For most South Africans, travelling to Cyprus requires meticulous preparation, from securing visas to navigating the various Cyprus administrative processes. A key document in this visa for Cyprus process is the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). This certificate serves as proof of an individual’s criminal record, or lack thereof, and is usually required by the Cyprus government as part of the immigration or visa application process.
Due to the SAPS’s notorious backlog, it can take a long time to obtain the valuable Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), so understanding how to secure an Express Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for a visa for Cyprus is crucial for those gathering the required documents for the visa application.
This blog will explain what the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate is, its importance when travelling to Cyprus and we’ll also look at how Global Apostille can streamline this process for you to ensure a smooth application process.
What is an SAPS Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
In South Africa, a Police Clearance Certificate, often referred to as a PCC or SAPS 365, is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS). On receipt of your application, SAPS officials will conduct a database check of your references and fingerprints to determine if you have an official criminal record on the SAPS database. The Police Clearance Certificate issued after this process serves as proof of a person’s good conduct in South Africa and is essential for various legal and administrative purposes, including immigration, employment and international travel.
Traveling to Cyprus from South Africa
For those South African planning to travel to Cyprus for work, study, or immigration purposes, a Police Clearance Certificate is often required. Cyprus immigration authorities use the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate to ensure that applicants do not have a criminal record that could pose a threat to public safety. Specific scenarios where a PCC is required include:
- Work Permits: Employers may require a PCC to ensure the candidate’s reliability and trustworthiness.
- Study Permits: Educational institutions may request a PCC to confirm the student’s background.
- Permanent Residency: Immigration applicants must also provide the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate
- Visa Applications: Certain visa categories may also necessitate a PCC.
Who can request the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
South Africans, as well as foreigners who live or have lived in South Africa, can apply for police clearance certificates to prove their criminal history in the country. The office responsible for issuing these certificates in South Africa is the Criminal Records and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) Division of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Pretoria.
The applicant or agent must submit the application for Police Clearance Certificate along with the fingerprint form and a valid form of identification.
SAPS Backlogs
Despite the introduction of the new Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), the South African Police Service (SAPS) has a backlog of over thousands of clearance certificates. As of July 2025, the current waiting time for police clearance certificates has exceeded eight weeks due to factors such as an unusual influx of applications, the system being offline, and the prioritisation of fingerprint searches for firearm licences and renewals.
Faqs about Visa for Cyprus – Express Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Can I apply for a South African Police Clearance Certificate if I have a criminal record?
Yes, those with a criminal record are still eligible to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. The certificate will reflect your criminal history, including any convictions or charges.
- Will a criminal record affect a Cyprus visa application?
Yes, having a criminal record is likely to affect your chances of obtaining a visa for Cyprus. However, while a criminal record can complicate the Cyprus visa application process, the actual impact it may have on your eligibility to obtain a visa depends on the circumstances and nature of the crime, as well as the sentence you received and the time since your conviction.
- How long does it take to get SAPS police clearance certificate?
The processing time for a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate can range from a few days to several months, depending on how you choose to submit your application. Normal processing with SAPS can take up to 6-8 weeks, however they are currently experiencing a backlog of 52000 applications resulting in a wait of between 3 and 6 months. So many people who cannot wait are using the services of third parties such as Global Apostille who can fast-track the application within days.
- What is the fastest way to get a police clearance in South Africa?
The fastest way to get a police clearance in South Africa is to use the services of a third party such as Global Apostille who can expedite the application within days.
- Does South African police clearance expire?
Yes, the South African Police Clearance Certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue. It is important to check the specific requirements of the country or institution requesting the certificate to ensure that it is still valid.
- Do criminal records affect employment?
Yes, a criminal record can affect your job search. Potential employers often want to check your criminal history before offering you a job. If they see something they don’t like on your record, they may give the job to someone else
7-day express police clearance from Global Apostille
Global Apostille specialises in facilitating the procurement of various documents critical to the Cyprus visa application process, including SAPS Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs). For those who require assistance in obtaining an Express Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Cyprus visa, Global Apostille offers expert services to streamline and simplify the process of obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate in just 7 working days from receipt of application. Our experienced team ensures accurate and efficient processing, providing peace of mind. We offer:
- Document Assistance: We help with compiling and assembling all required paperwork, making sure nothing is missed.
- Application Fast tracking: our experienced team aware of the proper channels and processes to use when submitting your application, which speeds up the process and lowers the risk of mistakes.
- Collection: Global Apostille will monitor the progress of your application, provide updates and ensure prompt collection of the final Police Clearance Certificate and courier delivery to you.
- Apostille & Translation: We can also assist with Dirco express Apostille and certified translation.
Obtain an Express Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Cyprus visa, in just seven (7) working days by using the services of Global Apostille in Pretoria. For more information, please contact us at: Tel: 012 348 3134; Mobile: 081 347 6060; Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za
