South Africa visa for Indians

South African visa for USA Indians is available to Indian nationals who wish to visit South Africa for multiple reasons. The authorities have made the process much easier for interested visitors as long as they meet the requirements. This page contains information about all you need to know about the application process so keep reading to learn more.

Do Indians Need A Visa To Better South Africa?

Indian passport holders need visas to enter South Africa by air, sea, or any land border. The valid visa is a legal document that gives a legal visitor access to the country and is valid for a specified period. Once it expires, it can no longer be used again, so a new one must be applied.

South Africa Visa on Arrival?

The visa in arrival is issued to visitors of selected countries who arrive in South Africa without a visa. However, Indians do not qualify for a visa on arrival, so the airlines don’t allow them to board flights without visas. Before boarding a flight as an Indian citizen, you must obtain a visa first.

South Africa e Visa

The e-visa or electronic visa, as it is commonly called, is an online visa issued to citizens of India and some selected countries. This visa does not require a visit to the Indian embassy or consulate to acquire it, as the process is completed online. All the applicant needs to do is fill out the form online, attach the necessary documents, pay the visa fee and submit it for processing. The process is straightforward, and if your application is approved, you will get your visa within 72 hours.

The government of South Africa introduced this application method to simplify the visa process and decongest South African embassies and consulates abroad. Furthermore, it requires less paperwork, unlike conventional visas. You will be asked to provide your full name, date of birth, passport details and other information.

Note that e-visas are for tourism, business and shirt family visits of 90 days or less. You will need to apply for a visa for longer visits and stays.

How To Apply For South African ETA?

South Africa eta requires a few steps, as outlined below.

  • Visit VisaHQ

  • Select South Africa as your destination

  • Select India as your country of citizenship

  • Choose the eta you want

  • Fill out the visa application form

  • Attach all necessary documents

  • Pay the visa fee

  • Submit for approval

Successful applicants will receive their ETAs at their registered email addresses within 72 hours. They are expected to print it out and travel to South Africa with it.

Types of South Africa Visa For Indians

Indians who plan to stay longer than 90 days in South Africa may apply for the following visas.

Short Stay Visa: This Visa has the shortest duration in terms of validity and is best suited for tourism, business and short visits to South Africa.

Business Visa: This one is for business persons and investors coming to South Africa for meetings and business-related events.  

General Work Visa: There is a significant Indian population in South Africa, many of whom are either dual citizens or expatriates. However, for Indians to migrate to South Africa to work and live, they must secure a visa from the embassy in New Delhi.

Student Visa: International students who wish to study abroad may apply for a visa from the embassy. Student visas last throughout the course.

Medical Treatment: Those admitted into a medical facility in India must apply for a medical treatment visa before they can get enter South Africa to get the care they need. Medical visas are valid for 3 months.

South Africa Visa Fee

The processing fee you pay depends on the visa you apply for. Furthermore, visa fees change due to the exchange rate, so find out the current rate before you buy starting the process.

South Africa Visa Processing Timeframe

Embassy applications can take up to 15 working days or more to process, but e-visas take between 3-5 working days. Delays may also occur if your application form has incomplete information or there is a mistake. In some cases, a backlog of applications for nonimmigrant visa may cause delays too. These are the Indians need to provide

  • Indian passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of one blank page

  • Bank statement to show proof of funds

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate

  • Two coloured passport photographs

  • Return flight ticket to India

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Travel itinerary

Other documents may be required for a South Africa visa for Indians, but those listed above are the basic ones. For a South Africa e-visa, head to VisaHQ to fill out and submit the online application form.

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    This article was published by VisaHQ, a world leader in visa processing. Since 2003, VisaHQ has 20 offices in 6 countries and has helped countless tourist, business travellers, diplomats, workers, and students obtain their visa. With a 4.42 star rating on Reviews.io, VisaHQ is committed to innovation, service, security, and simplicity in the visa application process.
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