Can I get a new full visa-free period in South Africa by border hopping the day before it expires?

Question

I'm a UK citizen visiting South Africa on a 90-day visa-free visit.

I understand that due to rule changes you must now leave the African continent before returning (don't necessarily need to return to your home country) in order to receive another 90-day stay before the current period expires.

My admission period is due to expire on 3rd April. If I leave SA on 2nd April for a neighbouring country or another African country (e.g. Mozambique or Zambia) and then allow the original admission period to expire whilst I am out of the country, will I receive a new 90-day stay if I return on say 4/5/6th April?

Or do the same rules apply as when you leave the country during your 90 days and you must leave the continent?

Answer 1

I just called immigration at OR Tambo airport, and they said that normally you should only be given the remainder of your original 90-day visa-free visit unless having left Africa altogether - this is in order to prevent people from doing visa runs (living in the country without a visa).

However, I've heard anecdotes about land border agents often being very lax and esy to bribe into giving you a few more days if necessary because of your return date.

How long are you actually planning to stay in South Africa? The best way to get a longer stay is not to border hop, but to apply for an extension ASAP through the Department of Home affairs

Answer 2

I successfully traveled to Mauritius and back, I stayed for 5 days and they gave me a new 90 days, but your first 90 days needs to expire while you're gone, if you return before they expire they will give you the remaining and if you leave after they expire you will be deemed "undesirable" and banned from the country for 1-5 years.