South Africa Visa for Indians, Visa Fees, Documents & How to Apply in 2025

South Africa is an incredible place to visit. The country is full of diversity and beautiful tourist attractions. Besides, the country offers different job opportunities, so Indian people often shift to this country, or visit here for other social reformation purposes. 

Indians need a visa for South Africa to visit the country for any purpose. It is currently a mandate to purchase a travel insurance policy for South Africa if you are planning to take a trip from India.

Keep scrolling to learn about the important details.

Yes, Indians need a visa to travel to South Africa and if they intend to stay there for at least 30 days.

Indian citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival in South Africa.

Yes, Indian passport holders can apply for an e-visa to visit South Africa. The visa can be applied through the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs.

No, Indian tourists don’t mandatorily need to obtain travel insurance for South Africa. However, as a precautionary measure for any unpredictable situations that might occur during the trip, such as flight delays, baggage loss or delay, loss of passport, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc., having an insurance policy would be helpful.

Every Indian citizen who wishes to visit South Africa for different causes must be eligible for the following criteria. These are -

• People need to be very clear with their visits to the country

• Healthy condition and proper vaccination

• Character certificate from the local authority, etc.

Apart from these general guidelines, people need to submit different documents, such as South African visa requirements.

The general documents to apply for a visa for South Africa are as follows,

• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity and 3 blank pages

• Filled out visa application form

• Recent and coloured passport-sized photographs

• Personal covering letter

• Proof of return, such as a confirmed return ticket

• Bank statement for the last 6 months

• Evidence of hotel bookings

• The total travel plan in South Africa

• Important vaccination certificates

Apart from these general documents, there are some special requirements for each type of South African visa. These are,

Business Visa

• Original passport

• Old passport

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate

• Confirmed flight tickets

• Clear, 35X45 mm photograph on a white background

• Visa application form

• Clearly stated reasons for visiting the country and invitation letter of any organisation, seminar, etc.

Tourist Visa

• Recent original passport and old passport

• Clear photograph

• Confirmed flight tickets

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate

• Personal cover letter of applicants

• Bank statement of proper money backup

• Hotel details

• Parental NOC letter for children and non-adult individuals

• Relationship proof, if any

• The full itinerary of the South Africa visit

General Work Visa

• A valid passport

• Fully completed visa application

• Character certificate from police stations of all the countries the applicant lived from the age of 12 to 18

• Vaccination credential

• Qualification proof

• Employment contract issued by the employer

• Employer’s registration proof

• Documents for spouse and children, if any

Critical Skill Visa

• Fully Completed visa application form

• A valid passport

• Proper vaccination certificate

• Health report

• Proof of proper financial backup until the applicant receives a salary

• Character certificate from police authorities of all the countries the applicant lived since 18 years of age

• Copy of SAQA evaluation certificate translated into the official language of South Africa

Treaty Visa

• A valid passport

• Clearly stated letter about the type of program and its undertaking treaty

• Confirmed return flight ticket and cash deposit

• Details about the activities of the program

• The duration of the program

Study Visa

• A valid passport

• Old passport

• Clear photographs

• Parental NOC letter

• Proof of the identity of both parents

• Personal details of a local guardian in South Africa

To get a South African visa online, Indian citizens can follow the below-mentioned steps -

Check the Type of Visa You Need for South Africa Trip from India

Before starting your application, figure out the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. 

Register on the VFS Global Portal

Visit the VFS Global South Africa portal and create an account after selecting the visa. Use your email ID to sign up and verify your account.

Complete the Online Application Form for the Visa

Log in to your account and fill out the visa application form. Enter all details accurately, including your personal information, travel plans, and supporting documentation. 

Book an Appointment at the VFS Centre

Schedule an appointment to submit your biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) and documents in person. Choose the VFS Global center nearest to you.

Attend Your Appointment

Visit the VFS Global center on the date of your appointment with all your documents.

• Arrive on time and carry your appointment confirmation letter, passport, and other required papers.

• Submit your application and biometric data.

Pay the Visa and Service Fees for South Africa Visa for Indians

Once you’ve completed the application form, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee and the VFS Global service fee online. Save the payment receipt as proof.

Track Your South African Visa Application Status

After submitting your application, you can track its progress online using the reference number and receipt provided by VFS Global.

To get a South African visa offline, Indians need to go to the South African Embassy or consulate to fill out the form and submit documents and fees.

Applying for a South African e-Visa from India can be completed online. Follow these detailed steps:

Access the Official South African e-Visa Portal

Begin by navigating to the official e-Visa website of the Department of Home Affairs', dedicated platform for e-Visa applications.

Create a User Profile on the e-Visa Portal for South African Visa

Click on the 'Create Profile' option to set up your account. You'll need to provide personal information, including your full name, email address, and a secure password. 

Complete the Online e-Visa Application Form from India

After creating your profile, log in and select the 'New Application' option. Fill out the application form with accurate details and double-check all entries to avoid errors that could delay processing.

Upload Required Supporting Documents for the South African e-Visa

Prepare digital copies of necessary documents, which may include:

• A valid passport with at least one blank page and validity for your intended stay.

• Passport-size photographs meeting South African visa requirements.

• Proof of accommodation bookings or an invitation letter.

• Travel itinerary or flight bookings.

• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

Upload these documents as per the portal's instructions. Ensure that all files are clear and legible to facilitate smooth processing.

Pay the e-Visa Application Fee for South Africa Securely Online

Proceed to the payment section to pay the non-refundable e-Visa application fee. The portal accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards.

Receive and Print Your e-Visa Approval for South Africa

Once approved, you will receive the e-visa document via email. Download and print a copy to carry with you when travelling to South Africa. Ensure that the printed e-visa is clear and legible, as you will need to present it upon arrival.

South African visa processing time is a few working days for online applications. However, for the offline mode, you need to wait a bit longer as per the appointment at the embassy. Further, there might be a delay in getting a visa in a time of high demand.

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.

• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you’re travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever-endemic country.

• Carry a basic medical kit, and check if your travel insurance covers medical emergencies.

• Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis (for certain regions).

• Renting a car is a popular option for exploring South Africa. You’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) if you plan to drive.

• Be mindful of left-hand driving and road safety rules.

• South Africa is famous for its safaris and national parks. Follow all safety guidelines provided by your guide or park authorities.

• South Africa uses Type D, M, and N plugs with a voltage of 230V. Carry a universal adapter.

If your South African visa application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision. Upon receiving a rejection letter, you have 10 working days (or 14 calendar days) to submit your appeal through VFS.

Confirm the chances of getting your South African visa application approved by ensuring that all details in your application are correct and truthful. Remember, providing false information can lead to visa denial or revocation. 

Also, submit all required documents as per the visa category you're applying for. Missing or incorrect documents can result in rejection.

Yes, you can apply to extend your South African visa while in the country. Applications for the extension of a temporary residence permit must be done at least 60 calendar days before the expiry of the permit and can be made at any of the VFS Global Visa Facilitation Centres designated in South Africa.

South Africa visa policy has made it mandatory to have travel insurance to visit the country. However, apart from its legal importance, travellers can be safe from different issues such as accident injury, theft issues, etc.