Been like that for a while. Flight tickets also needed.

I don't think they do same day processing anymore. They didn't have the option last year.

It's a race thing. There is no ruling there against South Africans. We had a South African teacher get his non-B down there last week, but a black teacher from France was denied 😭 Same paperwork for both of them and they applied together. There is a ruling against certain African nations in that they have to apply in their home countries, but not SA. You could always ask them to show you the regulation and watch them scramble to try and print something up or write it down 😆

Yes, but you need to show funds. I know you can apply for one in Penang.