Last Updated: 16 September 2026
South Africans need a visa for India, but most short trips can use an e-Visa applied for online.
Apply only on the official Indian e-Visa portal - many look-alike sites charge extra.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a India visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for India?
Yes. South African passport holders need a visa. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, medical and conference travel for eligible trips.
India Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. The e-Visa needs a passport with enough validity and blank pages, a photo and a passport scan.
All foreign travellers must also submit an e-Arrival Card online before arrival. Confirm the latest requirements before submitting your application.
Types of India Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa (30 days, 1 year, 5 years) | Tourism and visiting friends or family |
| e-Business Visa | Meetings, trade and business visits |
| e-Medical Visa | Treatment at recognised hospitals |
| Regular visa | Purposes not covered by e-Visa |
India Tourist Visa
The e-Tourist Visa comes in 30-day, 1-year and 5-year versions. It is not extendable or convertible.
India Business Visa
The e-Business Visa covers business visits. Fees for business and medical e-Visas are set per nationality.
How to Apply for a India Visa from South Africa
- Apply on the official Indian e-Visa portal.
- Upload a passport scan and photo.
- Pay the fee online (a card surcharge applies).
- Receive the Electronic Travel Authorisation by email.
- Complete the e-Arrival Card before travel.
- Enter through a designated e-Visa port.
India Visa Cost in South Africa
India sets e-Visa fees per nationality. The Bureau of Immigration fee schedule updated in 2026 shows low or no fees for South Africans on the e-Tourist Visa. Check the amount displayed before paying.
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist Visa | No fee for South Africans on the published schedule | Official fee - confirm on portal |
| 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa | US$25 (approx. R400) | Official fee on published schedule |
| Bank transaction charge | About 3% of the fee | Official portal charge |
| e-Visa assistance | R400 - R1,200 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual India application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesIndia Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 4 days before arrival. The ETA is often issued within about 72 hours. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
e-Visas are applied for online. Regular visas are handled through the Indian High Commission and its outsourced service provider in South Africa.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | At least 6 months validity from arrival and two blank pages |
| Passport scan | PDF bio page |
| Photo | JPEG, white background |
| Business card or invitation | For e-Business |
| Hospital letter | For e-Medical |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Photo or scan rejected by the portal.
- Using an unofficial website.
- Arriving at a port not designated for e-Visa.
Visa Application Assistance
A provider can submit the e-Visa on the official portal and check photo specifications. See eVisa application help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for India?
Yes, but most short trips can use an e-Visa applied for online.
How much is the India e-Visa for South Africans?
The published schedule shows no fee for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa and US$25 for the 1-year or 5-year versions, plus a card charge.
How early should I apply for an India e-Visa?
At least 4 days before arrival, and not earlier than the window allowed for your visa type.
Do I need an e-Arrival Card for India?
Yes, foreign travellers submit an e-Arrival Card online before arrival.
Use Visa Application to get more than one quote before you pay anyone to help with a India application.
Related Pages
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