Quick Facts
Requirement
evisa
Visa Fee
ZAR 0
Processing Time
2–4 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days
E-Visa
Available online
India offers one of the best travel deals for South African passport holders — a free e-visa processed online in 1–4 days. The 1-year multiple-entry e-Tourist Visa gives 90 days per visit, plenty for exploring the subcontinent. Apply at least 4–7 days before travel.
Key Warnings
- Apply only at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in — third-party websites charge fees for a service that is free for South Africans.
- e-Visa is only valid for entry at designated airports and seaports — it is NOT valid at all land border crossings with neighbouring countries.
- Apply at least 4 days before travel. Last-minute same-day approvals are not guaranteed.
Insider Tips
- The 1-year multiple-entry e-Tourist Visa is the best option for most South African travellers — it costs nothing and allows multiple 90-day visits over 12 months.
- India is a huge country with diverse experiences. Popular routes from South Africa: JNB–DEL (Delhi), JNB–BOM (Mumbai), JNB–BLR (Bangalore) — often via Dubai or Doha.
- Travel health preparation is important for India — hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are strongly recommended.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Go to the official Indian e-visa portal
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Select the e-Tourist Visa. Do NOT use third-party websites — the government portal is free for South Africans.
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Choose your visa type
Select the 1-year e-Tourist Visa for maximum flexibility — valid for 12 months with multiple entries, up to 90 days per visit. The 30-day single-entry option is also available.
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Fill in the application form
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your South African passport. Enter your travel dates and first night accommodation address.
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Upload documents
Upload your passport bio page scan and a recent passport photo (white background, JPEG). Ensure all images are clear.
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Submit — no payment needed for South Africans
Submit your application. The government visa fee is waived for South African passport holders. No credit card payment is required.
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Receive your e-visa by email
You will receive your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) by email, typically within 72–96 hours. Print it or save it to your phone — present it at Indian immigration on arrival.
Required Documents
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Valid South African passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date. At least 2 blank pages required.
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Recent digital passport photo
White background, plain face, taken within last 6 months. JPEG format, minimum 10KB.
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Scanned copy of passport bio page
Clear JPEG scan of the photo page.
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Return or onward flight ticket
Confirmed booking showing exit from India.
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Hotel booking or accommodation address
First night accommodation details required on application form.
Recommended (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the India e-visa free for South Africans?
Yes. India waives the e-Tourist Visa government fee for South African passport holders under a bilateral agreement. Apply at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in — no credit card payment is required for South Africans. Avoid third-party websites that charge unnecessary service fees.
How long does the India e-visa take for South Africans?
The India e-visa is typically approved within 24–72 hours for South African applicants. The official window is up to 96 hours. Apply at least 4 days before travel — applying 7 days ahead is safer. You will receive the ETA by email.
How long can South Africans stay in India on an e-visa?
South Africans can stay up to 90 days per visit on the 1-year multiple-entry e-Tourist Visa. The visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, allowing multiple visits. A 30-day single-entry option is also available.
Do South Africans need a yellow fever certificate for India?
No. South Africa is not classified as a yellow fever endemic country. A yellow fever certificate is not required for direct travel from South Africa to India. However, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended.