Indian citizens need an e-Visa for South Africa
As of 2026-09-22
Processing
Online; no published standard
Fee
ETA R500 processing; visa fee waived for Indian passports
Max Stay
90 days
Last updated: 2026-09-22 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.
South Africa Visa Overview for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens can apply for an e-Visa to visit South Africa. Ordinary Indian passports need authorisation (the Home Affairs Visa Exemption List (9 Dec 2025) exempts only diplomatic, official and service passports) but pay no visa fee (fee column: No). Since the 12 August 2026 launch the Electronic Travel Authorisation (R500 processing fee from 17 August 2026) is the online route for arrivals at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria; the e-Visa portal and VFS Global remain; tour groups use the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (outcomes within about 24 hours). SARS online traveller declaration required before travel since 1 July 2026 (free). The e-Visa can be obtained online before travel.
The online application process requires a valid passport scan, a passport-size digital photo, and the applicable supporting documents. Indian applicants apply through the ETA at eta.dha.gov.za, or a VFS Global centre in New Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Goa. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent by email and should be printed for presentation at the border.
The e-Visa allows a stay of 90 days in South Africa.
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Available Visa Types for Indian Citizens
Visa-Free Entry
Ordinary passports on the Home Affairs exemption list: 90 days per visit for the UK, US, EU, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and others; 90 days per year for Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania; 30 days for Poland, Korea, Thailand and Türkiye
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and e-Visa
Online authorisation for visa-required nationals, mandatory so far for Indian, Chinese, Indonesian and Mexican passports arriving at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria; e-Visa portal still live
Visitor's Visa
The port-of-entry visa for Nigerian, Pakistani, Philippine, Bangladeshi and other visa-required passports, lodged through VFS Global or the mission with form BI-84
SARS Traveller Declaration
Online customs declaration required of every traveller entering or leaving South Africa since 1 July 2026, via the SARS portal, the SATMS app or a QR code
How to Apply
Visit the official South Africa e-Visa portal
Create an account and complete the online application with your passport and travel details
Upload required documents: passport scan, passport-size photo, and supporting documents
Pay the e-Visa fee of the applicable amount online
Wait for processing (typically a few business days)
Download and print the approved e-Visa
Present the printed e-Visa along with your passport at the South Africa border
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Rules for every traveller
Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the South Africa visa guide.
Important Notes for Indian Applicants
- Indian citizens apply through the ETA at eta.dha.gov.za, or a VFS Global centre in New Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Goa
- VFS India states that the South African visa fee is waived for Indian nationals; a VFS logistics fee still applies (INR 2,040 in New Delhi and Mumbai, INR 2,301 elsewhere).
- Apply for the e-Visa before departure — it cannot be obtained at the border
- Keep ITR (Income Tax Returns), Form 16, and bank statements ready — these are critical for Indian applicants
- Book VFS appointments early morning for faster processing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Indian citizens can apply for an e-Visa online before traveling to South Africa. Apply through the official portal before departure.
How long can Indian citizens stay in South Africa?
With an approved visa, Indian citizens may stay in South Africa for 90 days. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.
Where do Indian citizens apply for a South Africa visa?
Indian citizens typically apply through the ETA at eta.dha.gov.za, or a VFS Global centre in New Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Goa. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.
Other destinations for Indian citizens
Canada
Visa required
Thailand
Visa-free
United Kingdom
Visa required
United States
Visa required
Australia
Visa required
Schengen Area
Visa required
United Arab Emirates
Visa required
Japan
Visa required
Singapore
Visa required
China
Visa required
South Korea
Visa required
Malaysia
Visa-free
Türkiye
Visa-free
Prepare Your Application
Draft cover letters, plan your trip, and prepare invitation letters
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