Indian Visa for South African Citizens

Updated on May 28, 2023 | Indian e-Visa

South African travellers who wish to visit India can apply for an Indian eVisa, depending on the purpose of their trip. The type of eVisa required will vary based on the nature of their visit. If the purpose of the trip is for tourism, then the Indian eTourist visa is the appropriate visa to apply for.

India, situated in the south of the Asian continent, boasts a rich local culture with distinctive characteristics that reflect its identity. As one of Asia's top tourism destinations, travellers worldwide flock to India to immerse themselves in its culture, cuisine, and local customs.

The government introduced the electronic travel authorization system to promote tourism in India further. This system encourages travellers from 166 countries to visit and explore India and experience all the country offers. The Indian eVisa application process is simple, convenient, and can be completed online, eliminating travellers needing to visit local embassies or consulates in person. With tourism being a rapidly growing industry in India, the government actively seeks ways to support and promote it.

Government of India allows visit to India by applying for Indian Visa online on this website for several purposes. For example if your intention for travelling to India relates to a commercial or business purpose, then you are eligible to apply for Indian Business Visa Online (Indian Visa Online or eVisa India for Business). If you are planning to go to India as a medical visitor for medical reason, consulting doctor or for surgery or for your health, Government of India has made Indian Medical Visa Online available for your needs (Indian Visa Online or eVisa India for Medical purposes). Indian Tourist Visa Online (Indian Visa Online or eVisa India for Tourist) can be utilised for meeting friends, meeting relatives in India, attending courses like Yoga, or for sight-seeing and tourism.

Visiting India from South Africa: Which eVisa is Required?

South African travellers who wish to visit India can apply for an Indian eVisa, depending on the purpose of their trip. The type of eVisa required will vary based on the nature of their visit. If the purpose of the trip is for tourism, then the Indian eTourist visa is the appropriate visa to apply for. For those visiting India for business reasons, the Indian eBusiness visa is necessary. Travellers seeking medical treatment in India should apply for the eMedical visa. It is important for South African travellers to carefully review the different types of eVisas available to ensure they apply for the appropriate one for their needs.

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Indian Government has brought about significant changes to its Visa policy since September 2019. The options available to the visitors for India Visa are perplexing because of multiple overlapping options for the same purpose. Learn more at What Types of Indian Visa are available

Indian eVisa Requirements for South African Citizens

South African citizens who wish to apply for an Indian eVisa must possess a valid email address, a valid passport, and a valid debit/credit card. However, in addition to these basic requirements, applicants must also fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

  • Possess a passport that is applicable for a period/duration of six months from the date of arrival in India
  • Have at least two blank pages in their passport for entry/exit stamps
  • Carry a copy of the eTourist visa at all times while in India
  • Observe the maximum length of stay of 90 days under the eTourist visa, which is non-convertible and non-extendable
  • Apply for the eTourist visa no more than twice per year
  • Submit an individual application for each traveler with their own passport (parents cannot list their children on their application)
  • Be ineligible for the eVisa if they hold a diplomatic passport or International Travel Document
  • Enter India through one of 28 designated airports or 5 seaports, although they may exit from any authorized Immigration Check Post. If arriving by land or sea, they must obtain a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate before arrival.

South African citizens who meet these requirements and wish to visit India for tourism, business, or medical treatment can apply for an Indian eVisa conveniently online.

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The requirements for Indian Visa fall into few different categories.Learn more at Indian Visa Requirements

Indian eVisa Application Processing Time for South African Citizens

South African citizens who apply for an Indian eVisa should be aware that the processing time for a completed application can take up to four business days. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers apply for their eVisa well before their intended traveling dates to allow for any unexpected delays that may occur during processing.

In a few cases, additional evidence may be required from the traveller, which can cause a delay in the processing of the application. Typically, this additional evidence consists of a scanned copy of the biographical page of the applicant's passport and a recent colour photo of the applicant that meets the following specifications:

  • The applicant's face is visible
  • The applicant's face is centered in the photo
  • The photo is in focus and not blurred
  • The applicant's face is shown from the crown to the tip of the chin.

South African travellers need to ensure that their eVisa application is complete and accurate to avoid any potential delays in processing. By meeting all eligibility requirements and submitting all required documentation, travellers can increase their chances of having their Indian eVisa application approved in a timely manner.

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You need to be aware that getting an Indian Visa online (eVisa India) requires a set of supporting documents. These documents are different depending on the Type of Indian Visa you are applying. Learn more at Documents required for Indian Online Visa (India eVisa)

How to Apply for an Indian eVisa as a South African Citizen?

South African citizens can easily apply for an Indian eVisa by visiting the Indian Online eVisa website. The application process involves providing personal, passport, professional, educational, and other necessary details, including answering some security questions truthfully. The application fee can be paid using a valid debit/credit card. Applicants can review their entered information before applying to ensure accuracy.

After submission, the eVisa will be processed within four business days. Approved applicants will receive a printed copy of their eTourist visa that they must carry along with their passports to present to Indian Immigration and Border Officials. Officials will verify the information and take fingerprints and a recent traveler photo. Upon approval, an entry stamp will be placed on the traveller’s passport, allowing them to enter the country.

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India Visa Application Form was a paper based form until 2014. Since then, majority of travellers and avail the benefits of online application process. Common questions regarding the Indian Visa Application, as to who needs to complete it, the information required in the application, duration it takes to complete, any preconditions, eligibility requirements, and payment method guidance is already provided in detail at this link. Learn more at Indian Visa Application Process

The Rainbow Nation: Exploring the Beauty and Diversity of South Africa

South Africa is a country of contrasts and diversity that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history, South Africa is a destination that has something for everyone. South Africa's landscapes are diverse and breath-taking, from the Cape Peninsula's picturesque coastline to the rolling hills of the Winelands. The country has numerous game reserves where visitors can see the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Its cities are a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition. Visitors can explore the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, with its rich history and culture, or soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Cape Town, with its stunning beaches and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. South Africa is also known for its delicious cuisine, with a fusion of African, European, and Asian flavours that will tantalize your taste buds. But perhaps the most memorable aspect of South Africa is its people, who are warm, welcoming, and proud of their country's unique cultural heritage. With so much to see and do, South Africa is a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

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India’s rich biodiversity and the myriad flora and fauna that it is home to makes it one of the most interesting places to a nature and wildlife lover. Indian forests are the habitat of numerous wildlife species, some of them rare and unique to India. It also boasts of exotic plants that would excite anyone interested in nature. Much like everywhere else in the world, however, a lot of India’s biodiversity too is on the verge of extinction or at least dangerously close to being on the verge. Therefore, the country has an abundance of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which are meant to protect its wildlife and nature. If you are coming to India as a tourist, you should definitely make it a point to check out some of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Here’s a list of some of them. Learn more at Indian Visa Tourist guide – Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

Citizens of many countries including United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Singapore, United Kingdom, are eligible for Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) including visiting beaches of India on tourist visa. Resident of over 180 countries quality for Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) as per Indian Visa Eligibility and apply the Indian Visa Online offered by the Government of India.

Should you have any doubts or require assistance for your trip to India or Visa for India (eVisa India), you can apply for the Indian Visa Online right here and if you need any need any help or require any clarifications you should contact Indian Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.