Planning on going to South Africa but don't know where to start the process?
Don't worry, in this blog I talk about how you can get a South Africa visa for Indians.
Let's get straight into it.
Do Indians Need A Visa for South Africa?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. Indian tourists and other short-term visitors can now get a visa for South Africa online. The new electronic application system is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a South African visa from India.
An Overview Of The South Africa Visa For Indians
So you're interested in traveling to Kenya. If you don't know where to start, here's what you need to know about the South Africa visa for Indians.
What Is The South Africa Visa And Why Do I Need It
What Type Of South Africa Visa Can Indians Apply For
Is There A South Africa Visa On Arrival For Indians
Is There A South Africa Evisa For Indians
What Are The South Africa Visa Fees For Indians
What Is The South Africa Visa Processing Time
Where To Apply For The South Africa Visa?
Can You Apply For A South Africa Visa At The Embassy
What Is The South Africa Visa And Why Do I Need It?
The South Africa e-Visa is an electronic visa that grants entry into South Africa. Once available, eligible citizens can complete the online application without going to an embassy or consulate. The electronic visa system is currently being tested and is expected to become available soon to all eligible nationalities.
The South African visa application form is intended to be straightforward and take a matter of minutes to complete. Applicants are expected to answer a series of basic questions by entering their name, address, date of birth, and passport details.
What Type Of South Africa Visa Can Indians Apply For?
There are several types of visas that Indians can apply for. It all depends on your trip purpose. Here are there South African visas you can apply for:
Short-stay visa: Visits to family or friends for business purposes. The spouse is to join a spouse in South Africa on a work or study permit, and the children are to join parents in South Africa on work or study permits.
Business Visas: Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business visa if it is their intention to be employed in the business
General Work Visas: General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with relevant qualifications, skills, and experience are not available for appointment.
Student Visas: Study visas are only issued for studies at selected learning institutions.
Medical Treatment Visa: Any foreigner who needs to undergo medical treatment in the Republic must apply for a medical treatment visa, which visa may be issued for six months at a time.
Is There A South Africa Visa On Arrival For Indians?
No, Indians cannot get a visa on arrival in South Africa. This is because visas are not issued at South African ports of entry. However, airlines allow Indian passengers to board a flight, provided they hold a visa.
Indian citizens need to apply for their visas to South Africa in advance. However, short-term visitors can now apply for a South African visa online using the new eVisa system.
Is There A South Africa Evisa For Indians?
Yes. Indian nationals are able to apply for the South African evisa from India. This post will highlight everything you need to know about the evisa and how to apply for one from India.
What Are The South Africa Visa Fees For Indians?
The South African visa fee is free, but you're charged a service fee whether you apply through the visa service center or online.The visa fee will be shown during the capture and completion of your application form. The fee is in South African Rands (ZAR).
The South Africa Tourist Visa fees when you apply through the visa application center, the visa fee would be gratis for all Indian Nationals; however, there are logistic fees. The South Africa logistic visa fee is divided into locations, depending on which application center you apply to.
New Delhi is INR 2040 inclusive of all taxes
Gurgaon is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
Jaipur is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
Kolkata is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
Mumbai is INR 2040 inclusive of all taxes
Ahmedabad is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
Pune is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
Goa is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
Bangalore is INR 2301 inclusive of all taxes
The visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable and must be paid in cash, including for children. The visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. It can change without notice. There is no exemption for the VFS Service charge, whether you apply at the South Africa VFS Delhi or the South Africa VFS Mumbai.
What Is The South Africa Visa Processing Time?
It takes a few business days to process a South African eVisa application from India. However, at times of high demand, it may take longer.
How Long Can I Stay In South Africa?
With the South African visa for Indians, you can stay for 3 months.
Can You Apply For A South Africa Visa At The Embassy?
No. Indians no longer need to visit the embassy or consulate to obtain a South African visa. Instead, they can apply using their smartphone, laptop, or another electronic device.
Indians who don't meet South Africa's eVisa requirements should contact the South African embassy In India or the consulate.
What Are The South Africa Visa Requirements For Indians?
It's important to understand visa requirements before you start your application process. In this section, I will talk about South African visa requirements:
What Are The Required Documents For A South Africa Visa
What Are The Passport Requirements To Travel To South Africa From India
What Are The Requirements For Minors Traveling To South Africa
(Video) SOUTH AFRICA E VISA FOR INDIANS || HOW TO APPLY ? DOCUMENTS ? #southafricaevisaforindians
What Are The Required Documents For A South Africa Visa?
Like any other international travel, you must apply and meet the visa requirements for a South Africa Visa for Indians. You will need the following if you start your South Africa Visa for Indians:
A valid passport: Have at least one blank page in your passport.
Sufficient funds: Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses in South Africa through bank statements.
A yellow-fever vaccination certificate: Suppose your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Two color passport photographs.
A return ticket if you travel by air.
Keep in mind that without the correct documents, you won't be able to successfully apply for your South Africa tourist visa from India.
A small mistake on your visa application could lead to a delayed processing time; or a denied visa. Therefore, always double-check that the information you provide aligns with that on your passport.
What Are The Passport Requirements To Travel To South Africa From India?
To enter South Africa, a passport with at least 30 days remaining from the intended date of departure is necessary. In addition, passports must have two blank pages for entry stamps.
What Are The Requirements For Minors Traveling To South Africa?
Adults traveling with minors under 18 need to show the child's birth certificate, which shows the details of both parents.
If you have children (minors) traveling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents.
Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor.
Covering letter outlining your travel plans.
Invitation letter, if applicable.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking).
If the child is traveling with one parent, it is also necessary to present a parental consent affidavit signed by the other parent.
Foreign visa-required children will have their birth certificate processed during their visa application and no longer have to produce the document for inspection at the airport upon arrival
How To Apply For The South Africa Visa?
When you start the South Africa visa application for Indians, note that you can apply for the e-visa, which is an online application, and apply through VFS Global in India.
Where To Apply For The South Africa Visa?
Applying For The South Africa E-Visa For Indians
Applying For South Africa Visa For Indians Through The VFS Global Application Center In India.
(Video) South Africa tourist visa fees, requirements, processing timeWhat Happens After Applying For South Africa Visa
Where To Apply For The South Africa Visa?
There are three possible ways for you to apply for a Kenya visa for Indians.
Applying For The South Africa E-Visa For Indians.
Applying For South Africa Visa For Indians Through The VFS Global Application Center In India.
Applying For The South Africa E-Visa For Indians
The details of what information will be required to complete an eVisa application by submitting the eVisa form are explained in detail with every step. In addition, the application process for minor children accompanying an adult is described. It will need to be completed correctly.
Step 1. Create A Profile
Let's start by creating your profile. In this step, you need some information to create a profile. All information has to be entered as it appears on the passport: Full Name, Passport Number, Country Of Issue*, Country Of Residence*, Passport Issue Date, Passport Expiry Date, Confirmation that the passport has at least TWO (2) unused pages, Email Address, Confirm Email Address, Password, and Confirm Password. After completing everything, select the "Create Profile" button.
Please Note: The Passport number and Email address can't be updated. So please make sure it is correct before submitting your profile.
Step 2 Submit Your Online Form
Submitting the necessary information on the e-visa application form allows your application for the South Africa Visa for Indians to be processed.
Remember that a small mistake on your visa application could lead to a delayed processing time; or a denied visa. Therefore, always double-check that the information you provide aligns with that on your passport.
Step 3 Upload Documentation
The requested supporting documents to support your South Africa e-Visa submission will need to be uploaded to complete your application submission.
Step 4 Confirm Secure Payment
Your South Africa Visa for Indians application will be completed by uploading the proof of payment. The one you received from the bank once you've made an Electronic Funds Transfer payment to the designated account.
Applying For South Africa Visa For Indians Through The VFS Global Application Center In India.
Firstly, you must identify the South African visa type you are applying for, so you can download the correct application form and meet the visa requirements. Once you have done this, you can apply at VFS South Africa in Delhi or South Africa VFS Mumbai.
South Africa Visa For Indians Application Form
Then, choose the correct visa for your trip. Next, get started with your South Africa Visa for Indians application. Once ready to apply, you can download the visa application form, complete it, print it, and bring it to the Visa Application Center. Together with the documents required for the Visa category chosen for submission.
Book An Appointment
Book an appointment, so you can pay your fees. Find out the amount you need to pay. Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee.However, if you download the form to print and bring it to the Visa Application Center, payment can be made at the time of your appointment. You will have to pay the Visa fee at the VFS Visa Application center by Credit/Debit Card or Cash. Visit a VFS visa application center in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune.
Track Your Application
Stay informed about the progress of your application. You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application center. Suppose you can't access email easily or would like more detailed tracking information.
In that case, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application center you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Center and your last name to access this service.
Attend Your Scheduled Appointment
You must submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Center.
Wait For Visa To Process
After your visa interview, all you can do is wait. Which can take a very long time; up to 3 months.
Recieve Your South Africa Visa
Lastly, after the long visa application process, you will finally receive your approved visa for South Africa.
What Happens After Applying For South Africa Visa?
This can be a very frustrating process after you have applied but you don't know what happens after you have applied. Here are the things you can do:
Collect your passport from the Visa Application Center, after a visa application decision. So please check with the Visa Application Center at opening times for the options available to collect your documents.
Your passport can be returned by courier for an additional fee.
Documents you will need when collecting your passport in person:
Bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Center.
A form of Government identification.
If permitted, you may send a representative to collect your passport; they will need to have:
A letter of authorization signed by you.
Bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Center and
Their Government identification.
Important: You'll not receive the SMS notifications if the DND facility is activated on your mobile number.
What Happens At The Visa Application Center
You must attend your appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone to your place. Only applicants and children under 18 can enter the Visa Application center.
Bring a printed copy of your visa application, 2D barcoded sheets, and a passport bio page. Also, a valid passport or travel document with 2 pages blank on both sides and birth certificates (for minors). In addition, bring all supporting documentation (originals and copies). If you haven't paid your visa fee online, you can pay your fees at VFS Global center.
You will also submit your fingerprints and photograph at the VFS Global center. This is known as biometric information collection. A digital finger scanner collects images of all 10 digits, and you will have a digital photo taken. The digital fingerprint scanner uses no inks, liquids, or chemicals.
Children under 18 years old need to be accompanied by an adult, and this cannot be a member of VFS Global staff.
Suppose you miss your appointment on the scheduled day. In that case, you will need to:
Book a new appointment 24 hours after your original appointment date. Without biometrics information, your visa application will not be processed.
If you have applied for a Schengen Visa in the last 5 years, you will not need to submit biometric data as you have already done so. In addition, applicants under 12 do not need to submit complete biometric data but will need a facial scan.
For an applicant between the ages of 12 and 17, a parent or legal guardian will be asked to give consent and be present when fingerprints are collected.
All Done
That's all that you have to know about getting a South Africa visa for Indians. If you're still curious about the visa you can check out the FAQ section.
You can now start your South Africa Visa For Indians application and go explore the country.Happy traveling!
FAQs
How much bank balance is required for South Africa visa? ›
How Much Bank Balance is Required to Get a South African Visa? The high commission requirements state that you will need funds of an equivalent of at least 3000 South African Rand to apply for the visa. As per the requirements, you are expected to possess sufficient funds to support the entire duration of your stay.
How much does a visa to South Africa cost? ›The South African visa fee is free for Indian nationals, but you're charged a service fee whether you apply through the visa service center or online. The visa fee will be shown during the capture and completion of your application form.
Is bank statement enough for visa? ›When applying for a visa, a bank statement is one of the required documents to be provided. A bank statement is a record that shows the financial transactions that occurred within a set period. This includes inflows and outflows.
How much cash is allowed in South Africa? ›For cash in South African Rand (ZAR), the limit is 25,000ZAR. For combinations of cash in other currencies, the limit is US$10,000 (or equivalent). You should declare any amount higher than this on entry to South Africa.
What are the requirements for visa approval? ›...
Information to be Provided with Visa Application Form
- Name of the applicant.
- Date of birth.
- Passport number.
- Profession.
- Dates of travel/stay at your destination country.
- Contact address in the destination country.
- Step 1 – File a Petition with USCIS. ...
- Step 2 – Case Preparation by the National Visa Center. ...
- Step 3 – Visa Interview Scheduling by the National Visa Center (NVC) ...
- Step 4 – Medical Exam. ...
- Step 5 – The day of the interview. ...
- Step 6 – Visa Approval. ...
- Step 7 – After you receive your visa.
Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work. U.S. citizens can visit 174 countries without a pre-approved visa.
How many days South Africa visa takes? ›The timelines given by South African High Commission; New Delhi & South Africa Consulate General; Mumbai for the processing of each application is minimum 60 days from the day of submission at Visa Application Centers.
What does a visa cost? ›Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are $190. K visas cost $265 and the fee amount for E visas is $205.
How do I pay my visa application fee? ›
The most convenient payment method for your nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) fee is online with a debit card. Once you log into your profile and while on the payment screen, you can select to pay using a debit card. After you pay the visa application fee, print your receipt for your records.
What is the cost of Indian visa? ›| Visa Category | Number of applicants | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Applicant | 10+ Applicants | |
| Normal | $69 | $55 |
| Urgent | Additional $79 | |
| Super Urgent | Additional $99 | |
Indian Visa from South Africa is available within 3-4 business days at the earliest.
How much does it cost to visit South Africa from India? ›| South Africa Packages | Day/Night | Price |
|---|---|---|
| South African Discovery with Johannesburg Extension Package | 11 Days/10 Nights | ₹2,63,630 |
| South African Discovery Package | 9 Days/8 Nights | ₹2,30,477 |
| Scenic South Africa Package | 8 Days/7 Nights | ₹2,21,763 |
| South Africa - The Must Do Route Package | 9 Days/8 Nights | ₹1,31,753 |
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
Can embassy check your bank account? ›Nope, they don't have any right to call a bank and ask for a customer details, as it prohibited. All you have to do is to show them your statement if they ask for it. Originally Answered: do embassies confirm bank statements when you are applying for visa?
Can I use my father bank statement for visa? ›You can use your bank statements or your parents' / legal guardian's statements. If you don't have a statement, you can ask the bank to print one for you - make sure that each page is on headed paper and has your name and account details. You can also print an online statement and ask the bank to stamp each page.
How much money can I carry on a plane? ›When flying domestically within the USA, there is no limit to the amount of cash that you can carry or have to declare. However, if you are found flying with large amounts of cash or money, TSA officers may question you as to why you have it and details of your trip.
How do I declare money at the airport? ›You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP. Use the online Fincen 105 currency reporting site or ask a CBP officer for the paper copy of the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105).
Is cash allowed in flight? ›How much cash can I carry on a domestic flight in India? There is no specific limit on the amount of cash that can be carried on a domestic flight in India, however, you are responsible to provide a valid reason and source (with proof) for carrying cash more than INR 200,000 (Rupees 2 lakhs).
How do you answer why should I approve your visa? ›
For 'why' you can answer as one of the following: I am passionate about that *subject* and want to gain more knowledge in it. There are not many experts in this *field* in India, The knowledge I gained while studying in *college name* will help me stand out once I return to India.
What are the questions asked in visa interview? ›- What is the reason for your travel to the United States? ...
- What is the duration of your stay in the United States? ...
- Where will you be staying? ...
- Where do you stay in India? ...
- Who is going to cover your expenses during the travel?
Reasons for Visa Refusal
Your visa may be rejected, if you have provided wrong information in your visa application form. If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice.
- Create a good impression. ...
- Be well prepared. ...
- Be calm and confident. ...
- Keep your answers short and to the point. ...
- Keep required documentation at hand. ...
- Provide necessary financial documents. ...
- Explain how your program matches for your career plans. ...
- Never sound like a potential immigrant.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR AN ENTRY VISA 1 Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months and having at least 3 blank visa pages. 2 A photocopy of the data page of the passport. 3 Two passport size photographs (2X2 inch).
What is the easiest visa to get? ›For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code § 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
What is visa full form? ›The full form of VISA is “Visitors International Stay Admission.”
What is a Type 1 visa? ›The Type 1 Review for Immigration is a visa screening service for applicants who need the Health Care Worker Certificate, for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What type of visa is most common? ›...
US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)
| Visa | Purpose of stay |
|---|---|
| B-1 Visa (Business Visitor) | For business travelers who stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days |
| B-2 Visa (Tourist) | For tourists who want to stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days |
An e-Visa (electronic Visa) is an official document allowing you to enter and travel within South Africa. The eVisa is linked electronically to your passport. Indian tourists can now get an eVisa for South Africa. South Africa online visa was launched for travelers from 14 countries in February 2022.
How long visa is approved? ›
The time required from visa application to visa issuance is 5 working days from the day following the date of receipt of the application, provided that there is no particular problem with the content of application. It may take lesser time depending on the Embassy/Consulate General and the purpose of visit.
How do I know if my South Africa visa is approved? ›Track an application
Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
Why are US visas so costly? Unlike most questions that come up when applying for a visa, the answer to this one is actually quite easy to answer. It costs money to process the visas. Basically, the fee you pay is covering all the touchpoints you go through.
Does getting a visa cost money? ›Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for. Filing an Immigrant Visa Petition (When collected by U.S. Embassies and Consulates for USCIS.
Which visa is expensive? ›1. Russia: $270+ Visiting the iconic Red Square or skinny dipping in Lake Baikal is no easy undertaking. A tourist visa to Russia is among the most difficult travel visas for Americans to obtain, and its high price only makes it more challenging to acquire.
Can I apply for visa without paying? ›Visa applicants, including children, are required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee, sometimes referred to as the MRV fee, before applying for a nonimmigrant visa. The visa application fee must be paid whether a visa is issued or not.
What happens after visa fee is paid? ›USCIS will not issue your Green Card until you have paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee. Once the fee is paid, USCIS will process your payment and issue you a Green Card. After you arrive in the United States, you will receive a stamp in your passport that validates your admission as a lawful permanent resident.
What happens after visa fee payment? ›You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Which visa is best for Indian? ›| S. No. | Type of Visa | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employment Visa | Highly skilled Individuals intending to take up employment |
| 2 | Business Visa | Visiting India for a business purpose |
| 3 | Project Visa | For executing projects in the Power and Steel sectors |
| 4 | “X”/ Entry visa | For accompanying families of foreign nationals |
| Bhutan | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Grenada (for up to 90 days) |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (for up to 30 days) | Montserrat (for up to 180 days) |
| Turks and Caicos (for up to 90 days) | El Salvador |
| Macau |
Which country is visa free for Indian citizens? ›
Bhutan: Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, the country is in the eastern Himalayas and is a landlocked one. It is the second least populous country in South Asia after the Maldives. Indian citizens can stay in the country without a visa for a period of 14 days.
Can Indians go to South Africa without visa? ›Indian nationals need to apply for a visa to visit South Africa. Different types of visas are offered by the South African government depending on the purpose of visit.
How much is a South African visa? ›High season is considered to be July and August. The cheapest month to fly to South Africa is January.
How much money do I need to visit Africa? ›An African safari costs anywhere between $125 and $1,500 per person per night. A budget safari averages $150 per night, mid-range $350 and luxury $750. The extreme top-safaris can easily go up to $1,500 per night, or more!
Is South Africa is cheaper than India? ›India is 47.7% cheaper than South Africa.
How much money do you need to apply for a visa? ›| Visa type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-petition Based Visas | $160 |
| Petition Based Visas | $190 |
| E Visas | $205 |
| K Visas | $265 |
You will usually be asked to provide bank statements for the previous three months as evidence that you can afford to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the US.
How much money do you need for visa application? ›...
How much money you'll need.
| Number of family members | Funds required (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,310 |
| 2 | $16,570 |
| 3 | $20,371 |
| 4 | $24,733 |
Employees without bank accounts may submit 6-3 months worth of pay slips that can serve as proof of the money you are receiving.
What bank statements do I need for visa? ›
Proof of funds:
Original bank statements from your personal account for the past six months; • The last 6 months of pay slips.
The bank statement must show the exact dates of depositing and withdrawing money. Embassy officials check every cash transaction done by the applicant. It is usually advisable to submit the bank account statement which shows your monthly income in the form of salary, pension etc.
How do I prove sufficient funds for visa? ›The only recognized way to prove your financial sufficiency are recent bank account statements during the last three months. Attention, bank statements must show the name and address of the owner. The embassies cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.
How do you show you have enough money to stay? ›- Cash.
- Credit card.
- Bank statements.
- Proof of employment.
- Proof of prepaid accommodation.
- Payslips.
Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
Two months' worth of bank statements is the norm because any credit or deposit accounts older than that should have shown up on your credit report.
How do I arrange my bank statement for visa? ›- the statement must be in the personal name of the applicant.
- It must be a minimum of 3 months at the time of issuance.
- It shows the transactions during this time.
- the statement must have the required end balance.
Nonimmigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category for which you are applying. Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for, unless the application fee is not required, as listed below.
Do you need money for visa? ›Most embassies require visa applicants to submit proof of funds. On the surface, it seems like they do so to make sure that applicants can sufficiently support themselves financially during the trip (financial capacity).