Last Updated 15 September 2026

Why apply for a South Africa Tourist Visa

South Africa, characterized by many distinct habitats, is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent. Kruger National Park, beaches, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, woods and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town are among the many tourist attractions to explore here.

Indians wishing to travel to South Africa can apply for an e-visa online. This visa is valid for 60 days. It is not advisable to overstay on this visa.

2026 Update — South Africa Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): South Africa launched a new ETA system on August 12, 2026. Indian nationals are among the eligible nationalities. The ETA is valid for 90 days and can be extended by a further 90 days. It is applied for online through the official South African Department of Home Affairs portal. Indian travellers should check the official portal to confirm current eligibility and apply for the ETA instead of the older e-Visa where applicable.

Documents Required for the South Africa Visit Visa:

• A passport with a validity of at least six months
• 2 passport-size photos
• Old passports and visas
• A copy of your completed and signed visa application form
• Details about your itinerary
• Proof of hotel bookings, flight bookings
• Copy of return ticket
• A cover letter with all the required details about your itinerary
• Proof that you have enough finances to fund your visit
• Bank statement of the last 6 months
• Income tax returns for the last 3 years
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required only if travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever-endemic country)

When the application for eVisa has been approved, the traveler will receive the eVisa in the email address they provided with the request. The traveler will have to save a copy of the eVisa on their phone / mobile or take a printed copy with them when they fly to South Africa. The traveler will have to show the eVisa at the South African airport along with their passport to enter the country.

South Africa Tourist Visa Fee

The South Africa short-term tourist visa has no consular fee for Indian nationals — the visa itself is free (₹0 / Gratis). However, mandatory third-party and logistics charges apply when applying through VFS Global India:

• Consular Visa Fee: ₹0 (Gratis)
• VFS Global Logistics / Service Fee: ₹2,040 to ₹2,301 per person
• Convenience / Processing extras: ₹160+
• Total estimated out-of-pocket: ₹2,200 to ₹3,500 (excluding optional courier, lounge, or travel insurance)

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

• Advise you on the required documentation
• Advise you on the funds that need to be shown
• Fill out the application forms
• Review your documents for the visa application

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