Indian Visa from South Africa

^{Last Updated 19 June 2024}
All South African nationals, including children, require a visa to enter India. Applicants are advised to finalize their travel plans only after obtaining a visa. South African nationals are issued visas free of charge, and all applicants' passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from India. Biometric enrollment is mandatory for all visa applicants, effective since July 17, 2017, and will be conducted at the time of application submission (for Regular Visas) or at the immigration counter in India. South African nationals holding diplomatic and official passports are exempted from visa requirements for visits up to 90 days, based on a bilateral agreement.

How to Apply an e-Visa from South Africa?

Step 1: Complete the Application Online

Begin your e-Visa application on the official website and ensure all details are accurate. Upload necessary documents and photographs as specified below.

Required Documents

• Recent front-facing photograph with a white background, adhering to specified dimensions.
• Scanned bio page of your passport displaying personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, and expiry date (PDF, 10 KB to 300 KB).
• Additional document depending on the type of e-Visa applied for (e.g., business cards, invitation letters).

Note: Applications must be submitted online at least 4 days prior to your planned arrival date.

Step 2: Track Your Application Status

Monitor the progress of your application online through the visa status page provided on the official Indian e-Visa website.

ETA Confirmation and Biometric Requirements
Ensure you carry a printed copy of your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when you travel to India. Verify that your ETA status is 'GRANTED' on the official website before your departure. Upon arrival in India, biometric details will be captured at immigration.

E-Visa Validity & Processing Time

The validity of an e-Visa depends on the service requested in the application form:

e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): Valid for 365 days or 5 years from the date of ETA grant, allowing multiple entries. The maximum stay in India in one calendar year should not exceed 180 days.
e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Valid for 30 days from the date of first arrival in India, permitting double entries within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your passport. Your first arrival must be between the issue date and the expiry date of the ETA.

Processing Time: Upto 72 Hours

Important Guidelines:

• Applicants must apply using the passport they intend to travel with.
• The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted, and it does not permit visits to protected, restricted, or cantonment areas without prior authorization from Civil Authorities.
• If you receive an ETA on an old passport, you must carry both the old and new passports.
• Travelers from Yellow Fever affected countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card upon arrival in India.

How to Apply for an Indian Visa from South Africa in person?

Step 1: Online Application

Apply online at Indian Visa Online. 

Step 2: Print the Form

Once you have filled out the entire form, please ensure to print it in its entirety.

Step 3: Form Submission

The application process is managed by VFS Global in partnership with the Consulates General of India (CGIs) across different provinces of South Africa. 

• Bring the completed form along with all the necessary documents for your chosen visa category to the Visa Application Centre for submission. 
• You can book an appointment here.
• Once you've booked your appointment, you will receive an appointment confirmation email along with a letter of appointment.

For families or groups applying together, please note that each member must schedule an individual appointment.
Visit the application centre where your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) will be captured.

Here's the list of VFS Visa Application Centres in South Africa. 

Application Centers
The location for submitting visa applications depends on the applicant's province of residence:

• Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga: Applicants should apply at the VFS Global Centre in Johannesburg.
• Northern Cape and Western Cape: Residents should visit the designated VFS Global Centre.
• KwaZulu Natal, Free State, and Eastern Cape: Applications must be submitted at the VFS Global Centre in Durban.

Contact Information and Resources
VFS Global Durban Address: Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre, Office 101, 1st Floor, 91-123 Cowey Office Park (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood, Durban, 4001.
Websites: For visa applications and more information, visit Indian Visa Online and VFS Global India South Africa.
Here's what happens at the Visa Application Centre on the day of your appointment. 
Holiday Closures: Applicants should check the list of holidays when the consulate and VFS Global centres are closed.

Application Submission Guidelines

• Applications must be fully completed and accompanied by all required supporting documents. Here's a document checklist.
• Biometric enrollment is mandatory for all applicants unless specifically exempted. In cases of exemption, submission may be made by an authorized representative such as a travel agent or courier.
• Unsigned applications will be considered incomplete and not processed.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications in person. VFS Global/CGIs bear no responsibility for delays or losses associated with applications submitted through third parties.
• It is imperative that applicants personally complete their visa applications. Errors or typographical mistakes made by travel agents may lead to application rejection or denial of entry by immigration authorities.
• The Consulate General of India may request an interview as part of the application process.

Step 4: Pay Your Fees

After submitting your application, the next step is to pay your visa application fee. The visa fee can be paid directly at the Visa Application Centre. Please note that although the e-Visa is free of charge for South African nationals, Tourist Visa includes service charges and variable consular charges. 

Tourist Visa Fee Structure:
- Up to 1 year (Single/Multiple Entry): 1895 Rand
- More than 1 year up to 5 years (Multiple Entry): 3735 Rand

Modes of Payment:
1. Credit Card or Debit Card
2. Bank Deposit
Please note that EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) payments are not accepted.

Bank Details:
- Name of Bank: Nedbank
- Account Number: 1012505804
- Branch Code: 198 765
- Account Name: VFS Visa Processing SA Pty Ltd

Note

• When you pay your visa fee, it signifies your application submission.
• The High Commission of India reserves the right to accept, refuse, or modify applications at its discretion.
• Once fees are paid, they are non-refundable, even in cases of application refusal or cancellation.
• Please use your passport number as the beneficiary reference number when making the payment.

Step 5 : Tracking Your Visa Application

Stay informed about the progress of your visa application by tracking it online. You will receive an email notification once a decision has been made and your documents are ready for collection at the Visa Application Centre. If you prefer SMS updates, inquire at the Visa Application Centre if this service is available.

To track your application status online, use the Reference Number from the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name. This will grant you access to detailed tracking information regarding your visa application.

Visa Processing Time

Processing timeframe for South African nationals:

• Upto 5 working days. Longer for applications received by courier or post.

Processing timeframe for foreigners not permanent residents in South Africa:

• Minimum 7 working days for in-person submissions.
• 9 working days for postal applications.

Processing timeframe for foreigners with permanent residence in South Africa:

• Typically shorter than those with temporary residence or work permit.

Minimum processing time for all courier/post applications:

• 7 working days from the next working day after receipt.

Validity: For South African nationals, the duration of the visa will be determined by the relevant Indian Missions/Posts, with a maximum validity of up to 5 years. Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days, and registration is not required.

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

After your visa application has been processed, you have the option to retrieve your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you via courier for an extra charge.

To collect your passport in person, ensure you bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a valid Government-issued ID. Alternatively, if authorized, you may appoint a representative to collect your passport. They must present a letter of authorization signed by you, the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, and their own Government identification.

Please refer to the Visa Application Centre's operating hours to confirm the available options for document collection.

Visa Exemptions

Under a bilateral agreement, South African nationals holding diplomatic and official passports are exempted from the visa requirement for visits to India for up to 90 days from their date of entry