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Indian Visa from South Africa

Updated on Feb 02, 2024 | Online Indian Visa

Indian government has made it quick and simple to apply for an Indian visa from South Africa. South African citizens may now apply for an Indian visa online from the comfort of their homes thanks to the advent of the eVisa. South African residents can travel to India electronically using an 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!

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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 31 recognised airports and five (5) 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.

India's airports where access is permitted include:

  • Ahmedabad
  • Amritsar
  • Bagdogra
  • Bengaluru
  • Bhubaneswar
  • Calicut
  • Chennai
  • Chandigarh
  • Cochin
  • Coimbatore
  • Delhi
  • Gaya
  • Goa(Dabolim)
  • Goa(Mopa)
  • Guwahati
  • Hyderabad
  • Indore
  • Jaipur
  • Kannur
  • Kolkata
  • Lucknow
  • Madurai
  • Mangalore
  • Mumbai
  • Nagpur
  • Port Blair
  • Pune
  • Tiruchirapalli
  • Trivandrum
  • Varanasi
  • Visakhapatnam

These are the authorized seaports for Online Indian Visa:

  • Chennai Seaport
  • Cochin Seaport
  • Goa Seaport
  • Mangalore Seaport
  • Mumbai Seaport

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]

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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.

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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.