| How to Apply for a Visa for South Africa Posted: 10 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT South Africa is a beautiful country with bustling cities and picturesque landscapes. To see these, though, you may need to apply for a visa before you embark on your trip. Passport-holders from many countries are not required to get a visa for a trip shorter than 30-90 days. If you're going for a longer trip, though, or if you're studying in South Africa, you will need a visa before you depart. EditQualifying for a Visa - Check to see if your home nation is exempt from visa requirements. Citizens of certain countries do not need to apply for a visa in advance of arriving in South Africa. Instead, these individuals may present their passport when entering the country at a customs or border control station. You can check online to see if you need a visa at http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries.[1]
- Passport holders for most countries in North and South America, Western Europe, Israel, Singapore, and Japan do not need a visa for a visit less than 90 days.
- Passport holders for most of the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, most other African nations (excluding North Africa), Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey do not need a visa for trips under 30 days.
- Passport holders from Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia have 90 days per annum to visit South Africa without a visa. These 90 days may be part of the same trip or spread across multiple trips.
- Individuals with an African Union laissez-passer do not need a visa for trips shorter than 90 days.
- Check visa requirements for your home country if you are a foreign permanent resident. If you are a permanent resident of a country where you do not hold citizenship (such as a Green Card holder in the U.S.), check the visa requirements of your home country. Whether or not you need a visa will depend on the country issuing your passport, not where you reside.[2]
- If, for example, you are a citizen of China with permanent resident status in Canada, you will need a visa before entering South Africa. While Canadian citizens do not need a visa, Chinese citizens do, even if they don't currently reside in China.
- Get a yellow fever certificate if necessary. If your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt in Africa or South America, you will need to get a certificate of vaccination prior to entering South Africa. Yellow fever vaccinations are good for up to 10 years.[3]
- The yellow fever belt in Africa includes Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
- In South America, the yellow fever belt includes Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
- Verify the reason for your trip. Visas are granted in most cases for South Africa, but the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) does have some guidelines regarding what trips will be approved for a visa. Visas may be granted for:[4]
- Tourism
- Visits to friends or family
- To join a spouse or parent in South Africa on a work or study permit
- To join a fiance you intend on marrying in the next 90 days
- Short-term study (not to exceed 3 months)
- Volunteer work or charitable activity
- Research, academic, or conference work
- To work on a movie or show production
- To participate in a sporting event
- For medical purposes (not to exceed 3 months)
EditSecuring a Tourist Visa - Gather all the documents necessary for a visa. Before you get a visa, you will need a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages for endorsement. You will also need a couple documents to verify your stay. These may vary depending on your home country and the reason for your visit, but they always include:[5]
- A return ticket or onward ticket out of South Africa
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
- A medical report from the past 6 months
- 2 passport-sized colored photos showing your full face
- Your yellow fever certificate, if applicable
- Documents proving your relationship to a South African citizen, if applicable
- Fill out visa application form BI-84. BI-84 is the standard application form for a Port of Entry visa. Fill the form out completely with your basic identifying and contact information. This form is only available to print out as PDF from your country's South Africa consulate or embassy website.[6]
- The form should be filled out in black ink and using block letters rather than cursive.
- Make an appointment to submit your visa at a South African mission. To submit your visa application, you may first need to make an appointment with your nearest South African mission (either an embassy or a consulate). Check the DHA's website at https://www.dha.gov.za to find your local mission and see if an appointment may be necessary.[7]
- Some missions have designated hours for accepting and processing visa applications where you can drop off your application without an appointment.
- South Africa does not currently accept visa applications online or via mail.
- Submit your application and documents in person. Once you've completed your necessary documents and your BI-84 form, you can submit your application to your local consulate or embassy. Where you live will determine which mission you need to visit, so check online or call your country's South African embassy to find your nearest mission.[8]
- If your local mission does not require an appointment, check before you go to see if they have restricted hours for their Visa, Immigration, and Passport sections. These offices are not open all days at all missions.
- You will need to submit your passport along with your application and all your other travel documents. It may take up to 10 business days to get your passport back, so make sure you have another form of ID for that time period.
- Pay your application fee. Application fees are payable when you submit your application or via mail to the mission processing your application. Fees must be paid as a money order or certified bank check. The fee is subject to change annually, so check with your local mission to verify the fee cost in your local currency.[9]
- Your application cannot be processed until your fee is received.
- Pick up your visa 5-10 after you finish your application. After your application has been processed, you will be notified directly regarding your visa status. If your visa is approved, you will be able to pick up your passport containing your visa at that time. If your visa is rejected, you will be able to pick up your passport.[10]
- You will pick up your visa from the same mission at which you dropped off your application.
EditReceiving a Student Visa - Schedule a medical exam about 3 months prior to your departure. Students applying for visas to study in South Africa need to get a physical exam and radiological report before submitting their visa application. Make an appointment with your doctor for about 3 months prior to your departure to make sure you have enough time for your visa to process.[11]
- You will need to bring forms BI-806 and BI-811 with you, both of which can be downloaded from your local South African mission website. Your doctor must complete and sign them for these forms to be valid.[12]
- The required radiological exam is comprised of a chest x-ray to check for pulmonary tuberculosis. You may also submit evidence of a TB skin test in lieu of an x-ray.
- If you need to get a yellow fever vaccine, you can also request that during your physical appointment.
- Gather the documents you will need for your application. Getting a student visa in South Africa requires roughly the same documents as getting a tourist visa. These will also vary by country, but always include 2 blank pages in a valid passport, as well as:[13]
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
- A medical report and radiological report
- 2 passport-sized colored photos showing your full face
- Your yellow fever certificate, if applicable
- A letter of acceptance or enrollment from your institute in South Africa
- Proof of enrollment at your current institution (if taking a semester or year abroad)
- An official birth certificate
- A criminal background check from your country's security administration
- Fill out form DHA-1738. Form DHA-1738 is the Application for Visa to Temporarily Sojourn in the Republic. Complete the form in full, checking Study Visa (> 3 months) in the "Category of Permit Being Applied For" section. The form is available for download from your local South African mission's website.[14]
- This form should be completed in block letters and black ink.
- Submit your application 10 weeks prior to your departure. You must submit your application in person at your nearest South African mission. Visa applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process. However, it's advisable to submit them 10 weeks in advance in case any information needs to be clarified or you need to provide additional documentation.[15]
- Some missions may require that you make an appointment prior to coming in to submit your application. Check with your local mission to see if that's necessary.
- If you do not need an appointment, check with your mission to see if they have designated Visa, Immigration, and Passport section hours. If they do, you will only be able to drop off your application during that time period.
- Pay your visa application fee. You can pay your visa application fee by certified bank check or money order when you submit your application. Since the fees are subject to change from year to year, check with your local mission to get the most current fee in your local currency.[16]
- Pick up your visa 8-10 weeks after you submit your application. Once your visa has been approved, you will be able to pick up your passport with your new visa from your local mission. You will need your visa prior to your departure, so make sure you have time to pick it up before you leave.[17]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Keep Ducks Out of a Pool Posted: 10 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT Ducks are a massive annoyance to pool owners around the world, as they love few things more than a nice place to float and swim in. On top of this, they'll go to the bathroom in your pool and make it unhygienic for you to swim in it. Some ducks also carry parasites and some of these parasites will be left behind in your pool when the ducks are long gone. Using a pool cover is by far the best long-term measure you can take to keep ducks out of your pool. More temporary solutions include leaving inflatable "predators" in the pool and using ultrasonic devices. EditInstalling a Pool Cover - Measure the size of your pool. Before you go out and buy your pool cover, you need to figure out what size your pool is. If your pool is square or rectangular, measure the length and width and multiply them. That will give you the area of your pool.[1]
- If your pool is circular in shape, measure the distance from 1 side of the pool to the opposite side. This will give you the diameter. Divide the diameter by 2 to find the radius. To find the area of the circle, use the equation 3.142 multiplied by the radius squared.
- Other shapes like ovals and pools with curved walls are very difficult to measure. If you have a pool that's not square, rectangular, or circular, get a professional to measure the pool.
- Search online for pool installation companies in your area or use the phone book to find them. Ask them if they could measure your pool as you're considering getting a cover. It shouldn't cost more than $80 or so for a professional to measure your pool.
- Opt for a mesh safety cover for basic protection. These are the most common pool covers and will keep children and animals out of your pool. These covers are easy to store and clean. If you can't decide which cover you want, get this type of pool cover.[2]
- Get a heavy-duty safety cover if you want a more durable cover. These covers are similar to the mesh safety covers except much thicker and much heavier. Heavy-duty covers are much more expensive than mesh safety covers but are also more durable and long lasting.[3]
- Buy a solid safety covers for maximum protection. These covers will prevent all light from reaching your pool. These are by far the strongest type of pool cover. It's overkill to get this type of cover just to keep ducks out of your pool, but if you have other problems with things getting into your pool, this type of cover might be worth it.[4]
- Buy the pool cover at the local pool store. Bring the measurements of your pool to the local pool store and tell them which kind of cover you want for your pool. They will make your cover and should deliver it to your home when they are done if you ask them to.[5]
- Search online to see if you can order a cover from a manufacturer. If you have a square, rectangular, or circular pool, it will be easy to order a cover for your pool.
- Get the tools you need to install the pool cover. You will need brass concrete anchors to install the cover. You will also need a very powerful hammer drill and a drill bit. Get buckets or brick to hold the cover in place while you work.[6]
- You can rent the drill and drill bits from a local tool hire store instead of buying them.
- Get 20 to 25 buckets or bricks at the local hardware store.
- Drill the center strap and attach springs to the cover. Find the center strap of the pool cover and drill holes about from either side of the cover. Drill 1 hole on each end of every strap on the pool cover. Put the concrete anchors in the holes and secure them using cement. Once they're secured, attach the straps.[7]
- Follow the cover's instructions to attach the springs to the cover. Covers will have different instructions depending on the manufacturer.
- Lay the cover over the pool and hold it in place using the buckets or bricks. Get a friend to help you place the cover over the pool. Make sure that you lay it out so that it's fitted properly on all sides.[8]
- Place the buckets at equal spaces around the cover to hold it in place.
- Drill holes near the other straps and attach them to the concrete anchors. After you've attached the center strap, drill 1 hole at each end of every strap. With the cover laid over the pool, find each strap and drill a hole about away from them on each side. Hammer the brass concrete anchors into the holes you've drilled. Secure them in place using cement.[9]
- After you have 3 or 4 straps installed lengthwise, install 3 or 4 width-wise before returning to the lengthwise straps. This will make sure the cover doesn't develop wrinkles.
- Straps come in different shapes and types. Some straps have buckles on the end. Place these buckles around the anchor and secure. Other straps have loops at the end which can be placed over the anchor to secure the cover.
- Once your cover is completely attached, you should put it over the pool whenever you're not using it. This will stop ducks from entering your pool.
EditUsing Other Devices - Put inflatable toys in your pool to scare the ducks. Ducks are scared by inflatable toys that look like predators. Beach balls and other toys won't work anywhere near as well as toys that look like predators.[10]
- Buy toys that look like crocodiles, snakes, dolphins, or whales to keep ducks away from your pool.
- Buy an ultrasonic pest repellent device to frighten the ducks. These devices will play the noises of predators at ultrasonic levels to scare away pests. You can also switch the device so it makes noises that you can hear. Each device is different, so you'll have to read the manual to find out which settings scare which pests.[11]
- Most of these devices come with motion detectors. If the device detects movement or sound in its proximity, it'll play the noise of the predator to keep pests away from your garden.
- Place the device in the branches of a tree to make it difficult for the ducks to see where the noise is coming from.
- If you don't have a tree in your garden, place it in any area that's hard to see, like a flowerpot or in a hedge.
- Keep your pool clean to make it look less like a pond. Floating leaves and other debris will make your pool look like a pond to nearby ducks. These types of debris will make your pool smell like a pond as well and dilute the smell of chlorine. A clean pool will smell like chlorine and this should deter ducks from swimming in it.[12]
- Set up plastic owls around the perimeter of the pool to keep ducks away. Owls are a natural predator of ducks and the sight of an owl from distance should be enough to keep ducks away from your pool. Buy plastic owls at your local garden store and set them up in visible areas.[13]
- You can also buy electronic owls. Electronic owls will hoot and turn their head which will make them seem more realistic to ducks.
- Get a dog to scare the ducks. Dogs don't like other animals intruding on their property and ducks are afraid of dogs. If ducks land in your pool, your dog might bark at them and chase them away. The sight alone of your dog should be enough for ducks to steer clear of your home.[14]
- Obviously you can't keep your dog near your pool all the time to keep ducks away. However, dogs are a great preventative measure for when you're at home.
- Add a duck repellent chemical to your pool to make it difficult for the ducks to swim. You might want to use this as a last resort if you can't keep ducks away from your pool by using the other methods. These chemicals break the surface tension of the water in your pool and make it incredibly difficult for ducks to float or swim in your pool.[15]
- Duck repellent chemicals are actually safe to use in your pool, but it's understandable if you want to steer clear of chemicals.
- You can buy these chemicals online or you might be able to find them in your local garden center. Follow the instructions on the side of the container to find out how to add it to your pool.
EditThings You'll Need EditInstalling a Pool Cover - Measuring tape
- Pool cover
- Brass concrete anchors
- Powerful hammer drill
- Cover springs
- Buckets
EditUsing Other Devices - Dog
- Inflatable toys
- Ultrasonic pest repellent
- Duck repellent chemical
- Plastic owls
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Repair Wall Cracks Posted: 10 Oct 2018 01:00 AM PDT Being a homeowner comes with its fair share of maintenance and repair projects, many of which - like fixing minor cracks in the wall - you can do yourself at home. Whether you're dealing with drywall, plaster, or concrete, it's possible to repair cracks in just a few hours with a handful of basic materials. EditFixing a Crack in Drywall - Buy prepared joint compound or mix it yourself. If you buy it premade, look for all-purpose compound which can be used for all coats. If you make your own, use setting-type compound powder and follow the instructions provided on the container.[1] All of these compounds can be found at a hardware store.
- Setting-type compound powder is more difficult to sand and to prepare properly so it is not the best option for beginners.
- Cut a V-notch along the crack. The "V" shape will help keep the compound in place.[2]
- Remove any debris inside the crack with a vacuum hose or by simply scraping it out.
- Apply coats of joint compound over the crack. Use a putty knife. Let the compound dry completely between coats. Layer on as many coats as necessary to fill the crack. The average is 3 coats.[3]
- Depending on what type of compound you use, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 24 hours to dry.[4]
- If the cut is deeper than , you may need to press a strip of mesh or paper tape into the first layer of compound before it dries to better seal the crack.[5]
- Thinner coats are ideal as they're easier to sand down to match the wall once dry.[6]
- Sand the dried joint compound with medium-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding block to smooth out the section to the flatness of the wall. Always wear a dust mask when sanding to avoid inhaling particles.
- 80-grit (medium-grit) sandpaper can eliminate larger bumps whereas a finer 120-grit can be used for finishing touches.[7]
- One option is to sand in between coats to avoid having to sand as much at the end.[8]
- Paint over the crack with latex primer followed by wall paint. If you don't use primer first, your patched area won't blend in properly with the rest of the wall.[9]
- The exception to this is if you used a paint and primer in one. Then you only need a coat or two of the paint directly on the affected area.
EditRepairing a Plaster Wall Crack - Press gently on the wall near the crack to see if it gives. If it's easy to press down or if the wall flexes at all, the plaster has likely come apart from the lath.[10] This requires reattaching the two together and cannot be fixed by a simple patch job. Contact a professional for help.
- Widen the crack using a putty knife if it's less than wide. It sounds counterproductive but scoring (lightly scratching) the crack creates a wider surface for the joint compound to more easily adhere to.[11]
- Spread a coat of joint compound over the crack. Do so with a taping knife. Use a setting-type compound instead of drywall compound as it is stronger and can affix to plaster more securely.[12] Apply in thin layers.
- Dampening the crack before applying the compound will remove any loose particles and help the compound hold better.
- Press fiberglass mesh tape firmly into the wet compound over the crack. Cut the strips to size with scissors. This self-adhesive tape will prevent the crack from growing.[13] Let dry.
- For the setting-type compound to dry thoroughly, your room should be between .[14]
- Apply 3 layers of compound over the taped area. Let each coat dry completely in between. With each additional layer, extend the compound another outside the previous layer's edges. Your last layer should extend beyond the original area.[15] Lightly sand each layer with a fine sandpaper to remove bumps in between coats.
- Use a feathering technique when applying the compound. With the knife at a 70-degree angle, start at the center and pull the knife to the outside edges of each coat, increasing pressure the further away from the middle you get.[16]
- Paint over the patched area to match the rest of the wall. If you can see a raised section where you did your repair, sand it flush to the wall before painting so it blends seamlessly.
- It's smart to wait at least 24 hours prior to painting to ensure the compound is completely dry.[17]
EditFilling a Crack in a Concrete Wall - Enlarge the crack with a chisel and hammer. A technique known as undercutting (which is essentially chipping away at the concrete) should be done to below the edges of the crack. This provides more surface area for the patching material to grip.[18]
- Clean debris from the crack using a wire brush. A vacuum can also help get rid of dust, pieces of concrete, or dirt lurking in the crack. Rinse it with water and dry thoroughly with a towel.
- If you don't have a wire brush, a flat head screwdriver or air compressor will work.[19]
- Prime the area with a concrete bonding adhesive. This will help the patching material adhere better to the concrete. You'll want to use an old paintbrush to spread a thin layer around the edges and deep into the crack.
- Apply multiple coats of concrete patching with a putty knife. Press each layer into the crack and let dry completely in between coats. Repeat until the crack is filled and level with the rest of the wall.
- You can also use a pointed trowel if you don't have a putty knife. This is good for pushing the patching into the crack.
- Add texture to the patched area before it dries. Matching new concrete to old concrete is difficult because it's so smooth. Rough the last layer up with a broom or any tool while it's still wet to make it look more worn.[20]
- Sealing the patch with a heavy-duty water-based polyurethane with a brush can prevent stains and other marks.[21]
- If cracks are long or very deep, the repair process is much more involved and beginners may want to hire a professional.
EditSources and Citations
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