South Africa Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist visa for South Africa is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country to take part in tourism-related activities such as spending a holiday, taking part in adventure sports, visiting your friends/family, and so on. Though quite a lot of nationalities are actually allowed to enter the country without this, as an Indian citizen with an ordinary passport, you will need a tourist visa to enter the nation. 

The application for the tourist permit is done offline. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a tourist category. You can then make the application as follows - 

1. Gather all the documents required for the tourist visa. 
2. Visit the website of the South African Home Affairs. 
3. Fill in the South Africa tourist visa application form with all your details.
4. Along with the documents and application form, visit one of the South Africa High Commission authorized Visa Application Centers (VAC) to submit the application.  

Note that you will have to provide your biometrics at the VAC. As a result, they will be taking your digital photograph, as well as fingerprint scans. 

Also, ensure that you provide correct information and genuine documents. Providing false information and fake documents are grounds for visa rejection. 

There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled at the time of applying for a tourist visa for South Africa from India. These are as follows 

• You must have proof of confirmed visit

• Round trip flight bookings must be done.
• Your purpose of the visit must be for tourism only 
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to South Africa.
• If you are travelling via yellow fever affected nation, you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. 
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind visiting South Africa.
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in the country.

Based on your individual case, there may be additional eligibility to meet. To know the exact requirements for your case, do consult with a reputed travel agency.

As per the requirements, the South Africa tourist visa documents are as follows. However, based on your individual case, there may be additional documents required. 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
• Filled application form.
• Photos as per the specifications.
• Introduction letter from the Indian company explaining the visit.
• Confirmed flight tickets. 
• Invitation letter from the South African organization.
• Attested copy of a valid ID or passport of the host from the organization inviting you. 
• Bank statements for the past 3 months.

• South Africa tourist visa photo size: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The total cost for the tourist permit is dependent on a number of factors. It can vary according to the VAC service charges, as well as on the foreign exchange rates. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application. 

The time taken to process the tourist visa application can vary as per the number of entries, the volume of applications at the High Commission, and so on. Normally, in most cases, it will need at least 7 working days and a maximum of 30 days to process. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance. 

Once you have submitted the application at the VAC, it is then sent to the nearest South African diplomatic mission for the processing. This is either the South African high commission in New Delhi or the consulate general of South Africa in Mumbai. Note that the VAC has no influence over the processing and the decision making of the visa. 

After a decision has been made, you can either collect the passport from the VAC or have them deliver it to you for an additional charge. 

You can check the status of your application by clicking here, and entering the reference number and date of birth. Alternately, you may contact the travel agency you have applied through to know the status.

On successfully obtaining your tourist visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free trip to South Africa-

• Before you travel - 
• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
• At the border
• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your entry stamp will be stamped on the passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• When you enter South Africa
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work or business activities.
• You can extend this visa by applying at least 60 days before the expiry.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.