Indian Visa from South Africa

Process for South African Citizens to complete the Indian e-Visa Application

The Indian Visa for South African citizens has been available as online application form since 2014. This is online Indian Visa Application Process which doesn't need any paper based formalities to be completed by the South African residents.

Indian e-Visa is official document permitting entry into and travel within India to South African residents and citizens for the reasons for tourism, the travel industry, clinical visits, conferences, yoga, courses, workshops, deal and exchange, humanitarian effort and other business adventures on this new system of Indian e-Visa.

Online Indian Visa from South Africa can be procured online and applicants can pay using Rand or any of the 135 currencies using their Debit or Credit card.

Indian Visa for South African Citizens can be acquired in simple and easy manner. The process is as simple as filling an online form in few minutes, easy to complete payment method to finish Indian Online Visa Application form.

After your Indian Visa Application is submitted, if our staff requires additional proof like your passport copy or face photograph we will request you. You may do so in response to our email or upload it at a future date. Our Indian Visa Help Desk can assist you in 47 languages. You can send us your information online or by email at [email protected]. Government of India now allows eVisa India to be filled for South African Citizens for visits up to 90 days for multiple entries in India.

Is there a requirement for South African Citizens to visit Indian Embassy at any stage?

When Indian Visa from South Africa is applied online there is no requirement at any stage to visit Indian Embassy or Indian Consulate. Once the eVisa for India is received by email, you are authorised to travel to India..

You do not have to visit Indian Embassy for any confirmation or stamp on the passport.

Indian Visa Online is recorded in the central computer system of the Government of India, the Immigration Officers can access this information from any Airport of the world. Your name and passport number and South African Nationality is recorded in the computer system.

South African citizens are required to either keep a soft copy of email received on Phone/Computer/Tablet or printed copy and carry the eVisa to the airport. There is no stamp requirement on the passport for South African citizens for the electronic Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) that is sent in an email.

Are South African citizens required to courier passport / photograph / documents to Indian Embassy?

No, you do not need courier any required or supporting document to obtain Indian e-Visa. South African Citizens can either send the evidence documents either by email in response to a query by Immigration Officer or Government of India requirement regarding your Indian Visa Application or upload documents on this website in case required to support your India Visa Application. The link to upload documents required for Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) will be sent to the applicant’s email address provided at the time of filing Indian Visa Online. South African Citizens can also email directly to India e-Visa Help Desk.

What help and support can South African Citizens get for filing the Indian Visa Online (India e-Visa)?

One of the big advantages of applying Indian Visa Online from this website for the Government of India official immigration Visa is that South African Citizens can provide us with the supporting documents for your Indian Visa Application either by email or upload on the portal. Additionally, you can email our friendly Indian Visa Customer Support staff in any file format like JPG, TIF, PNG, JPEG, AI, SVG and many more saving you the time and hassle of file conversion or compression of files. This is ideal for customers who are not technically savvy because physical visit to Indian Embassy can result in rejection of the Indian Visa Application because of blurry bad photograph or passport scan copy.

In case the Immigration Officers from the Government of India require additional documents to support South African Citizens trip to India, then you can click on this link as to what are the Indian Visa Documents Requirements. You can read about requirements for essential documents here - Indian Visa Photograph Requirements and Indian Visa Passport Requirements. You can take a photo of your passport page and of your own face by your mobile phone or a camera and email Indian Visa Customer Support or upload on this website.

Can I apply for a Business Visit to India on South African passport?

Indian Visa from South Africa can be applied for business visits as well as tourist and medical visit under the Indian Government policy of eVisa India (India Visa Online). Business journey to India by South African Citizens can be for any of the several reasons as described in detail in Business e-Visa for India.

How long does approval of South African application take?

In the business as usual circumstances you can get a decision in 3 or 4 days. However this assumes that you have completed the Indian Visa Application Form online correctly and uploaded required documents. Completing the form correctly means putting in correct passport information like first name, surname, date of birth without a mismatch and have also provided any additional supporting application documents like South African Passport scan copy and Face photograph. In case of a Business Visa you would have been additionally required to provide a Business Card and Business Invitation Letter or a Medical Letter from the hospital in case of Medical e-Visa for India. In some cases however it could take up to 7 business days depending on the correctness of the data in the Indian Visa Application or public holidays scheduled in India at the time of application or the busy holiday season.

What facilities can be enjoyed with regards to the Indian e-Visa by the South African Citizens?

The advantages of the Indian Visa Online received electronically (eVisa India) are as follows:

What are the limitations with regards to the Indian e-Visa for South African Citizens?

There are a few limitations of Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) which are: South African Citizens cannot pursue journalism, film making, university degree in India or long term paid work on eVisa India (India Visa Online). Additionally, India Visa Online (eVisa India) does not provide the privilege of visiting military or cantonment areas – separate permission is required from the Government of India to visit these protected sites.

What should be South African Citizens be aware of if coming to Indian on e-Visa?

The guidance provided on this website for the Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) is sufficient for South African citizens, however the additional guidance and tips will be helpful to avoid the embarrassment of rejection or being refused entry into India. Indian Business Visa and Business Visitor arriving on Indian Business Visa have helpful guidance to prepare you for a successful outcome for your business visit to India.

Try not to Overstay

There is a fine of 300 US Dollars in India for exceeding your stay by as long as 90 days. Also, as much as 500 dollars fine for over staying to 2 years. Indian Government can likewise make legitimate move to impose penalty.

You may likewise impact your reputation for future travel and make it difficult to obtain visa for different nations by over extending your stay in India.

Take printout of Indian Visa sent by Email

While it isn't a necessity to have a paper copy of the Indian e-Visa (Indian Visa Online) for South African Citizens, it is more secure to do so on the grounds that your mobile phone which has the email confirmation might get misplaced or battery might be depleted and you will be unable to give the proof of having gotten electronic Indian Visa (eVisa India). Paper printout can server as proof of Indian e-Visa approval at the port of entry.

Ensure Passport has 2 blank pages

You have to have 2 empty or blank pages so the immigration officials of the Indian Immigration Department can append section stamp and leave stamp on your Passport at the airport.

Passport validity of 6 months

Your identification travel document which in most cases is an Ordinary Passport must be valid for a half year on the date of application of Indian Visa Application.

Please describe the application process for Indian Visa for South African Citizens?

There are several types of Indian Visa, depending on the citizenship of the visitor. South African Citizens need to complete the following simple steps to acquire Indian Visa:

• Step 1: Fill out the easy and straightforward Indian Visa Application Form, (Estimated time to complete is 3 minutes for most applicants).
• Step 2: Pay in 1 of 137 currencies using a Debit or Credit card.
• Step 3: Provide additional information, if requested by Government of India, we will email you if any further details are requested from you.
• Step 4: Get an approved electronic Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) by email.
• Step 5: You can go to any South African or foreign airport to board your flight for India..

Note:

• You do not have to visit Indian Embassy during this process.
• You do not require a stamp on your passport.
• Indian electronic Visa is recorded in the computer system that Immigration Officers can access from any airport in the world.
• You should wait for our email before departing to the airport until we have emailed you an approved electronic Visa for India (eVisa India).

 

What can South African citizens do after getting an approved Indian Visa Online by email (eVisa India)?

If the electronic Visa for India (eVisa India) is approved by the Immigration Officers from the Government of India office, then it will be notified to you by secure email. You will find a PDF attachment which you can carry to the airport, alternatively you can take a paper printout of the email electronic Indian Visa Online (eVisa India).

You can go to the airport either in the South Africa or any offshore airport and visit India. At no stage do you need a stamp on your passport for Visa nor is there a need to visit the Indian Embassy or Indian consulate.

Can the South African Citizens arrive India from any country or only depart from their country of Passport?

You can arrive from any other country, no necessarily commence your flight or cruise from the country of your passport. Additionally, once you have received Indian eVisa by email, you are not required to either visit Indian embassy or get a paper stamp on your passport.

When do I need to contact Embassy?

During the Online electronic Visa process for India, at no stage are you required to visit or call Embassy of India.

However, if your eVisa is rejected for some reason, which is very rare case, then, you may be asked to apply for a regular paper Visa at the Indian Embassy. Read our guide on how to avoid rejection of Indian Visa.

Can I visit India from any country in the world?

Yes, you can enter India from ANY country in the world into India. You need not be living in that country as a resident.

However, there is a limitation on which ports you can enter from and which ports you can exit from. Airports and Seaports are allowed for Entry into India on eVisa. While Airports, Seaports, Railway Ports and Land Ports are allowed for Exit from India on eVisa.

Electronic Visa Requirements to Travel from South Africa to India

India is in the southern region of the Asian continent, much like South Africa. It is renowned for having a vibrant local culture with distinctive characteristics that give India its individuality. With tourists from all over the world visiting to experience the nation, the culture, the cuisine, and the local customs for themselves, it is without a doubt one of Asia's top tourist destinations.

To entice tourists from throughout the world to visit India, the Indian government established the computerized travel authorisation system. India's tourism business is expanding quickly. As a result, the Indian government has been considering strategies for its promotion. An Indian eVisa may now be applied for and obtained by citizens of 166 different nations.

Travelers may avoid the trouble of having to visit their local embassy or consulate by applying for an Indian eVisa online, which is a reasonably straightforward process.

You require India e-Tourist Visa (eVisa India or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online (India e-Visa) rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.

What Kind of Visa Do I Need From South Africa To Enter India?

Travelers from South Africa have the choice of requesting an Indian eVisa in order to visit India. Depending on why they are visiting, they will need a certain kind of eVisa.

• An Indian eTourist visa is what the visitors must apply for if they wish to enter the nation to engage in tourism-related activities.
• If conducting business is the cause for their trip, they require an Indian eBusiness visa.
• The visitor must apply for an eMedical visa if they are entering the nation to receive medical attention.

Travelers are advised to review the many eVisa options available to South African nationals to make sure they are applying for the best option.

What Papers Are Required for South Africans To Obtain An Evisa For India?

Each candidate for an Indian eVisa must have a working email address, a passport, and a debit or credit card.

In addition, candidates must fulfil the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply for an Indian eVisa:

• A passport that will be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of arrival in India is required for all visitors.
• For entry & exit stamps to be inserted in the applicant's passport, there must be at least 2 blank pages remaining.
• When requesting an eVisa, the traveler must have a return ticket or a ticket for further travel.
• While in India, the tourist must always have a copy of their eTourist visa on them.
• The maximum stay allowed under the Indian eTourist visa is 90 days.
• The Indian eTourist visa is neither extendable nor convertible.
• A traveler is limited to two applications for the Indian eTourist visa per calendar year.
• Every traveler seeking an eTourist visa must have their own passport.
• Children cannot be listed by parents on their eVisa applications.
• Those holding international travel papers and diplomatic passport holders are ineligible to apply for an Indian eVisa.

There are 31 recognised airports and 5 designated seaports where the Indian eVisa is valid for entrance. Travelers may, however, leave the nation from any of the recognised Immigration Check Posts. Prior to entering the nation, the visitor must apply for a visa at a nearby Indian embassy or consulate, whether they want to arrive by land or water.

READ MORE:

Indian e-Visa requires an Ordinary Passport. Learn about every detail for your Passport to enter India for Tourist e-Visa India, Medical e-Visa India or Business e-Visa India. Every detail is covered here comprehensively. Learn more - Indian e-Visa Passport Requirements

How Long Does It Take to Approve An Indian Evisa Application?

A completed eVisa application may need up to 4 business days for processing. To ensure they will be able to meet any unforeseen processing delays, visitors are advised to apply for the Indian eVisa in advance.

The processing of the application may take longer than usual if the traveler is asked to provide more information about the application that was filed. A scanned copy of the applicant's passport's biographical page and a current color photo of the applicant that meets the following requirements are frequently requested as extra proof -

• The applicant's face can be seen plainly.
• The face of the applicant is centered.
• The image is sharp and not out of focus.
• From the top of the head to the bottom of the chin, the applicant's face is visible.

How Do Citizens of South Africa Apply for an Indian eVisa?

The Indian Online eVisa website hosts the eTourist visa application. Travelers will need to supply certain personal, passport, professional, educational, and other information while filling out the application. Additionally, there will be a section for travelers to fill out certain security-related questions. Travelers are required to respond to them honestly and completely.

Additionally, travelers must pay a processing charge online with a legitimate debit or credit card. Travelers will also have the chance to check that the data they submitted is accurate and that it matches the data in their passports by going back and reviewing it.

The tourist will obtain their eVisa in 4 business days after submitting their application. The Indian Immigration and Border Officials will need to see a printed copy of the approved eTourist visa in addition to the traveler's passport when the traveler enters India. The passenger will next need to give their fingerprints and a current photo of themselves after Indian officials have confirmed the information. Following completion of all necessary steps, visitors will receive a passport stamp that serves as formal approval for their admission into the nation.

South African Citizens' e-Visa - Apply now!

READ MORE:

At the northernmost tip of India lie the tranquil cities of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Learn more at Best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.

Which Ports of Entry Are Allowed for South African Citizens with An Indian eVisa?

With a valid electronic visa, visitors from South Africa may transit through any of India's authorised airports or seaports. Any of the country's authorized Immigration Check Posts are available for visitors to depart from (ICPs).

If one wants to enter India by a port of entry that is not on the list of permitted ports, one must apply for a normal visa.

A regular visa must be requested at the Indian consulate or embassy that is most easily situated for the applicant if they want to enter India through a different port of entry.

Where is the Embassy of India in South Africa?

High Commission of India, Pretoria

Chancery: Physical Address

852, Francis Baard Street, Arcadia 0083, Pretoria, South Africa

Postal Address

P.O. Box 40216, Sunny Side 0007, Pretoria, South Africa

Country-City Dialing Code

0027-12

Email- [email protected]

Where is the Embassy of South Africa in India?

South Africa High Commission in New Delhi

Address

B 18 Vasant Marg Vasant Vihar

110057

New Delhi

Email- [email protected]

South Africa Honorary Consulate in Calcutta

Address

225-D Acharya Jagadish Bose Road

0700020

Calcutta

India

Email- [email protected]

South Africa Consulate in Mumbai

Address

Gandhi Mansion

20 Altamount Road

400 026

P O Box 6504

Mumbai

India

Email- [email protected]

South Africa Consulate in Chennai

Address

19 Rajaji Salai

600 001

Chennai

India

Email- [email protected]

READ MORE:
All the details, requirements, conditions, duration and eligibility criteria that any visitor to India needs are mentioned here. Learn more at India Business Visa (eVisa India for Business)

What Are Some Places In India That A South African Tourist Can Visit?

India is one of those destinations that eventually ends up on every traveler's bucket list because of how deeply traditional and always surprising it is. They could daydream of seeing Rajasthan's other royal palaces or going to Agra to see the Taj Mahal in all its glory. Others are lured to the stunning Goa beaches, the breathtaking landscape in Darjeeling, and the spiritual city of Rishikesh.

The nation's biggest cities, such as Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai, each have their own distinct personalities. India's largest cities' bustling streets, shops, and temples never become tiresome to visit. The most challenging aspect of the trip is deciding what to visit and where to go in India. Whether you're on a long camping trip or a lavish vacation, plan your trip to India with our assistance.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, is a chaotic, overwhelming metropolis that manages to draw in visitors. Ahmedabad, a medieval city, became India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017 thanks to its impressive architecture, walls, gates, and important Hindu and Jain temples.

Tourists may roam around Sabarmati Ashram, which served as Gandhi's headquarters from 1917 until 1930, on the western bank of the Sabarmati River. In its museum, the Indian hero's life is discussed, and his recognisable eyewear and spinning wheel are on show. Try some of the street cuisines while you're in the city; some people claim it's the greatest in all of India.

Kolkata

The third-largest city in India, Kolkata, is a crumbling example of British India's colonial-era architecture. The Victoria Memorial, a white marble structure with a museum and several galleries, and Park Street, a well-known avenue with stores and restaurants that are bustling 24/7, especially during the holidays, are two of the top things to do in Kolkata.

However, both the sights and the feelings are important to Kolkata. The highs and lows of life are evident on every street in this city, which will somehow evoke all of your emotions. Be prepared and receptive to the experience.

Shimla

Tourists and residents alike travel to the hill stations, with Shimla being the most well-liked, when the temperatures soar in New Delhi and other towns in North India. A peaceful area to spend a weekend or longer, the overcast skies and wooded slopes provide a welcome respite from the heat. Both the picturesque outside areas and the steep center area of the town have good atmospheres.

Make a reservation on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kalka-Shimla Railway while you're nearby. The over-a-century-old, 96.6-kilometre-long train is recognised for its breathtaking scenery and genuine vintage experience.

What Other Nations Are Eligible To Apply For An Indian E-Visa?

As of 2024, Indian authorities now accept electronic visa applications from citizens of 170 different nations. This means that it will be simple for many people to obtain the necessary admission clearance to go to India. To simplify the visa application process and increase the number of foreign visitors to India, the eVisa for India was developed.

It is now simpler for foreign travelers to enter India thanks to the advent of eVisa. The tourism industry plays a significant role in the Indian economy.

READ MORE:
Nestled in the state of Rajasthan, city of Udaipur often known as the City of Lakes given its historic palaces and monuments built around natural as well as man-made water bodies, is a place often easily recalled as the Venice of the East. Learn more at Travel Guide to Udaipur India.

---

You require India e-Tourist Visa or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.