India Visa for South African Citizens

India, with its shared history of struggle, vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, delicious cuisine, stunning landscapes, and a booming economy, offers South Africans a unique travel experience!

The fantastic part is that South Africans don’t have to pay any visa fees for visiting India.

Here is everything you need to know about India eVisa for South African citizens. 

Types of India eVisa for South African Citizens 

Here are the different types of Indian eVisa validity and duration for South African citizens:

India eVisa Fees for South African Citizens 

Visiting India is pocket-friendly for South African citizens. Let’s review the India eVisa fees for South African nationals:

India eVisa Eligibility Criteria for South African Citizens 

The generic Indian eVisa eligibility for South African citizens is as follows:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arriving in India.
• Purpose: Your visit must be for tourism, business, medical treatment, or a conference.
• Duration: The maximum stay allowed on an eVisa is 180 days.
• Legal Port of Entry: You must enter India through one of the designated airports or seaports.
• Completed eVisa Application: Incomplete or partially completed eVisa applications are rejected immediately. Make sure all the sections are filled out.
• Old Passports: Include all old passports and any others for dual/multiple citizenship along with your current passport. Declare lost or retained passports from other countries in writing.
• Nationality: Current nationality goes in “Current nationality” field. Secondary nationality details (current or past) go in “Any other past/previous nationality” field.

Note: Double-check application information before submitting it at the Indian Embassy. 

• Mistakes cannot be corrected after submission. 
• You will need to submit a new application with a new fee. 
• Incomplete/erroneous applications will be rejected.

India eVisa Documents for South African Citizens 

Here’s a list of documents needed for Indian eVisa for South African citizens: 

• Print out the online eVisa application form with the uploaded photo.
• A 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) size latest coloured photograph with white background properly pasted (not stapled) at the given space. 
• Your current original passport with copies. 
• If your passport was issued in the last 6 months, do attach your old passport. 
• If the old passport is unavailable, you may submit an affidavit.
• Other nationality passport/ Identity Certificate, if any.
• Must submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you don’t have one, you may be quarantined for up to 6 days if:
• They arrived from an infected area within the past 6 days.
• They arrived on a ship that originated from or transited through a yellow fever-affected country within the past 30 days and was not disinfected per WHO guidelines.
• All pages of the documentation submitted should be self-attested by the applicant.
• Bank statement of the applicant for the last six months with sufficient funds 
• Copy of return ticket
• All your hotel booking reservations
• Invitation letter (if any)
• A valid ID proof

How to Apply for an Indian eVisa for South African Citizens?

Here’s how to apply for an Indian eVisa for South African citizens:

Step 1: Open the Indian visa application from the official Indian visa online service—type in your basic travel details and your visa type.

Step 2: Fill out the applicant’s personal details and passport details on the application form.

Step 3: Provide your address information and your family details.

Step 4: Fill in the details about the eVisa you requested and if you have any valid visas.

Step 5: Answer the additional questions on the application portal.

Step 6: Upload your image according to the guidelines.

Step 7: Upload a PDF copy of your passport’s bio page with clearly visible details and your photograph.

Step 8: Review all the information you have provided. Please make sure all the details match your passport and all the boxes are answered. You cannot correct the information after submission. You will have to submit a new form if you make any errors.

Step 9: Pay the fee for your Indian eVisa. Keep the payment receipt as proof.

Step 10: You can monitor the status of your Indian eVisa application online here.

Step 11: If needed, you can reupload the assigned documents through this link.

Step 12: The Indian eVisa processing time for South African Citizens generally takes 3-5 working days. If it exceeds 72 hours, you can connect with the authorities at eVisa helpdesk.

Step 13: Once approved, you will get your visa delivered by email. You can download, print the copy, and show it at the Immigration facilities at the airport with your passport.

India eVisa Processing Time & Next Steps

The Indian visa processing time for South African Citizens is 72 hours. If your visa is delayed beyond this time frame, you can contact the Embassy via email or call. 

• Call: (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666 
• E-mail: [email protected]

You can also check the status of your India tourist eVisa for South African Citizens through the official portal. Here’s the process:

• Visit the eVisa status inquiry page
• Click on Check eVisa status
• Enter the Application ID
• Enter the Passport number 
• Enter the security captcha
• Find out your evisa status

Indian eVisa Rejection Reasons for South African Citizens 

These are the top reasons for an Indian eVisa rejection for South African citizens:

• Providing inaccurate or missing details in the application form. 
• Submitting multiple or unnecessary visa applications. 
• If your passport validity is less than 6 months. 
• Your visa can be rejected if you have a criminal record.
• Failing to pay the visa fees for your India evisa. 

Top Reasons to Visit India for South African Citizens

Here are some top reasons that make India a fantastic destination for your next holiday:

Climate 

India’s climate is diverse, just like the country. You can see the incredible Himalayas in the North – enjoy the cold weather or head to the pristine summery beaches across the country. India’s cities are magical during the monsoon season, from June to September.

You can even enjoy island life in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands or the Lakshadweep Island. The weather is pleasant – with the average temperature ranging from 22°C to 30°C in winter months and the low humidity.

Flight

Flying to India from South Africa is generally convenient, with several airlines offering flights at competitive prices.

• Major Airlines: Etihad, Ethiopian, Air India, South African, FlyDubia, IndiGo, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Air
• Flight Duration: Typically 12-15 hours, depending on the route and airline.
• Non-stop Routes: There are no direct flights between South Africa and India. You can choose your airline, get layovers in Oman, Turkey, Qatar, or Ethiopia, and plan your trip. 
• Major Airports in India: Delhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
• Median Round-Trip Ticket Price: ZAR10,000 to ZAR30,000 

Visa Requirements & Ease of Entry

While South African Citizens need an Indian eVisa, the application process is easy and can be completed online. 

• Visa: Yes, required for South African citizens 
• Visa Type: eVisa
• Visa Application Fee: Free of Charge
• Processing Time: 72 hours
• Rejection Rate: Low for tourist visas

Currency Exchange & Affordability

India offers a more budget-friendly experience compared to other South Asian destinations. You can experience luxury at affordable rates. 

• Exchange Rate: 1 South African Rand = 4.62 Indian Rupee
• Two-Week Budget in India: ZAR 30,000 – ZAR 60,000

Tourism Trends & Popularity

India has a bustling tourism industry, with over 8 million tourists coming worldwide every year. It is highly tourist-friendly and easy to navigate. 

India has something for everyone – if you are a history buff, you can visit iconic museums and monuments. You can also enjoy music festivals, clubs, parties, and concerts in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. 

Language Support

Indians are extremely helpful but are not fluent in Afrikaans or other local languages of South Africa. However, you can use Google Translate to convey your message. 

Indians speak English, and most of the street menus and signage are in English or the state’s local language. For example, in Delhi, you will find street signs in Hindi and English, while in Kolkata, the street signs are in Bengali (its local language) and English. 

Religious & Cultural Ties

India is a multicultural and multireligious country, home to thousands of Temples, Mosques, Monasteries, and Churches. You can visit Buddhist temples such as Mahabodhi Temple or Namdroling Monastery & Golden Temple in Mysore.

Local Travel Guides & Apps

Finding local travel guides or mobile apps in your local language can be difficult. However, you can easily find travel guides and apps in English. Indians are fluent in English. 

You can easily book your Uber or order your food in English and even converse with the locals. Local transport signage is also in English, which you can translate it.

You can easily find bilingual help desks at major tourist centers to experience Indian culture.

FAQs

What is the Indian eVisa, and who can apply?

Yes, South African citizens are eligible for an India eVisa. An Indian eVisa is an electronic visa for tourists who wish to visit the country. You can apply through this official portal. 

What documents are needed for an Indian eVisa?

The documents needed for India eVisa for South African citizens are:

• Printed online eVisa application
• Photos
• Passport 
• Other nationality passport/ Identity Certificate, if any.
• Copy of return ticket
• All your hotel booking reservations

How long is the Indian eVisa valid for South African Citizens?

There are two types of Indian tourist eVisa for South African citizens:

• Tourist visa valid for 30 days
• Tourist visa valid for up to one year
• Tourist visa valid for 1 to 5 years

How much does an Indian eVisa cost?

The Indian eVisa for South African citizens is free of charge.

Can I apply for an Indian eVisa?

Yes, you can apply for an India eVisa as a South African citizen. Here is the India eVisa application process for South African citizens:

• Register yourself on the Indian eVisa online portal
• Fill out the 10-page visa application form online
• Upload a clear photo and a copy of your passport 
• Review the document and pay the fees online
• Receive your India eVisa in 72 hours

Is the India eVisa single or multiple-entry?

The India eVisa for South Africans can be a single or multiple-entry visa. 

The only condition is that the maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days for 1 year and 5 year tourist visa.

What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?

If your India eVisa is rejected, you can reapply for a new visa application. Review the reasons behind the rejection to prepare your new application properly. 

Do minors need their own India eVisa?

Yes, minors need their own India evisa to visit the country.

Is a printed copy of the eVisa required?

Yes, you need a printed copy of the India evisa to show at the Immigration counter.

How long does eVisa processing take?

The processing time for India eVisa for South African citizens is 72 hours. If your visa is delayed beyond this time frame, you can contact the Embassy via email or call. 

• Call: (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666 
• E-mail: [email protected]