India entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need an eVisa to visit India in 2026. The eVisa covers tourism, business, and medical visits, and you must apply online before you travel. No visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry is available for South Africans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. It must also have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in India routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry. Book a refundable ticket or use a service like onwardticket.com if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for your accommodation details during the interview. A printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Carry proof of funds such as a bank statement, credit card, or cash. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, show at least $300–$500 for a short trip. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
eVisa is not a visa-on-arrival
You must apply and receive approval before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for South African passport holders at Indian airports. Arriving without an approved eVisa means you'll be denied entry.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport bio page, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also email copies to yourself. If your phone dies or gets lost, you can access them from any device.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a recent passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online (around $25–$80 depending on visa type and duration). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print it or save a copy on your phone. The eVisa is valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years depending on the type you choose. You can enter India multiple times within the validity period.
3
Arrive at Indian immigration
At the airport, head to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and the eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. They'll stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay duration.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. You'll pass through customs — if you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Then you're free to exit the airport.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostINR 2,500 (~$30 USD)
For one-time visit, non-extendable.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 4,000 (~$48 USD)
Allows multiple entries, max 90 days each.
Long-Stay Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity5 years from issue
CostINR 8,000 (~$96 USD)
Multiple entry, suitable for frequent travellers.
Business eVisa
Max stay60 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 4,000 (~$48 USD)
For business purposes, multiple entry.
student visa
Student Visa (S-1)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 4,000 (~$48 USD) plus university fees
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply work visa
Employment Visa (E-1)
1 year, renewable annually
INR 4,000 (~$48 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employment contract, company registration, and minimum salary threshold. Spouse can accompany.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (B-1)
1 year, renewable
INR 4,000 (~$48 USD)
For investors or entrepreneurs establishing a business in India. Requires business plan, proof of investment (min. $100,000 USD), and company registration. Multiple entry allowed.
Apply retirement visa
Retirement Visa (not officially available)
N/A
N/A
India does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Seniors may use long-term tourist visas (up to 5 years) or apply for a special permission via FRRO on a case-by-case basis.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) – 30 daysFor single entry, valid for 30 days from arrival. | INR 2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – 1 yearMultiple entry, max 90 days per visit. | INR 4,000 (~$48 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – 5 yearsMultiple entry, max 90 days per visit. | INR 8,000 (~$96 USD) |
| eVisa extension (FRRO)Apply online at indianfrro.gov.in before visa expiry. | INR 1,000 (~$12 USD) per month, max 6 months |
| Overstay fineApplies to overstay beyond visa validity. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
South Africa passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing immigration, a visa is required.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visa may be eligible for a 72-hour transit visa on arrival in some cases.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Must have a valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially in rural areas and during the monsoon (June–September). Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is recommended for travellers to rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block 8, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For eVisa extension, apply online first at indianfrro.gov.in.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Appointment required; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 96.82 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 7 days during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
The cost depends on the visa type and duration. A 30-day tourist eVisa costs around $25, a 1-year eVisa around $40, and a 5-year eVisa around $80. Fees are paid online during the application.
No, eVisas cannot be extended. You must leave India before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from an Indian embassy before traveling.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. It's a standard requirement.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into India, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, your eVisa will be rejected.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at 28 designated airports in India, including major ones like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. You can also enter at 5 seaports. Check the official list before booking flights.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa for stays under 24 hours. But if you plan to leave the airport or have a long layover, you'll need an eVisa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.