  • 101
  • 6

4 Answers4

7

i was only told i could apply for a new visa and come back whenever i want

That means you were not issued a ban, in which case, you should be fine to enter visa-free on your Brazilian passport, with which you can stay for up to 90 days.

Unlike the US, South Africa has no hard and fast rule that "once denied entry or deported, you can never enter visa-free again".

Of course, South Africa's border system is high-tech, so do expect to be asked about your overstay, and be prepared to provide as much documentation as you can proving the purpose of your trip as well as your intention to return to your country of residence (such as a return flight confirmation, letter from your employer, property contract or marriage/birth certificates of any children)

Airlines, on the other hand, will not deny you boarding, as they have no way of seeing that you were previously deported from South Africa, provided you only present your Brazilian passport

Crazydre
  • 81,596
  • 17
  • 166
  • 355
4

There is what is possible, and what is right. "Right" is not quite the correct word, but the best that I can come up with.

Your Ghanaian passport is not the problem. You are. You overstayed.

If you want to avoid any possible problem, you should apply for a visa with your Brazilian passport.

mkennedy
  • 8,922
  • 1
  • 39
  • 53
1

It's a tricky one, but I agree with what Coke is saying. Just to be sure I'd recommend you just talk with your closest South African embassy, rather be safe than sorry.

Jo Richards
  • 11
  • 2
0

If you've ever been deported from a country and/or have had 'issues' with immigration, don't ask here, go to the closest SA embassy, and ask for the consular officers advice.

A person with such a record needs a special visa in most countries, even if the offence happened with a different passport.

Matthew Barclay
  • 470
  • 1
  • 5
  • 11