Indian E-Visa for South African Passport Holder

South African citizens who plan to travel to India can apply for an Indian e-visa. This electronic visa allows them to travel to India for specific purposes without needing a traditional paper visa. The process is efficient and enables individuals to handle everything online, eliminating the need to visit an Indian embassy or consulate personally.

Here’s an overview of the e-visa available for citizens of South Africa who wish to visit India:

What activities are allowed with an e-visa?

• Tourism: Explore the vibrant culture and sights of India.
• Business: Attend meetings, conferences, or exhibitions.
• Medical Treatment: Seek medical care in India.
• Medical Attendant: Accompany the individual seeking medical treatment.
• Conferences: Participate in events organized by the Indian government or affiliated bodies.

How long is the e-visa valid?

There are three options, depending on your needs:

• 30 days: Ideal for a short trip (single entry only).
• 1 year: Make multiple entries within a year of issuance (maximum 180 days per visit).
• 5 years: Enjoy multiple entries throughout five years (maximum 180 days per visit).

How many entries are allowed?

This depends on the visa validity you choose:

• 30 days: Single entry.
• 1 year & 5 years: Multiple entries.

How long can I stay in India per visit?

Regardless of the visa validity, your maximum stay on each visit is 90 days.

Processing time is super fast!

Applications are usually processed within 24 hours (1 business day), making it quick and convenient.

The e-visa process has made it easier for South African passport holders to apply for a visa by allowing them to complete the application process online.  To make the process even more straightforward, Visas for Future provides assistance with the application and ensures that all requirements are met.

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What We’re Offering

If you are a South African passport holder planning to visit India for tourism, you will need an e-tourist visa. We offer visa assistance to help you obtain your visa. Once approved, you will receive your visa via email within four days.

• Duration options:¹
  • Valid for 30 days
  • Valid for one (1) year
  • Valid for five (5) years
• Entry options:²
  • Single entry
  • Multiple entry
• Costs for visas:
  • 30 days: $68.14
  • One year: $96.54
  • Five years: $144.64

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Types of Indian E-Visas

1. Tourist e-visa (e-Tourist Visa):

• Suited for exploring India’s cultural heritage, sightseeing, and engaging in recreational activities.
• Perfect for informal visits to friends and family residing in India.
• Available in three types:
  • 30-day eTourist Visa: Valid for 30 days upon arrival, suitable for short trips.
  • 1-year eTourist Visa: Allows multiple entries within one year from issuance, ideal for frequent travelers.
  • 5-year eTourist Visa: Grants multiple entries over five years, suitable for frequent visitors to India.

2. Business e-visa (e-Business Visa):

• Tailored for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
• Aids in establishing business contacts and exploring potential partnerships in India.
• Typically valid for one year, allowing for multiple entries for business purposes.

3. Medical e-visa (e-Medical Visa):

• Specifically intended for Italian citizens seeking medical treatment at recognized healthcare facilities in India.
• Additional requirements and limitations may apply concerning the duration of stay, depending on the nature of the treatment.

4. Medical Attendant e-visa (e-Medical Attendant Visa):

• Designed for companions accompanying patients traveling to India for medical treatment, ensuring seamless assistance and support throughout the medical journey.
• It is valid for the same duration as the patient’s Medical e-visa and double entry is permitted (limited to two attendants per patient).

5. Conference e-visa (e-Conference Visa):

• It suits Italian citizens participating in professional events such as conferences, seminars, workshops, or similar gatherings in India.
• Facilitates participation and enhances the travel experience by fostering networking and professional development opportunities.
• Valid for the specific duration of the conference or event, with single entry permitted.

Indian E-Visa Requirements for South African

Eligibility Criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of South Africa.
• Passport Requirements:
• You must have a valid passport that is at least six months old from the date of your arrival in India.
• The passport must have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your itinerary, including flight bookings and accommodation arrangements.
• Proof of Accommodation: Reservation details of your accommodation in India, such as hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host.
• Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in India. This could include bank statements, credit card statements, or proof of sponsorship.
• Travel Purpose: You should travel to India for tourism, business, or medical treatment.
• Travel Plan: You must have a confirmed return ticket or onward journey ticket.
• Port of Entry: You must enter India through one of the designated airports or seaports that accept e-visas.

Document Requirements:

• Passport Bio-page: A clear scanned copy of the bio-page of your passport, showing your photograph and personal details.
• Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. The photo should be clear and without any border or shadow.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, additional documents may be required:
  • For tourism: Itinerary of your planned activities, such as sightseeing plans or tour bookings.
  • For business: Invitation letter from the Indian company you’re visiting or conference registration details.
  • For medical treatment: Letter from the hospital or healthcare facility in India confirming your appointment or treatment plan.
  • For Conference Visa: Provide an invitation letter issued by the conference organizers.
  • For Medical Attendant Visa:
    • Provide a copy of the valid Indian Medical Visa held by the patient you accompany.
    • Submit proof of your relationship to the patient, such as a marriage or birth certificate.

Cost and Processing Time for India E-Tourist Visa

Fees and Processing Time:

• The cost of an e-visa depends on the validity period you choose:
  • 30 days: USD 68.14
  • One year: USD 96.54
  • Five years: USD 144.64
• It takes four days to process an Indian E-Tourist Visa.

Duration and Validity of the India E-Tourist Visa

Indian E-Tourist Visa Options:

1. 30-Day Visa:

• Single entry.
• Maximum stay of 30 days in India from your arrival date.
• Valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

2. 1-Year Multi-Entry Visa:

• Allows multiple entries within one year (365 days) from issuance.
• Maximum stay of 90 days continuously per visit.
• Total stay in India cannot exceed 180 days within a calendar year.

3. 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa:

• Allows multiple entries over five years from the date of issuance.
• Maximum stay of 90 days continuously per visit.
• Total stay in India cannot exceed 180 days within a calendar year.

India E-Tourist Visa Extension for South African

Unfortunately, South African citizens cannot extend their Indian E-Tourist Visa as these visas are pre-approved for a specific duration and are not eligible for extension within India. If your E-Tourist Visa is nearing expiry, here are some options to consider:

• Exit and Re-enter India: Leave India to a neighboring country and apply for a new E-Tourist Visa online. Remember, there may be a waiting period before re-entry, and you’ll need to pay the visa fee again.
• Apply for a Different Visa: Depending on your needs, consider applying for a different visa type, such as a business or medical visa, which may have longer validity periods and possible extensions. However, this process is more complex than obtaining an E-Tourist Visa.

How to apply for an India ETourist Visa for South African Online?

To apply for an India E-Tourist Visa online, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on “Get India e-Tourist Visa now.”

Step 2: Complete the order form

• Fill out the order form by providing the following information:
  • Full Name
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Nationality
• Select visa type “e-Tourist Visa.”
• Select the reason for your travel.
• Enter your travel details and billing information accurately.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee using a debit or credit card.

• Review your application details and proceed to payment.

Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.

• Ensure accurate completion of intake forms by providing the following information:
  • Personal Details
  • Passport information
  • Travel details

Step 5: Upload the required documents.

• Upload a recent photograph measuring 2 inches by 2 inches, with a white background ONLY.
• Upload a scanned copy of your passport biographical page (JPEG format, less than 200 KB).

Step 6: Submit application

• Carefully review your application once more and submit it.

Step 7: Receive your e-visa

• If approved, you’ll receive your e-visa via email within four days.
• Print the e-visa and carry it with you during your travel.

India E-Tourist Visa Sample for South African Citizens

Special Conditions for Entry

Specific Entry Requirements:

• Previous e-visa details for past visits to India.
• List of countries visited in the last ten years.
• Confirmation of accommodation arrangements.
• Employment details.
• History of visits to SAARC nations in the past three years (including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives).
• Emergency contact information within India.
• Emergency contact details in the traveler’s home country.
• Additional information may be required for individuals with military service.
• Planned destinations within India.
• Ineligibility if either parents or grandparents hold Pakistani nationality.
• Explanation is required if a previous Indian visa application was denied.

Financial Requirement for an India e-visa for South African CItizens

No specific financial requirement is mentioned for South African citizens to obtain an Indian e-visa. However, having enough funds to cover all your expenses during your stay in India, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and any other personal expenses, is recommended.

Designated Ports of Entry for South African Nationals Holding an e-visa for India

Some of the prominent airports and seaports where South African nationals can enter with an e-visa include:³

Limitations of the Indian e-Visa for South African Citizens

The Indian e-visa offers convenience for South African citizens, but there are some limitations to be aware of:

• Port of Entry: You can only enter India through designated airports (currently 31) and seaports (currently 5). Land border crossings are not permitted with an e-Visa.
• Extension Restrictions: E-visas generally cannot be extended once they expire. If you need to stay in India longer than the validity period of your e-visa allows, you would need to exit the country and reapply for a new visa.
• Limited Activities: While the e-visa covers various purposes such as tourism, business, and medical treatment, there may be restrictions on certain activities. For example, engaging in paid employment or missionary work is typically not allowed under the e-visa.
• Maximum Stay: Regardless of the e-Visa validity period (30 days, 1 year, 5 years), your stay on each visit cannot exceed 180 consecutive days.
• Multiple Entries: Only the 1-year and 5-year e-Visas allow multiple entries. The 30-day e-visa is for single entry only.
• Ineligibility: You are ineligible if either of your parents or grandparents hold Pakistani nationality.

Where is visa-free for South Africans?

South African passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to a total of 69 countries, including:

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Ministry of Home Affairs. General Policy Guidelines Relating to India Visa. mha.gov.in. April 3, 2024. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexI_01022018.pdf> [↩]
2. Ministry of Home Affairs. General Policy Guidelines Relating to India Visa. mha.gov.in. Retrieved April 3, 2024. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexI_01022018.pdf> [↩]
3. Ministry of Home Affairs. Details of Visas Granted by India. mha.gov.in. Retrieved April 3, 2024. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexIII_01022018.pdf> [↩]

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Cite this article

MLA Style

Santos, Rosalie. "Indian E-Visa for South African Passport Holder." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/indian-e-visa-for-south-african-passport-holder/. Accessed on 2 April 2024.

Chicago Style

Santos, Rosalie. "Indian E-Visa for South African Passport Holder." Visas For Future. April 2, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/indian-e-visa-for-south-african-passport-holder/.