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SOUTH AFRICA
Visa for South Africa
Indian citizens must apply for a Visa for South Africa in India before traveling to the country. The visa type depends on the purpose of your visit—business, tourism, family visits, or employment.
South Africa Business Visa
The Business visa for South Africa is issued to Indian nationals traveling for business meetings, conferences, or commercial activities. It allows short stays and may be single or multiple entry based on your travel needs.
- Valid passport for the last 6 months.
- One visa application form No BI-84, duly filled and signed by the passenger in black pen only, as per the passport.
- 02 natural recent photos (35mm x 45mm), white background, 80% face must be visible, mouth closed, teeth not visible, not older than one month, and not used in any visa.
- Covering letter on company letterhead with physical address and contact details, addressing the South Africa Consulate in Mumbai, with authorized person’s name, designation, seal, and signature, mentioning travel dates, duration of stay, passenger's name, and passport number.
- Invitation letter addressing the consulate with full physical address, contact details, seal, and signature, mentioning travel dates, duration of stay, passenger's name, and passport number. Invitation letter with company seal.
- ID card copy of the authorized signatory person who signed the invitation letter from South Africa.
- Hotel confirmation with physical address and contact details, with the applicant's name, arrival and departure dates.
- If the passenger has their own business, personal & original company bank statement for the last 03 months with the original bank seal & signature.
- If the passenger is working, salary slips for the last 3 months & salary accounts bank statement for the last 3 months with the original bank seal & signature.
- Return ticket.
South Africa Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is designed for Indian travellers visiting South Africa for sightseeing, holidays. This short-stay visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days.
- Valid passport for the last 6 months.
- One visa application form No BI-84, duly filled and signed by the passenger in black pen only, as per the passport.
- 02 natural recent photos (35mm x 45mm), white background, 80% face must be visible, mouth closed, teeth not visible, not older than one month, and not used in any other visa.
- Covering letter on company letterhead with physical address and contact details, addressing the South Africa Consulate in Mumbai, with authorized person's name, designation, seal, and signature, mentioning travel dates and duration of stay (if self-employed). If working, personal covering letter with passenger's physical residence address and cell number on top, addressing the South Africa Consulate in Mumbai, with name, passport number, designation, and signature, mentioning travel dates and duration of stay.
- Original leave letter on company letterhead with physical address and contact details, addressing the South Africa Consulate in Mumbai, with passenger's name, passport number, and leave dates as per the travel date, along with authorized person's name, designation, seal, and signature. For children, a NOC letter from school/college/university on their letterhead with physical address and contact details, with passenger's name, passport number, and leave dates as per the travel date, with authorized person's name, designation, seal, and signature.
- Hotel confirmation on South African hotel letterhead with physical address and contact details, with the seal and signature of authorized person, including the applicant's name, passport number, and arrival/departure dates.
- If the passenger has their own business, personal & original company bank statement for the last 03 months with the bank's original seal & signature.
- If the passenger is working, salary slips for the last 3 months & salary accounts bank statement for the last 3 months with the bank's original seal & signature.
- Return ticket itinerary.
- If children below 18 are traveling without parents, an affidavit from parents on 100/- rupee stamp paper with notary is required. Children below 18 years must submit their birth certificate (true copy) along with the application and carry the original with a true copy at the time of travel if traveling alone or with parents.
South Africa Family Visa
For those visiting immediate family members residing in South Africa, a family visa is required. You must provide proof of relationship along with an invitation letter from your family member.
- Valid passport for 06 months.
- 02 natural recent photos (35mm x 45mm), white background, 80% face must be visible, not older than one month, and scanned photos will not be accepted by the consulate.
- Visa form duly filled and signed in black pen only, as per the passport.
- Covering letter addressing the South Africa Consulate in Mumbai, with authorized person's name, designation, seal, and signature, mentioning travel dates, duration of stay, residence address, and cell number on top.
- Invitation must be addressed to the consulate with full physical address, contact number, seal and signature, and authorized person’s name and designation. It should mention travel dates, duration of stay, passenger's name, passport number, and be attested by South Africa Police.
- If the passenger has their own business, personal & original company bank statement for the last 03 months with the bank's original seal & signature.
- If the passenger is working, salary slips for the last 3 months & salary accounts bank statement for the last 3 months with the original bank seal & signature, sponsor passport copy, residence permit copy, or visa copy attested by South African Police or Home Affairs.
- Sponsor's residential proof, such as a rental agreement or light bill, attested by South African Police.
- Sponsor's latest employment proof on company letterhead with full physical address and contact details, with the seal and signature of authorized person, including their name and designation.
- Return air ticket.
- If the application goes under verification, visa processing time will be 15 to 45 working days; if not, processing time will be 10 working days.
South Africa Work Visa
Indian citizens with confirmed employment in South Africa need a work visa, which allows long-term residence and employment. It requires a job offer and approval based on labour market tests.
- Valid passport for one year.
- 02 natural recent photos (35mm x 45mm), white background, 80% face must be visible, not older than one month, teeth must not be visible (mouth closed), and not used in any previous visa application.
- One visa application form No BI-1738, duly filled and signed by the applicant in black pen only, as per the passport. Please note that from page 09 to page 11, the South African invitee person must fill in every column. Include the Invitee's ID card copy who filled out the details in the visa form.
- Covering letter on company letterhead, addressing the South Africa consulate in Mumbai, with the authorized person's name, designation, seal, and signature, mentioning travel dates and the duration of stay.
- Invitation letter addressed to the consulate with the full physical address, contact number, seal, and signature of the authorized person, including their name and designation, mentioning travel dates and the duration of stay.01 job offer letter from the Indian company, clear and dark copy.
- Original Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Indian police or passport office.
- Original medical and radiology report with doctor seal and signature.
- Salary slip for the last 03 months.
- One-way ticket itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a Visa for South Africa before traveling.
Can I apply for a South Africa visa online?
No, applications must be submitted in person at the South African High Commission or through an authorized visa centre in India.
How long does it take to process a South Africa visa?
Processing usually takes 7 to 15 working days, depending on visa type and documents submitted.
What is the validity of a South Africa tourist visa?
Typically, valid for up to 90 days, subject to approval and travel itinerary.
Can I work in South Africa on a tourist or business visa?
No, employment is not allowed on tourist or business visas. A work visa is required.
Is an invitation letter necessary for a family visa?
Yes, you need an invitation letter from your family member along with proof of relationship.
Do I need travel insurance for a South Africa visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended for all visa categories.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry business visa?
Yes, frequent business travellers can request a multiple-entry visa, subject to approval.
Is police clearance required for a South Africa work visa?
Yes, work and long-term visas require a police clearance certificate, medical report, and job offer letter.
Where should I submit my South Africa visa application?
Applications can be submitted at the South African High Commission in New Delhi or through VFS Global centres in India.