South Africa eVisa For Indians -Complete Guide For Application 2023. Are you planning on traveling to South Africa and need an e visa from India? No stress! The purpose of this post is to discuss the most important points of the South Africa e-visa for Indians and how you can apply for one.
Do Indians Need A South Africa Visa?
Yes, of course. Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. India’s diplomatic, official, and service passport holders, however, are the only ones who can enter South Africa visa-free.
Can Indian Citizens Get An E-Visa For South Africa?
Yes, Indian citizens can now obtain an e-Visa for South Africa. The electronic visa for South Africa was launched in February 2022 for travellers from 14 countries.
E-Visas are linked electronically to passports. A South Africa visa application can be completed online in no time, making it very convenient.
South African visas for Indians are valid for short stays for tourism and other activities approved by the South African immigration department. The South African embassy still requires Indians to obtain a visa if they wish to work or stay in the country for a long period.
Can Indians Get A South Africa Visa On Arrival?
The South African on-arrival visa is not available to Indian nationals. South Africa requires a visa before you can travel there.
You can apply for your e-visa to South Africa on Atlys, which is another convenient way to obtain your visa.
Sample Of The South Africa E-Visa
As soon as your visa is granted, a digital copy of your e-visa will be sent to you. This copy can then be used to enter South Africa. An example of the digital copy is shown below:
Visa Requirements For A South Africa E Visa For Indians?
Your application process must meet certain requirements before you begin. The following section discusses the basic requirements for your South Africa E Visa.
Required Documents For A South Africa E Visa For Indians
South African e-visa applicants must meet certain requirements before beginning the application process.
The following documents will be needed if you are applying for an Indian e-Visa to South Africa:
- A valid passport: A blank page in your passport at a minimum. If you have an old passport, you should also include it. There must be a birth date on the passport.
- Sufficient funds:
- Bank statements to prove that you can pay for your living expenses while in South Africa.
- Proof of accommodation: A hotel reservation or an Airbnb booking, for example.
- Flight ticket: If you’re traveling by plane, a return or onward ticket.
- Passport photo: Two recent passport photographs in color.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate: If you are traveling through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
South Africa E-visa Upload Requirements
The documents you upload must meet several requirements before they can be uploaded. Your application might be rejected if you fail to do so.
- A maximum of five megabytes should be allowed for each document.
- You can upload files in the following formats: bmp, .doc, .docx, .emf, .exif, .gif, .icon, .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, .tiff, .txt, .wmf, .xls, xlsx
- Special characters should not be used in the name of the supporting documents, e.g., @$%&.
- Files that are password-protected or compressed will be rejected by the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.
- The documents you upload must be one file each. The bank statement should not be uploaded as four separate files, for example, if it contains four pages.
- A certified or official translation of English is required.
The South Africa e-visa problems can help you avoid rejection of your e-visa.
South Africa e-Visa Requirements For Children
Suppose you are traveling with children (minors) or joining them in South Africa. The following additional documents are required if this is the case.
- In the case of an unaccompanied minor, consent must be provided by the guardian.
- Cover letter outlining your travel plans.
- Invitation letter, if applicable.
How to Apply for a South Africa E Visa
Obtaining an e-visa for South Africa from India is a straightforward online process. Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for your visa with ease.
Step 1: Profile Creation
Begin by setting up your profile. Ensure you input the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full Name
- Passport Number
- Country of Issue
- Country of Residence
- Passport Issue Date
- Passport Expiry Date
- Confirmation of a passport with at least TWO (2) unused pages
- Email Address
- Password
Once completed, click the “Create Profile” button. You’ll receive an email to confirm your account. Please note that some users have experienced issues with the verification email, so ensure it functions correctly. The passport number and email address cannot be modified after submission, so double-check their accuracy.
Small details like these can lead to multiple e-visa issues when applying for your South Africa e-visa from India.
Step 2: Visa Application Form
Next, furnish personal and travel information to complete the visa application form. Details may include passport information, name, surname, nationality, gender, physical address, country address, travel dates, and more. Precision is crucial as even minor errors can result in processing delays or visa denial.
Step 3: Document Upload
To finalize your application, upload the required supporting documents to substantiate your South Africa e-Visa submission.
Step 4: Payment Confirmation
You must make the necessary payment for your South Africa e-visa fees. Once you’ve completed an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment to the designated account, your South Africa Visa for Indians application will be considered complete. Proof of payment received from the bank should be uploaded.
Upon approval of the e-Visa, you’ll receive a notification through your e-Visa online portal. Ensure you obtain a printed copy to carry with your passport when traveling to South Africa.
Bear in mind that even minor errors on your visa application form can lead to issues such as delayed processing or visa denial.
If this process seems easy, consider how much simpler it is with Atlys. With Atlys, you can effortlessly apply for your visa in just a few minutes, making the entire process hassle-free.
Overview Of The South Africa E Visa For Indians
The purpose of this section is to discuss important information (outside of the documents and application process). Before you apply for a visa, make sure you read all the information below.
Let’s jump in:
South Africa E Visa Fees For Indians
A South African e-visa costs ₹ 2040 with logistic fees. Visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visa fees are based on the current exchange rate in Indian Rupees. Therefore, there is no guarantee that it will not change.
Processing Time Of South Africa e-Visa For Indians
The processing time can range from 5 business days to 4 weeks. There is a massive visa backlog at the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa, which will only be cleared in the middle of 2024. This may cause some delays in your visa processing time.
South Africa E-Visa For Indians Validity
South Africa e visas usually have a 90-day validity period.
Can The South Africa E-Visa For Indians Be Extended?
Yes, you can. SA Visit Visa holders are allowed to extend their stay once per visit. An extension must be applied for 60 days before the visa expires. Up to 90 days more can be added by applying for extensions.
Tips For Applying For South Africa e-Visa For Indians?
Here are some useful guidelines to consider when applying for your South Africa e-visa as an Indian traveler:
- Plan Ahead: South Africa often experiences a significant backlog of visa applications. It’s advisable to initiate the application process at least four weeks before your intended travel date.
- Document Size: Make sure that the documents you upload during the application process do not exceed a file size of 5MB.
- Payment Troubles: If you encounter any issues with payment, consider using a different credit card or payment method for a smoother transaction.
- Official Translations: If you have any documents that require translation into English, ensure that these translations are official and recognized.
- Technical Support: If you face difficulties logging into the South Africa e-visa portal, try using a different device to access the application system.
- Problem Solving: For any other challenges you encounter while applying for your South Africa e-visa, refer to our blog, which covers common issues and their solutions.
Once you’ve followed these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey to South Africa. Safe travels!