{"id":91933,"date":"2018-08-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-08-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/how-to-apply-for-a-visa-to-india-from-south-africa\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:52:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:52:37","slug":"how-to-apply-for-a-visa-to-india-from-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-a-visa-to-india-from-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Apply For A Visa To India From South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

[Updated 16 August 2018]<\/p>\n

Ever dreamed of exploring the alluring and spiritually enriching land of India? Now you can explore vast India, with this step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Indian visa. Visa applications can be quite a stressful task resulting in overwhelming stress, so we\u2019ve included everything you\u2019ll need to know and do to ensure you\u2019re thoroughly prepared for the application process. Now all you\u2019ll need to do is book your ticket<\/a> and pack your bags!<\/p>\n

South African passport holders do require a visa to travel to India. The Consulate General of India offers visas to South African passport holders in 10 categories. This article applies to the e-visa and Indian tourist visa. You can apply through Indian Visa Online<\/a> or at a VFS Global Application Centre<\/a>, located in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @digitalarindam<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. E-visa<\/h2>\n

The Indian e-visa is subdivided into three categories: e-tourist visa, e-business visa and e-medical visa. The e-visa is ideal for visitors who want to go to India for sightseeing, a casual visit to meet up with friends, short duration medical treatment or casual business visit.<\/p>\n

How long is the E-Visa valid for?<\/h3>\n

The e-visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. The e-tourist visa and e-business permit double entry, while the e-medical visa permits triple entry. You are allowed to use the e-visa to a maximum of two times in a calendar year. When you arrive in India, you will need to present a print out of the Indian e-visa and your passport to the immigration authorities which will be stamped.<\/p>\n

How to apply for an E-Visa?<\/h3>\n

Applicants must complete an online application on Indian Visa Online<\/a>. You can apply a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 120 days before your flight to India. No facilitation is required from any agents. Your biometrics will be captured at the airport in India.<\/p>\n

2. Regular Visa<\/h2>\n

Tourist visa<\/strong> \u2013 The tourist visa is for travellers who want to go to India for holidays, visit monuments, meet friends or attend a wedding etc.<\/p>\n

Business visa<\/strong> \u2013 For travellers who wish to go to India for business purposes.<\/p>\n

How long is the Tourist Visa valid for?<\/h3>\n

Tourist visas are usually valid for up to six months. The validity of any Indian visa begins on the day it is issued by the High Commission of India and not on the date of departure. The High Commission of India will determine how long you are allowed to stay in India. The duration varies for each applicant. Applications for any Indian visa will not be accepted more than 30 days prior to departure.<\/p>\n

How to Book an Appointment?<\/h3>\n

All Indian visa appointments must be scheduled on the VFS Global website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve scheduled an appointment<\/a>, the earliest available date will be given to you.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between an E-Visa and Regular Tourist Visa?<\/h2>\n

The e-visa is much easier to apply for than a regular tourist visa and no costs are incurred with an e-visa. However, the e-visa is valid for a much shorter period of stay (60 days) whereas the regular tourist visa will afford you stays of up to six months. Deciding which Indian visa to apply for depends on how long you would like to visit India and your travel plans.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @wanderer_rohitt via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cost of the Indian Visa<\/h2>\n

E-visa<\/h3>\n

The e-visa is free of charge!<\/p>\n

Regular Visa<\/h3>\n

Gratis visa:<\/strong> The bilateral agreement states that all types of visas should be issued free of charge to South African citizens.<\/p>\n

The VFS Global service charge for handling your Indian visa application is R117<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Courier Service (Optional)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Same day dispatch on receipt of passport from the consulate to the farthest province \u2013 R50<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Next day dispatch on receipt of passport from the consulate to the farthest province \u2013 R36<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Payment does not guarantee an approved Indian visa application. Your application may be refused or modified by the High Commission of India. Your payment cannot be refunded, including in the event that your application has been refused or cancelled.<\/em><\/p>\n

The only accepted payment methods are credit\/debit card at the VFS Application Centre or deposit into the VFS Global bank account (keep your deposit slip as proof of payment).<\/p>\n

VFS Bank Account Details: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Name of Bank:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nedbank<\/p>\n

Account Name:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 VFS Visa Processing SA Pty Ltd<\/p>\n

Account Number:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a01012505804<\/p>\n

Branch code:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0198765<\/p>\n

Use your passport number as the beneficiary reference number.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Online Indian Visa Application<\/h2>\n

E-Visa<\/h3>\n

When you apply for an e-visa, your application will be processed and sent to you electronically via email. If you are granted access to India you will have to print out the e-visa and present it to the immigration officer at the point of arrival in the country.<\/p>\n

Supporting Documents for Your Indian Visa Application<\/h3>\n