The tourism industry in India is growing rapidly, and the government has been exploring ways to promote it. Consequently, the government of India introduced the Indian e-Visa, to encourage tourists from all over the world to visit the nation. There are currently 166 countries where one can apply for an Indian e-visa including South Africa. Meeting the Indian e-Visa requirements is one of the conditions South African citizens must fulfill to obtain the best online visa available to them.
1. What types of Indian e-Visas may citizens of South Africa obtain?
As mentioned above, citizens of South Africa are eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa. According to the purpose of your visit, you will be required to use a specific type of India e-Visa. There are 4 available types of e-Visa we provide:
- e-Tourist Visa: Stay in India for 30 days from the date of entry into India. This type is single-entry only and cannot be extended.
- e-Business Visa: Stay in India for 365 days with multiple-entry. However, with this type of Visa, you are not allowed to stay for more than 180 days in a row.
- e-Conference Visa: Stay in India for 30 days from the date of entry with single entry only.
- e-Medical Visa: Stay in India for 60 days from the date of entry into India with triple-entry.
2. How to apply for an Indian e-Visa from South Africa
The e-Visa application is an online process that brings comfort to you but you may wonder how to apply for an India Visa from South Africa. To make that done, before you start, please prepare the following Indian Visa requirements for South African citizens:
- Scanned biographical pages of your passport.
- A portrait photograph with a clear background and face.
- (Optional) Invitation letter and related documents: depending on your type of Visa, you may be required to add some paper for verification. Take an e-Business Visa as an example, alongside your documents, you need to add an invitation letter from the organization in India and a business card in addition.
Please keep in mind to make sure your passport must have at least 6 months in validity from the date of your arrival in India. And also it is blank at least 1 page for verification markings. Travelers will be able to examine the information they have supplied to ensure that it is correct and matches the information displayed on their passports.
When everything is ready, just start by filling the application form and then follow our process.
Applying for an Indian e-Visa is so convenient because all the paperwork is done online, so travelers do not have to visit an Indian embassy in South Africa to complete the process.
Note: you can add a health document, such as Indian travel insurance, to increase your chance of getting approved and more importantly, keep your benefit.
Once the e-Visa has been issued, the traveler must have a printed copy of the approved e-Tourist visa with them when they travel to present it to Indian Immigration and Border Protection Officers. Indian officials will verify the information, and travelers will be required to present their fingerprints as well as a recent photo of themselves. After then, passengers' passports will be stamped with an entry stamp to officially approve their entry into the nation.
3. Indian e-visa fees for South African citizens
In comparison to the whole expense of the trip from South Africa to India, India Visa Fee is a small but inevitable amount. In detail, there are two types of fees you need to charge for an Indian visa online: a service fee and a government fee.
The government fee is an amount determined by the Indian government. While it is fixed for your nationality regardless of your type of visa, the service fee is flexible. With the service fee, we offer three options for you to choose from and the fee is corresponding:
- Normal: standardized options that guarantee you to get a Visa in a maximum of 3 business days.
- Urgent: With this option, you will get your Visa in a maximum of 24 hours.
- Super Urgent: For emergencies, this is the most suitable option. It can help you get a Visa in around 5 business hours.
Payment method: you can choose either electronic payment or wire transfer. For electronic payment, there are many options that you can choose from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or PayPal
India Visa Requirements for South Africa Citizens FAQs
Do South Africans need a visa for India?
For sure! All travelers seeking to enter India (and who possess a South African passport) must get a visa that allows them to stay in the country for a specific period of time. Fortunately, you will be able to forgo the typical paperwork and apply for an India Visa online from the comfort of your sofa.
There are now four India Visa options for South African passport holders:
- Indian e-Tourist Visa
- Indian e-Business Visa
- Indian e-Conference Visa
- Indian e-Medical Visa
It will be a straightforward procedure if you choose an Indian Immigration Services website to get them.
Indian Immigration Services website offers one of the most secure platforms, which will keep your information private from third-party access. With the help of our professionals, you will obtain your India visa within a few days. If you are still unsure, you may look at our contact form for further information. Our services are recommended by pleased customers. Join them and let us help you realize your trip goals!
Can I leave India without an exit permit?
No, you are not permitted to leave India without an exit permit. The Indian government issues departure permits allowing foreigners to leave the country. You will not be able to board your aircraft or cross the border if you do not have an exit permit.
This rule does have a few exceptions. Foreigners in India with diplomatic, student, or medical visas do not require a departure permission. They must, however, have a valid visa and passport.
If you are a foreigner wanting to leave India, you must apply for an exit permission at least 15 days in advance. You can apply for an exit permit at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in your destination city.
To apply for an exit permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A visa application form
- A recent photograph
- Proof of financial support, such as a bank statement or letter from your employer
- A letter from your sponsor, if you are sponsored by a company or organization
A departure permit normally takes 1 to 3 working days to process. When your exit permission is accepted, you will be given a sticker to attach to your passport.
If you are discovered trying to leave India without exit permission, you will be arrested and deported. You may potentially face a fine or imprisonment.
It should be noted that the laws and regulations governing departure permits are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, always check with the FRRO in the city where you are staying.
How much money can foreigners bring to India?
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that foreigners can bring to India. However, if you are carrying more than US$5,000 or its equivalent in cash or traveler's cheques, you must declare it to the customs authorities at the airport. You can do this by filling out a Currency Declaration Form (CDF).
If you do not declare the money and you are caught, you may be fined or imprisoned.
Here are the steps on how to declare money when you enter India:
- Go to the airport's customs counter.
- Complete the Currency Declaration Form (CDF).
- Declare the quantity of money in your possession.
- Show the customs officer your passport and CDF.
- Your CDF will be stamped and returned to you by the customs officer.
You must keep your CDF with you for the duration of your stay in India. If you are leaving India, you must surrender your CDF to the customs authorities at the airport.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding the declaration of money can change at any time. It is always best to check with the customs authorities at the airport for the latest information.
How to travel to India from South Africa?
India is famous for its beautiful landscapes and diverse culture, imbued with an Asian identity. To travel to India, tourists need to prepare the following steps:
- Obtain a Valid Passport: Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled date of travel into India.
- Check Visa Requirements: Determine your nationality's visa needs. South Africans require a visa to enter India. An Indian visa can be obtained at the Indian embassy or consulate in South Africa.
- Apply for an Indian Visa: Submit the necessary papers to the Indian embassy or consulate, including your passport, visa application form, passport-sized pictures, and any supporting documents. The sort of visa you require will be determined by the purpose and length of your travel.
- Book Flights: Book your flights to India once you have received your visa. Direct flights are available from major South African cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town to different international airports in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Plan Your Itinerary: Plan your trip to India, including the cities and locations you want to visit.
- Arrange Accommodation: Book accommodation in advance for the duration of your stay in India.
- Check Health and Vaccination Requirements: Check to see whether any vaccines or health precautions are required for South African visitors visiting India, and take the appropriate safeguards.
- Pack Your Essentials: Pack your travel basics, such as travel papers, weather-appropriate clothes, toiletries, and any other items you may require during your trip.
- Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
- Arrive in India: On the day of your departure, arrive at the airport with your travel documents, including your passport and visa. Make sure you have your itinerary, hotel reservations, and other necessary information readily available.
- Enjoy Your Trip: Once you arrive in India, immerse yourself in the culture, sights, and experiences the country has to offer.
Can babies go to India without a visa?
No, babies cannot go to India without a visa. All foreign travelers, regardless of age, need a visa to enter India. This includes babies.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Babies who are born in India to foreign parents are automatically Indian citizens and do not need a visa to enter India. However, they will need to have a passport.
Babies born in another nation who have a valid visa for that country may enter India without a visa. They must, however, apply for a visa at the Indian embassy or consulate in their native nation before traveling to India.
If you intend to travel to India with a newborn, you should begin the visa application procedure as soon as possible. The processing period for a visa varies based on the kind of visa and the nation from which you apply.
Here are some extra hints when applying for a baby visa to India:
- Before you begin the application process, make sure you have all of the necessary documentation in order. This will assist to expedite the procedure and prevent delays.
- Expect inquiries regarding the baby's citizenship and travel history.
- If the baby has not yet been born, you must supply a copy of the parent's passport as well as a medical certificate indicating the estimated date of delivery.
How to prepare for a trip to India?
There's no disputing that visiting India may be a cultural shock, particularly on your first visit. It's a vast and perplexing nation with numerous cultures and customs. The cities are always ridden with traffic and activity. So how to prepare for this assault on the senses? Here are some tips on how to prepare for a trip to India:
- Get an Indian visa. Unless you are a native of one of the visa-exempt nations, you will require a visa to visit India. The Indian Immigration Services website allows you to apply for a visa online.
- Book your flights and accommodation. The winter months (November to March) are the best times to visit India since the temperature is cooler. Flights and accommodations can be booked online or through a travel agent.
- Get an Indian travel insurance. Travel insurance is essential for every vacation, but it is especially critical for one to India. Travel insurance will protect you in the event of a medical emergency, misplaced luggage, or other unforeseeable circumstances.
- Pack appropriate clothing. The temperature in India varies based on area, so carry weather-appropriate attire. As the weather may vary fast, it is best to carry light clothing that can be layered.
- Learn some basic Hindi phrases. Although Hindi is the most frequently spoken language in India, English is widely spoken in major cities as well. Learning some basic Hindi words, on the other hand, will help you converse with the natives and make your vacation more pleasurable.
- Be aware of the cultural norms. Because India is such a diverse nation with such a rich culture, it is essential to be aware of cultural norms before going. For example, it is usual to remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone's home.
- Be prepared for the crowds. India is an extremely populous country, so expect crowds, particularly in large cities. Being patient and comfortable is the greatest approach to deal with crowds.
- Stay safe. India is a safe nation to visit, but you should be aware of the hazards. Always stay in well-lit locations at night and avoid carrying valuables.