Best guide to the India eVisa for South African citizens

If you have a South African passport and want to visit India, you can apply for the India eVisa online before you travel. This means you don’t have to visit an embassy or consulate, making it easier to prepare for your trip from South Africa to India.

We’ve helped thousands of travelers submit their applications correctly so they can avoid problems and focus on enjoying their journey.

Do South African citizens need a visa to enter India?

Yes. South African citizens need an India eVisa before traveling. Once approved, the eVisa is connected to your passport electronically and will be checked by immigration officers when you arrive at an approved Indian airport or seaport.

India offers different eVisa options for South African travelers:

• Tourist eVisa: For leisure travel, cultural visits, sightseeing, and visiting friends or relatives. This is the most popular choice for South African visitors.

• Business eVisa: For attending business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, or other commercial activities.

• Medical eVisa: For travelers seeking short-term medical treatment in India.

• Medical Attendant eVisa: For those accompanying someone traveling on a medical eVisa.

• Conference eVisa: For attending government-approved conferences in India.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INDIA TOURIST EVISA

How long is the India Tourist eVisa valid?

The 30-day India Tourist eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India. It allows double entry and each stay must fall within the visa’s validity period.

The 1-year and 5-year Tourist eVisas are valid from the date of issue, and not the date of arrival. They allow multiple entries within the validity period, making them a great choice if you plan to visit India more than once.

India eVisa requirements for South African travelers

✅ Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure date and have two blank pages.

✅ Passport photo: It should be recent and taken against a plain white background, with no shadows or accessories.

✅ Supporting documents: Depending on the purpose of your travel, you may need an invitation letter (for business travel), or a letter from your doctor (for medical travel).

“If you want to see busy attractions like the Taj Mahal or Jaipur’s Amber Fort, go early in the morning,” says Naledi P, an iVisa travel contributor. “It’s cooler, less crowded, and the light is perfect for photos.”

How to apply for an India eVisa from South Africa

Why apply with iVisa

We’re not the Indian government; we’re a private visa service provider trusted by travelers around the world. We check applications for mistakes before they’re sent, which helps avoid delays or rejections. We also give you clear instructions for every step and offer 24/7 customer support if you need help.

“It was my first time applying for an eVisa, and I wasn’t sure if I’d done everything right. The step-by-step help made it simple, and my eVisa was approved in plenty of time for my departure.” – Thabo M, South Africa

India eVisa FAQs

1. What documents do I need to apply for an India eVisa?

You’ll need a valid South African passport with at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages, a recent passport-style photo, your travel plans (such as hotel bookings or itinerary), and in some cases, extra documents like an invitation letter for business or medical travel.

2. How far in advance should I apply for my India eVisa?

You can apply up to 120 days before your trip. It’s best to apply at least 4 to 7 days before you travel to avoid any last-minute delays.

3. Is the India eVisa valid for cruise ship arrivals?

Yes. You can use an India eVisa to enter through select seaports, including Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Port Blair.

4.Can I make payment for my India eVisa in my local currency?

Yes. While the visa fee is processed in USD, you can pay using many currencies through debit or credit cards. If your payment is declined, check with your bank about international transaction settings.

5. Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter India?

Only if you’re arriving from or have recently visited a country with a risk of yellow fever. South African travelers may need to show the certificate if they’ve been to one of these countries before arriving in India.

6. Can I apply for the India eVisa from my phone?

Yes. You can download the iVisa app, which works smoothly on any device.

Still have questions?

Our customer support team is available to answer your questions about the India eVisa or traveling to India in general. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.