South African Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility Criteria, and Application Process

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 if you are planning to take an international trip from India.

Keep scrolling to learn about the important details.

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

Indians can apply for different types of South African visas, such as,

• Tourist Visa: Indian people visiting South Africa for recreational and vocational purposes need to opt for a tourist visa. The validity of this is 90 days.
• Employment Visa: If any Indian citizen wishes to go to South Africa to pursue any job must apply for an employment visa. This is valid for the contract time or a period of 5 years.
• Study Visa: Indian students willing to pursue an educational career in South Africa can apply for a study visa. This is valid for 6 years for high school, 8 years for primary school, and the course of degree for the rest of the studies.
• Treaty Visa: This is generally for government officials or other organisations who visit South Africa to serve some purpose of an international agreement. This is exclusively for different social programs.
• Medical Treatment Visa: Indian people visiting South Africa for medical treatment purposes can opt for a medical treatment visa. The medical treatment visa in South Africa is valid for 3 months and can be extended on demand.
• Relatives Visa: If Indian citizens wish to visit a spouse or relative settled in South Africa can opt for this permit. This visa is valid for 24 months and more.
• Business Visa: A business visa is for those who want to visit South Africa for business-related purposes. The validity of this permit is 90 days.
• General Work Visa: This permit is for skilled workers who opt to move to South Africa for employment proposes. The validity of this visa is 5 years.
• Critical Skill Visa: People with specific skills who want to move to South Africa for work purposes can opt for this visa. This is also valid for 5 years.

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 visiting 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 returning, such as a confirmed return ticket
• Bank statement for 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 white background
• Visa application form
• Clearly stated reasons for visiting the country and invitations letter of any organisation, seminar, etc.

Tourist Visa

• Recent original passport and old passport
• Clear photograph
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Personal covering letter of applicants
• Bank statement of proper money back up
• 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 -

Step 1: Visit the official site of the visa for South Africa

Step 2: Fill out the e-visa application form

Step 3: Proceed to payment with a credit or debit card

Step 4: Get your e-visa via mail

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.

South Africa 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.

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.

Indians often pay visits to South Africa for different purposes. However, most of the time, it is for work or vocational purposes. Therefore, if an individual is planning to go to South Africa, this guide on visas for South Africa can be a great help. Therefore, consider this guide to avoid any inconvenience in getting a South African visa.