South Africa Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

The South African visa is an endorsement that lets you enter the Republic of South Africa for various purposes. A lot of nationalities do not need a visa to enter the country. However, as far as India is concerned, only the official, diplomatic, and service passport holders are exempt. All the ordinary passport holders will need an India to South Africa visa to enter the country. 

The application for the South Africa Visa for Indian citizens is largely done offline. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a particular category. You can then make the application as follows - 

1. Gather all the documents required as per the visa type. 
2. Visit the website of the South African Home Affairs. 
3. Fill in the South Africa visa application form with 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. 

Based on the purpose of your visit, the South African entry permits can be classified into the following different types - 

• Tourism - This is granted for people who are travelling to the country to take part in tourism, spend their holiday, visit their family or friends, etc.
• Business meeting/Conferences - This type of visa is issued for people visiting South Africa to take part in business-related activities. 

• Research/Training - This is issued if you are travelling to the country to take up research work or training in the country. 

• Study - This type is granted if you have to visit the country to pursue education. 

• Work - These are for people who have to go to South Africa to take part in long term work activities. 

• Relative - This is issued to people who are an immediate family member of a citizen or permanent resident living in South Africa.

Apart from these, there are also a few other categories. However, these are the most common ones for Indians travelling to South Africa. 

As per the South Africa visa policy, the documents required for South Africa visa are as follows. However, note that based on the exact type of the document, there will be additional documentation required. 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
• Filled application form.
• Photos as per the specifications.
• Covering letter explaining the visit.
• Confirmed flight tickets. 
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, an invitation letter from the host, etc. 
• Bank statements for the past 3 months. 

The South Africa visa photo specifications are as follows - 

• South Africa 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

Note that, In certain cases, the high commission my ask you to submit additional documents or even to attend an interview.

The South Africa visa cost is dependent on a number of factors. It can vary according to the type of the visa, 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 South Africa visa duration depends on the type of visa. Tourist permits are granted for durations less than 90 days. The work or study permits may be granted with longer durations. Similarly, the processing time also varies according to this. Apart from this, it can vary as per the number of entries, the volume of applications at the High Commission, and so on. Normally, most types 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. 

You can check the South Africa visa application status 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. 

The applications for the permit for South Africa has to be made through one of the VACs. However, the applications are processed by the South African High Commission in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai. You can also apply for it through a reputed travel agency. Applying through them is generally considered as an easier and faster process.