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South Africa is an incredible place to visit. The country is full of diversity and beautiful tourist attractions. Besides, the country offers different job opportunities, so Indian people often shift to this country, or visit here for other social reformation purposes.
Indians need a visa for South Africa to visit the country for any purpose. It is currently a mandate to purchase a travel insurance policy for South Africa if you are planning to take a trip from India.
Keep scrolling to learn about the important details.
Yes, Indians need a visa to travel to South Africa and if they intend to stay there for at least 30 days.
Indian citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival in South Africa.
Yes, Indian passport holders can apply for an e-visa to visit South Africa. The visa can be applied through the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs.
No, Indian tourists don’t mandatorily need to obtain travel insurance for South Africa. However, as a precautionary measure for any unpredictable situations that might occur during the trip, such as flight delays, baggage loss or delay, loss of passport, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc., having an insurance policy would be helpful.
Indians can apply for different types of South African visas, such as:
Every Indian citizen who wishes to visit South Africa for different causes must be eligible for the following criteria. These are -
People need to be very clear with their visits to the country
Healthy condition and proper vaccination
Character certificate from the local authority, etc.
Apart from these general guidelines, people need to submit different documents, such as South African visa requirements.
The general documents to apply for a visa for South Africa are as follows,
Original passport with at least 6 months of validity and 3 blank pages
Filled out visa application form
Recent and coloured passport-sized photographs
Personal covering letter
Proof of return, such as a confirmed return ticket
Bank statement for the last 6 months
Evidence of hotel bookings
The total travel plan in South Africa
Important vaccination certificates
Apart from these general documents, there are some special requirements for each type of South African visa. These are,
Original passport
Old passport
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Confirmed flight tickets
Clear, 35X45 mm photograph on a white background
Visa application form
Clearly stated reasons for visiting the country and invitation letter of any organisation, seminar, etc.
Recent original passport and old passport
Clear photograph
Confirmed flight tickets
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Personal cover letter of applicants
Bank statement of proper money backup
Hotel details
Parental NOC letter for children and non-adult individuals
Relationship proof, if any
The full itinerary of the South Africa visit
A valid passport
Fully completed visa application
Character certificate from police stations of all the countries the applicant lived from the age of 12 to 18
Vaccination credential
Qualification proof
Employment contract issued by the employer
Employer’s registration proof
Documents for spouse and children, if any
Fully Completed visa application form
A valid passport
Proper vaccination certificate
Health report
Proof of proper financial backup until the applicant receives a salary
Character certificate from police authorities of all the countries the applicant lived since 18 years of age
Copy of SAQA evaluation certificate translated into the official language of South Africa
A valid passport
Clearly stated letter about the type of program and its undertaking treaty
Confirmed return flight ticket and cash deposit
Details about the activities of the program
The duration of the program
A valid passport
Old passport
Clear photographs
Parental NOC letter
Proof of the identity of both parents
Personal details of a local guardian in South Africa
To get a South African visa online, Indian citizens can follow the below-mentioned steps -
Before starting your application, figure out the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work.
Visit the VFS Global South Africa portal and create an account after selecting the visa. Use your email ID to sign up and verify your account.
Log in to your account and fill out the visa application form. Enter all details accurately, including your personal information, travel plans, and supporting documentation.
Schedule an appointment to submit your biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) and documents in person. Choose the VFS Global center nearest to you.
Visit the VFS Global center on the date of your appointment with all your documents.
Arrive on time and carry your appointment confirmation letter, passport, and other required papers.
Submit your application and biometric data.
Once you’ve completed the application form, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee and the VFS Global service fee online. Save the payment receipt as proof.
After submitting your application, you can track its progress online using the reference number and receipt provided by VFS Global.
To get a South African visa offline, Indians need to go to the South African Embassy or consulate to fill out the form and submit documents and fees.
Applying for a South African e-Visa from India can be completed online. Follow these detailed steps:
Begin by navigating to the official e-Visa website of the Department of Home Affairs', dedicated platform for e-Visa applications.
Click on the 'Create Profile' option to set up your account. You'll need to provide personal information, including your full name, email address, and a secure password.
After creating your profile, log in and select the 'New Application' option. Fill out the application form with accurate details and double-check all entries to avoid errors that could delay processing.
Prepare digital copies of necessary documents, which may include:
A valid passport with at least one blank page and validity for your intended stay.
Passport-size photographs meeting South African visa requirements.
Proof of accommodation bookings or an invitation letter.
Travel itinerary or flight bookings.
Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Upload these documents as per the portal's instructions. Ensure that all files are clear and legible to facilitate smooth processing.
Proceed to the payment section to pay the non-refundable e-Visa application fee. The portal accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards.
Once approved, you will receive the e-visa document via email. Download and print a copy to carry with you when travelling to South Africa. Ensure that the printed e-visa is clear and legible, as you will need to present it upon arrival.
South African visa processing time is a few working days for online applications. However, for the offline mode, you need to wait a bit longer as per the appointment at the embassy. Further, there might be a delay in getting a visa in a time of high demand.
South African visa costs vary depending on the type of visa chosen. The table below represents the charges for various visas for Indians. However, VFS Global offers visa applications free of charge. You’ll only need to pay the service fees.
Disclaimer: The visa fees are subject to change, based on new immigration rules, the country in which you apply, the local currency and currency exchange rates. The exchange rate for 1 USD is INR 85.83 as of 8th Jan 2025.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you’re travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever-endemic country.
Carry a basic medical kit, and check if your travel insurance covers medical emergencies.
Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis (for certain regions).
Renting a car is a popular option for exploring South Africa. You’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) if you plan to drive.
Be mindful of left-hand driving and road safety rules.
South Africa is famous for its safaris and national parks. Follow all safety guidelines provided by your guide or park authorities.
South Africa uses Type D, M, and N plugs with a voltage of 230V. Carry a universal adapter.
If your South African visa application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision. Upon receiving a rejection letter, you have 10 working days (or 14 calendar days) to submit your appeal through VFS.
Confirm the chances of getting your South African visa application approved by ensuring that all details in your application are correct and truthful. Remember, providing false information can lead to visa denial or revocation.
Also, submit all required documents as per the visa category you're applying for. Missing or incorrect documents can result in rejection.
Yes, you can apply to extend your South African visa while in the country. Applications for the extension of a temporary residence permit must be done at least 60 calendar days before the expiry of the permit and can be made at any of the VFS Global Visa Facilitation Centres designated in South Africa.
South Africa visa policy has made it mandatory to have travel insurance to visit the country. However, apart from its legal importance, travellers can be safe from different issues such as accident injury, theft issues, etc.
Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with travel insurance to South Africa:
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Disclaimer -
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.
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