South Africa, an incredible destination known for its breathtaking and captivating beauty features an adventurous expedition where one can experience dazzling city life, endangered wildlife, and enticing landscapes of sun-soaked coasts. Indians quite frequently travel to this beautiful country for tourism as well as business purposes. South Africa visa for Indians can be obtained by following a few simple steps. Check out this detailed guide to understand the procedure and criterion of South Africa’s visa.

South Africa Visa For Indian Citizens

South Africa Visa For Indian Citizens

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If you are planning an excursion to South Africa then you must apply for a visa before visiting the country. There are different types of visa and the selection of the visa depends on the purpose of your visit. Following are the types of South Africa visa for Indians. Go through them carefully and take your pick. Make sure to apply for a visa way in advance.

Types Of South Africa Visa

South Africa offers three types of visa, that is, a tourist visa, business visa, and employment visa. We have listed the different types of South Africa visa below:


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1. Tourist Visa

Tourist Visa

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A tourist visa is applicable for travelers who are willing to explore the country as a tourist. The entire process of tourist visa takes 12 working days, therefore, the traveler is advised to complete their visa formalities smartly before the travel day. To apply for a South Africa tourist visa for Indians, one needs to produce the following documents:

  • A valid passport of the traveler that doesn’t expire for at least 3 months from the expiry date of your visa
  • Two photographs of the traveler with a white background and matt finish
  • A document that states proof of your stay in South Africa
  • The traveler must fill the visa application form with a black pen
  • Confirmed Air tickets
  • Bank statement of the traveler with the stamp of concerned personnel
  • A copy of income tax return for the past three-years
  • A copy of the marriage certificate for the travelers who are traveling after marriage and possess a passport with the unchanged name.

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2. Business Visa

Business Visa

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People who are traveling to South Africa for a business purpose need to apply for a business visa. The South Africa business visa for Indians take 12 days and following are the documents required to apply for it:

  • A valid passport of the traveler that doesn’t expire for at least 3 months from the expiry date of your visa
  • The form must be filled with a black ball pen
  • A copy of the document stating proof of your stay in South Africa
  • A confirmed air ticket details
  • Bank statement of the traveler with the stamp of concerned personnel
  • A copy of income tax return for the past three-years
  • A covering letter addressed to the Visa officer
  • If the traveler is employed then they need to attach a copy of 3-months payslips along with an employment contract.
  • In the case of self-employed person, a copy of the registration letter is required
  • Two photographs of the traveler with a white background and matt finish

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3. Employment Visa

Employment Visa

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Employment visa is applicable for people who are traveling to South Africa for employment. A long-time South Africa work visa for Indians can be acquired by personally visiting the VFS application center located in New Delhi. Following are the details of documents required to apply for an employment visa:

  • The passport of the travelers must not expire for at least 30 days after leaving South Africa
  • If the applicant has traveled to South Africa in the past then they need to provide the details of the previous visa
  • Visa Form-8 is required to be filled with a black ball pen
  • Two photographs of the traveler with a white background and matt finish
  • An invitation letter requesting the multiple entries of the traveler to South Africa
  • Another letter by the traveler, justifying the reason for the invitation letter
  • Covering letter along with the signature of the traveler
  • Sufficient bank balance, ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 60,000, depending on the center from where you are applying
  • A letter from the host company explaining the reason for your hiring
  • A draft of INR 40,000 to be issued in the name of South African High Commission (The amount can be refunded after 2 months of your stay)
  • Miscellaneous documents including medical certificate, police department clearance, qualification certificate, and an approved document from the department of labor

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How To Apply For South Africa Visa?

How To Apply For South Africa Visa

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The traveler is required to visit the nearest visa application center to apply for a South African visa. Apart from the head office in New Delhi, there are other centers in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, etc. South Africa is amongst those countries of the world that insists on applicants personally visiting the visa application center. The applicant is required to collect the necessary form from the head office and submit the same at least 25 days before the planned visit. The entire procedure takes a minimum of 12-working days. To avoid the end minute hustles, it is better to keep enough gap between visa application and traveling date.

South Africa Visa Fees for Indians is INR 2040 for tourists as well as business visas and those traveling on an employment visa need to pay an amount of INR 9080.

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An excursion to South Africa is truly an enthralling experience whether you are traveling for a luxuriating holiday, electrifying business deals or for employment. South Africa visa for Indians can be easily attained by providing the above-mentioned documents within the given time. Plan a trip to South Africa with TravelTriangle and get your itinerary customized according to your preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Visa

What are the types of South African visas?

You can choose from a tourist visa, business visa, and employment visa to visit South Africa. Each type of visa has a set duration for the time of visit which varies for different countries. Check the guidelines before applying for any one of these three visas.

What are the requirements of a tourist visa?

You can vacation in South Africa with a tourist visa. It expires in 3 months. Once you get this visa you have 3 months to explore the country and visit places of your interests. You will need all the required documents for getting this visa. Bank statements, tax returns, and a valid passport are necessary to get a tourist visa for South Africa.

What are the requirements for a business visa?

People traveling to South Africa for a business would need a business visa. It takes a maximum of 12 days to get a business visa for South Africa. You will need a valid passport, bank statement, proof of the place where you will stay, tax returns of the last 3 years. The documents you present must not be torn or ripped.

What are the requirements of an employment visa?

You need a letter of employment from the company in South Africa. Provide details of your previous travels to South Africa if you have. Form-8 is to be filled only with a black pen. You also need to present a letter to justify your travel to this country. You also have to make a draft of 40,000 INR in the name of South African high commission which is refundable after 2 months of your stay.

What are the tips to apply for a visa to South Africa?

File a visa application days ahead of your travel date as it takes only 12 days to process the visa.


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Category: India, South Africa, Visa

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