South Africa to introduce a 90-day visa waiver for Indian tourists from Jan 2025
In a move aimed at boosting tourism, South Africa has announced plans to introduce a 90-day visa waiver for Indian tourists, effective from January 2025. This decision is expected to simplify travel for Indian tourists and increase the number of visitors to the country.
Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS)
The South African Department of Home Affairs has also introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which aims to streamline the visa application process for Indian and Chinese travellers.
Under this scheme, approved tour operators can register with the department and submit group visa applications for their clients, reducing the time and effort required for individual visa applications.
Benefits for Indian Tourists
The 90-day visa waiver is expected to increase the number of Indian tourists visiting South Africa, which currently stands at 16,000. The country aims to increase this number to 100,000 by the end of the year.
Simplifying Travel
The introduction of the TTOS and the 90-day visa waiver is expected to simplify travel for Indian tourists, making it easier for them to plan their trips to South Africa. The country is also planning to introduce an eVisa system for Indian tourists, which will further simplify the visa process.
Boosting Tourism
The move is expected to boost tourism in South Africa, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The government is hoping to attract more tourists from India and China, which are two of the country’s largest markets.
Overall, the introduction of the 90-day visa waiver and the TTOS is expected to increase tourism in South Africa, simplify travel for Indian tourists, and boost the country’s economy.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a South African Visa for Indian Tourists
Indian tourists planning to visit South Africa can follow these steps to apply for a visa:
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa Required
Indian tourists need a short-term South African Tourist Visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
To apply for a South African Tourist Visa, Indian tourists will need to provide the following documents:
A valid passport with at least two blank pages and 30 days of validity
A completed Visa Application Form (BI-84)
Two passport-sized photos
Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips)
A confirmed return flight ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
Day-to-day travel itinerary
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit Your Application to VFS Global
Book an appointment with VFS Global, the authorised visa application centre, and submit your documents. You will also need to pay the visa fee at this stage.
Step 4: Wait for Your Visa to be Processed
The processing time for a South African Tourist Visa is typically 5-7 working days, so it’s essential to apply early to avoid any delays.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fees
While the visa itself is gratis for Indian citizens, there are application and logistics fees that range between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,000, with an additional Rs 160 convenience fee.
Step 6: Track Your Application
You can track the status of your visa application on the VFS Global website using the reference number provided.
Step 7: Collect Your Passport
Once your visa has been approved, you can collect your passport in person or have it delivered to you via courier.
Step 8: Meet the Entry Requirements at the Port of Entry
When arriving in South Africa, ensure you have the following documents:
A valid visa
A return flight ticket
Proof of accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds
Future Plans: eVisa System
South Africa has announced plans to introduce an eVisa system for Indian tourists, which promises to simplify the visa process further. While the system is not yet live, it’s expected to make applying for a South African visa even more convenient.