Indian nationals traveling to South Africa need a visa to enter the country, regardless of the intended length of stay or the purpose of the visit.
There are only a few nationalities that are visa-free for South Africa, mostly limited to passport holders from select African and Southeast Asian countries.
Citizens of India intending to travel to the country for a short stay are now able to submit a South Africa eVisa application exclusively online, eliminating the need to apply in person from a South African embassy or consulate.
eVisa Requirements for Entering South Africa
In order to apply for the South Africa online visa, it is necessary to meet the following South African visa requirements :
- Passport from an eligible country valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of arrival in South Africa, containing at least one blank page
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the South Africa eVisa fee.
It is also necessary to provide the following supporting documents as part of the entry requirements to travel to South Africa:
- Proof of sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day expenses during the stay
- Evidence of a return ticket or ticket to an onward destination
- A yellow fever certificate (if the traveler has passed through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America on the way to South Africa).
An approved South Africa online tourist visa is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport.
It is necessary for applicants to use the same passport to travel that used to complete the eVisa South Africa application.
If the applicant changes their passport during the validity of the eVisa, it is necessary to apply for a new South Africa online visa.
The passport must be issued by an eligible country to meet the South Africa online visa requirements.
Children or minors from India also need a South African eVisa before they go, and their parents or legal guardians must apply on their behalf. Simply select ‘Add another person’ during the process to apply as a family.
Please bear in mind that this visa doesn’t authorize you to work or study in South Africa. For info about a Work or Student Visa, kindly contact the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate in India.
What is a South African eVisa, and why do Indian citizens need it?
The South African eVisa is an electronic visa, and is also called the South Africa Tourist Visa. It allows eligible individuals from India to explore this beautiful country on short-term visits.
Whether you’re looking to discover the country as a tourist, visit for business reasons, reunite temporarily with friends and family, or undergo medical treatment, this modern online visa system has made the process much faster for Indian applicants.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of this eVisa and prepare for an unforgettable South African trip!
Once approved, an eVisa for South Africa from India is electronically linked to the traveler’s Indian passport.
Nationals of India with dual nationality should take care to use the details of their Indian passport to fill out the online application, as well as to use the same passport when traveling to South Africa.