Planning your South Africa visit: Visa requirements guide

Essential requirements for your South Africa visit visa

Passport & photographs essentials

• Passport: You need an original passport. It must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. It should also have at least two unused/blank visa pages. Furthermore, submit all old passports as well, if applicable. 
  Note: Old passports are mandatory for applicants applying at Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Bangalore centre.
• Photographs: Include two recent color passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm). They should be taken within the last three to six months. They require a white or clear background and a matte finish. Ensure your face occupies 70-80% of the photo area. Maintain a neutral expression and a closed mouth.

Application forms and necessary letters

• Visa Application Form: Submit a completely filled and signed South Africa visa application form (DHA-84). You must complete the form in black ink and block letters. Ensure all sections are filled truthfully.
• Cover Letter: Prepare a personal covering letter. If employed, use plain paper. If self-employed, use company letterhead. This letter should state the purpose of your visit, your designation, passport details, and travel dates.

Travel arrangements confirmation

• Flight Tickets: You must provide confirmed return or onward flight tickets. These tickets demonstrate your intent to return to your home country.
• Accommodation: You need confirmed accommodation details. This includes hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host.
  If staying with a family/relative/friend, a copy of the invitation letter from the host is required. This letter must state your name and passport number, the purpose and duration of the visit, the host’s physical address and contact details, along with the host’s designation and signature. 
  The invitation letter needs to be attested by a Commissioner of Oaths or the South African Police with a valid date, typically within 90 days of the application. The host must also provide proof of residence, attested by the Commissioner of Oaths or South African Police.
• Travel Itinerary: Prepare a detailed, day-to-day plan for your stay in South Africa. This demonstrates clear travel intentions and helps support your visa application.

Financial proof for your stay

• Bank Statements: Provide original bank statements from the last three to six months, showing sufficient funds. Original Indian bank statements on bank letterhead with stamp and signature are required, and passbooks, e-statements, or net banking copies are not accepted.
• Income Tax Returns (ITR): Submit ITR or Form 16 for the last three years to demonstrate financial stability.

Health and other requirements

• Yellow Fever Certificate: A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is necessary if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country.
• Medical Report: A recent medical report (within 6 months) from a registered medical practitioner is needed, especially for applications submitted in Delhi.
• Radiological Report: In some cases, a radiological report on form BI-806, issued by a registered radiologist, may be required.
• Aadhar Card: Provide both the original and a photocopy of your Aadhar Card.

Understanding the South Africa visa application process

• Determine Visa Type: Confirm you need a South Africa visit visa (Visitor’s Visa) for purposes like tourism or visiting family/friends for up to 90 days.
• Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photos, application form, financial proof, flight tickets, accommodation proof, and any additional documents.
• Complete Application Form: Accurately fill out the visa application form (DHA-84).
• Book Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
• Submit Application & Biometrics: Attend your appointment, submit documents, pay fees, and provide biometric data.
• Await Processing: Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days. However, it can be longer for long-term visas or during peak seasons. Apply well in advance.
• Collect Passport: Collect your passport with the visa from the centre or arrange courier delivery.

South Africa visa fees and processing time

• Fees: For Indian nationals, South Africa visit visa fees are Gratis (free). However, a VFS Global service fee applies, which varies by location. VFS Global provides details on logistics fees. Optional services like SMS tracking and courier assurance have extra fees.
• Processing Time: Standard processing takes 5 to 15 working days. However, it can extend during peak seasons. Therefore, plan accordingly.

South Africa e-Visa option

How ATSOL Visa assists with your South Africa visit visa

• Expert Guidance: They clarify requirements for your trip, including passport validity, photos, financial proof, and forms. This ensures you understand what documentation to provide.
• Document Review: They review all documents, such as bank statements, invitation letters, flights, and accommodation, to ensure they meet requirements and minimize rejection chances.
• On-the-Spot Assistance: Same-day service is available for eligible applications for enrolled clients. This dedication to efficiency streamlines your application process, minimizing delays.

Important disclaimer

Conclusion