South Africa eVisa for Indian citizens: Get your South Africa eVisa online now

Are you an Indian citizen with a desire to explore the captivating wonders of South Africa? If applying for a South Africa eVisa online seems overwhelming, worry not; we're here to provide you with the necessary assistance!

In this comprehensive guide, tailored specifically for Indian citizens, we'll take you through the South African eVisa application process step by step. We'll cover all the essential requirements, necessary documents, visa fees, and other important information.

South Africa Table Mountain

By following this guide, you can focus on planning your travel itinerary and preparing for the South African adventure that awaits you.

Eligibility criteria for a South African eVisa for Indian citizens

Exciting news for Indian passport holders! You belong to the privileged group of nationalities who can apply for the South African eVisa online —farewell to the hassle of visiting a South African embassy or consulate for your visa application.

To qualify for the eVisa, Indian citizens must also meet specific requirements, including:

Having a valid passport with at least one blank page.
Presenting evidence of a return or onward ticket.
Planning a stay in South Africa for 90 days or less.
Visiting South Africa for purposes such as tourism, family visits, business (excluding work), or medical treatment.

Children or minors from India also need a South African eVisa before they go, and their parents or legal guardians must apply on their behalf. Simply select 'Add another person' during the process to apply as a family.

Please bear in mind that this visa doesn't authorize you to work or study in South Africa. For info about a Work or Student Visa, kindly contact the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate in India.

What is a South African eVisa, and why do Indian citizens need it?

The South African eVisa is an electronic visa, and is also called the South Africa Tourist Visa. It allows eligible individuals from India to explore this beautiful country on short-term visits.

Whether you're looking to discover the country as a tourist, visit for business reasons, reunite temporarily with friends and family, or undergo medical treatment, this modern online visa system has made the process much faster for Indian applicants.

Let's explore the ins and outs of this eVisa and prepare for an unforgettable South African trip!

How to apply for a South African eVisa from India in under 15 minutes

Now that you know what a South Africa Visa is and what you can and cannot do in the country, let's dive into the simple online process:

Step 1: Complete the simple South Africa Visa application form online. We require basic details like your passport and travel details to check your eligibility.
Step 2: Once you've double-checked all entered information, pay the application and processing fees. You can pay both online using a credit, debit card, or PayPal on our secure platform.
Step 3: Then, upload the required supporting documents before submitting your application.

Upon submitting your South Africa e-Visa, you'll receive status updates via email. Be sure to print a copy of your eVisa once approved to present to South African immigration officials if needed.

The validity period of a South Africa eVisa for citizens of India

The South African eVisa is a Multiple entry visa that allows you to stay for up to 90 days per entry. You must enter the country within 90 days of visa issuance.

Plenty of time to enter South Africa and explore all its wonders!

Can a South African eVisa be extended for Indian citizens?

Unfortunately, it's not possible to extend the South African eVisa. Once the validity date has expired, you must apply for a new eVisa to travel to South Africa again.

Consequences of overstaying a South African eVisa for citizens of India

Always abide by South Africa's regulations and never overstay your visa validity, as doing so can result in a fine and even legal consequences. The amount depends on the number of days you've overstayed but can range between US$100 and thousands of dollars.

It can also result in a ban from entering South Africa going forward. If you overstay your visa for less than 30 days, you may face a ban for 12 months. For those travelers who overstay their visa for more than 30 days, the ban increases to 5 years.

Even after the ban period is over, you'll likely still face difficulties applying for a South African Visa in the future and even entering the country if you have a visa. It's best to adhere to the regulations to avoid unpleasant outcomes.

Read more about what happens if you overstay your South African eVisa on our blog here.

Required documents to apply for the South African eVisa from India

To apply for a South Africa Visa online from India, include the following supporting documents:

Copy of your valid Indian passport, with a validity of at least 6 months from the arrival date in South Africa, and one blank page.
Proof of enough funds to cover your trip expenses, such as bank statements for the last three months and an employment contract.
Travel plans, including proof of accommodations and an onward or return ticket.
Yellow fever certificate (if applicable), if you are traveling from or through a country with a high risk of yellow fever.

Processing time and costs for a South Africa eVisa application for citizens of India

The South African eVisa government visa fee is around US$25, excluding the iVisa processing fee.

Our process includes several exclusive benefits, such as a simplified application process, expert guidance, and a review of your application before submitting it to the South African government!

Choose your preferred timeframe:

Standard Processing: Get your eVisa in 26 days for a fee of USD $63.49.
Rush Processing: Get your eVisa in 23 days for a fee of USD $69.49.
Super Rush Processing: Get your eVisa in 20 days for a fee of USD $74.99.

We include the government fees in the above total for an even smoother process. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete!

How to check the status of your South Africa eVisa application

To keep track of your application's progress from India, check out the following tips:

When applying for the South Africa eVisa online with us, our team will update you about the application status throughout the process via your iVisa account and by email.
Or, check your application's status on the South African government website. Enter your passport number and the application reference number.
For direct communication, contact the South African Department of Home Affairs at +27 11 461 9252 (international charges may apply) or by email at [email protected]. Have your passport and reference number on hand.

What to do when my South African eVisa application is denied?

If your South African eVisa application is rejected, don't panic. Always try to understand the reason behind the denial first to see what options you have for a future application.

You'll always get an email notification if your application gets denied. Reasons could be because you left out important info in your application, you're banned from the country, or your details are incomplete.

When applying with us, our iVisa Experts will ensure your application is complete and all supporting documents match your passport. You can also reapply for the South African eVisa with us if possible.

If you think the rejection decision was a mistake, you can appeal it. The appeal process differs per case, so seek legal assistance or contact the South African Department of Home Affairs for more info on how to appeal.

South Africa Boulders Beach Penguins

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a South Africa online visa from India

When applying for a South African e-Visa from India, there are some common mistakes to avoid that can lead to rejection.

Check out the following to increase your chances of success:

Incomplete/incorrect information provided: Always double-check all your details before submitting the visa application form. Make sure that your name and passport details are correctly entered and match your supporting documents.

Apply for your visa online through our services, and our team of experts will review everything to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Not disclosing a criminal record: If you have a criminal record in your home country or elsewhere, always declare this in your application and provide all the necessary supporting documents to explain the circumstances.
Not taking estimated processing times into account: The processing times for South African eVisas can vary on a case-by-case basis, so apply well before your intended departure date. We recommend applying at least a month in advance in case of unexpected delays.

By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to double-check your application carefully, you'll increase your chances of a successful result!

Travel restrictions and entry requirements for South Africa for citizens of India

Good news for Indian citizens! South Africa has lifted all its COVID-19 travel restrictions and is once again open for visitors. You won't need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a PCR test result on arrival.

However, remember that you may have to show a vaccination certificate for yellow fever if you travel from or via one of these countries.

Prepare for a trip to South Africa as a citizen of India

Ready for your trip to South Africa? If not, here are some extra tips to help you prepare for a stress-free trip:

Check your South African eVisa conditions: Make sure you have a valid visa and review it before you go to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Purchase travel insurance: Protect yourself against unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or high medical expenses by purchasing travel insurance.
Book accommodation: Book in advance to save money and get the best deals.
Print and gather your documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand, including your passport, eVisa, travel insurance, flight tickets, and tour reservations.

Read our ultimate South Africa travel guide for more tips and practical information to make your trip to South Africa stress-free and memorable.

What to expect at the airport when arriving in South Africa

After you've received your South African eVisa in India, it will be digitally linked to your passport. However, it's always a good idea to print the confirmation email in case of confusion upon arrival.

Upon arrival, you'll have to show your passport that matches the information in the eVisa system. Additionally, provide proof of a return flight ticket to India and sufficient funds to cover your trip, planned activities, and emergencies.

Once you've finished the entry formalities, collect your luggage and explore South Africa!

More information about the South African eVisa

If you have any further questions about the South Africa Visa for Indian citizens or need more assistance with the application process, please contact us anytime. Our expert customer service team is available via online chat or email at help@iVisa.

The information in this article is based on the following reliable sources: