South Africa to Ease Visa Rules for Indians: 90 Day Waiver & Tour Scheme

South Africa to ease visa rules for Indian tourists with its new tour scheme and visa free entry. South Africa has introduced a simplified visa process for Indian citizens travelling in groups and visa free regime for individual travels.

The Home Ministry has launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which allows certain tour operators to submit group visa applications, making travel easier.

This strategic move, along with the new digital system, promises to usher in a new era of tourism for South Africa from India.

What’s the Big News About South Africa’s Visa for Indians?

Here are the South Africa’s new visa rules for Indians:

• Group Travel: The country has launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), allowing approved tour operators to submit group visa applications digitally, with processing times as short as 2-3 days for group entries.
• Visa Free Entry: The most significant development is the implementation of a 90-day visa waiver program for Indian tourists, effective May 2025. This allows Indian citizens to enter South Africa without a prior visa for stays of up to 90 days. This waiver applies to tourism, business meetings, visiting friends or relatives, and transit.
• ETA: An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is set to be functional by September 2025, promising faster approvals and a seamless digital experience for short-term visitors.

Must Read: Complete Guide on South Africa Visa for Indians 

Why is South Africa Making It Easier for Indians to Visit?

This progressive step is a deliberate effort by the South African government to bolster its tourism sector. India represents one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets. South Africa travel policy for Indians aims to increase tourism, with a target of over 100,000 by December 2025, up from approximately 75,000 in 2024.

Is It Just About Tourism or More Than That?

While tourism is a primary driver, the simplified visa process extends beyond leisure travel. The 90-day visa waiver also covers short-term business meetings and conferences, fostering stronger economic and bilateral cooperation between India and South Africa.

What are the New Visa Options You Should Know About?

Beyond the significant 90-day visa waiver for short-term stays, South Africa continues to offer various visa categories for different purposes:

• Visitor’s Visa (beyond 90 days): For extended tourist or family visits.
• Business Visa: For individuals establishing or investing in a business.
• Remote Work Visa: For individuals interested in working remotely from South Africa.

What Does ‘Simplified Visa’ Actually Mean?

• A simplified visa process refers to the elimination of the pre-application requirement for a visa by offering visa waivers of up to 90 days for Indian citizens.
• It also encompasses the digitization of the application process through initiatives like the TTOS for group travel and the upcoming ETA system.
• This simplification aims to reduce paperwork, cut down waiting times, and make the entire application and entry process more efficient and user-friendly.

Suggested Read: What is South Africa ETA? | Complete Guide for Travelers 2025 

Wondering How to Apply for a South Africa Visa?

For stays under 90 days, the visa waiver means no prior application is required. For longer stays or specific visa types, the process will generally involve:

• Visit the VFS Global to select the type of visa and start the application process.
• Download the form, compile all the relevant documents and choose the VAC for submission.
• Visit the designated Visa Application Center to submit your documents & pay the fees.
• After 5 days of processing, collect your passport from the VAC or get it couriered.

Must Read: How to Book South Africa Visa Appointment: Full Guide 

What Documents Will You Need Now?

Even with the simplified process, certain documents will still be essential upon arrival or for longer-stay visa applications:

• Valid Indian passport with at least 30 days validity beyond your intended departure and two blank pages.
• Confirmed return or onward travel tickets.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., bank statements showing a minimum balance equivalent to around ZAR 3,000).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter).
• Travel itinerary.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if transiting through affected countries).
• For other visa types, additional documents like invitation letters, employment contracts, or academic acceptance letters will be required.

How Long Does It Take and What’s the Cost?

After the new South Africa tourist visa relaxation, here are the new processing times and visa fees:

• For the 90-day visa waiver, there’s no processing time.
• For the TTOS, group visa approvals are expected within 2-3 days.
• For other visa types, processing times can be 5 days or above.

Note: Although the visa fee for Indian citizens is typically waived, applicants should expect to pay application and logistics fees, which generally range from INR 2,000 to INR 3,000.

Must Read: How to Check South Africa Visa Status Online | Simple Steps 

Who All Can Benefit from This Visa Relaxation?

All Indian tourists can benefit from this visa relaxation.

• Individuals: For stays up to 90 days.
• Tour Operators: Facilitating smoother group travel with the TTOS.
• Digital Nomads: With the upcoming remote work visa options.
• Business Travelers: Attending short-term meetings or conferences.

How Will This Move Help Indian Travelers and the Travel Industry?

South Africa visa exemption for Indians means that more Indians will choose South Africa as their next travel destination. Due to no visa hurdles and no visa fee, which helps makes travel to Africa cheaper and more efficient.

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FAQs

What is the new South Africa visa update for Indian citizens?

Indian citizens can now enjoy a 90-day visa waiver for tourism, business meetings, and visiting friends and relatives. Additionally, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system are being implemented for faster processing.

How can Indian citizens apply for a South Africa visa now?

Indians are eligible for visa-free entry up to 90 days. For longer stays or specific visa types, applications can be made online through the official eVisa Portal or via authorized agencies like VFS Global, with the upcoming ETA system for short-term stays.

What documents are needed for a South Africa tourist visa from India?

For the visa waiver, you’ll need a valid passport, confirmed return/onward tickets, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation details. For other visa types, additional supporting documents specific to the purpose of your visit will be required.

What’s the processing time for South Africa visas in 2025?

For the 90-day waiver, there’s no processing time. For group applications under TTOS, it’s typically 2-3 days. Other visa types require 5-7 working days.

When will the simplified visa process come into effect?

The 90-day visa waiver and TTOS came into effect in May 2025. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is expected to be functional by September 2025.

Is South Africa offering visa-on-arrival for Indian tourists now?

No, South Africa is not offering a visa-on-arrival facility. Rather, a 90-day visa waiver effectively allows Indian tourists to travel.