Starting in January 2025, Indian travelers will find it easier to visit South Africa as the country introduces the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) aimed at streamlining visa procedures for tourists from India and China. This initiative by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs seeks to boost tourism by simplifying the visa application process, making it faster and more efficient for visitors from non-visa-exempt countries.
Under the TTOS, approved tour operators will be able to register with the Department of Home Affairs to submit group visa applications on behalf of travelers. This new process aims to reduce administrative delays and help alleviate some of the issues that have impacted South Africa’s tourism sector, according to a press release from the department. Applications will be processed by a specialized team to ensure timely and smooth handling.
South Africa’s Tourism Goals
South Africa is looking to significantly increase the number of Indian tourists, with a goal of growing from 16,000 visitors annually to 100,000 by the end of the year. Currently, Indian tourists account for 3% of South Africa’s international visitors, and the government hopes to increase this figure by making it easier for Indian tourists to obtain visas.
In addition to TTOS, South Africa is exploring the possibility of introducing a 90-day visa waiver for Indian and Chinese tourists. If approved, this would allow travelers from these countries to visit South Africa without a visa for up to three months, further easing entry requirements.
Visa Process for Indian Travelers
At present, Indian tourists must apply for a visa before traveling to South Africa, as there is no visa-on-arrival option. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a South African tourist visa:
Determine the type of visa:
Indian visitors need to apply for a short-term South African Tourist Visa, which permits stays of up to 90 days.
Prepare the necessary documents:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and 30 days of validity beyond your stay
- Completed Visa Application Form (BI-84)
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements)
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
- Day-to-day travel itinerary
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Submit your application through VFS Global:
Schedule an appointment with VFS Global, South Africa’s authorized visa application center in India. Submit your documents and pay the visa processing fee on the appointment day.
Visa processing time:
The visa typically takes 5-7 working days to process, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Visa fee:
While the visa itself is free for Indian travelers, a service fee of Rs 2,300 to Rs 3,000 applies for processing. An additional Rs 160 convenience fee is charged for multiple payment options.
Track your application:
Use the reference number provided to track your visa status on the VFS Global website.
Collect your passport:
Once your visa is approved, you can either collect your passport in person or have it delivered via courier.
Entry requirements:
Upon arrival in South Africa, you must present the following:
- A valid visa
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
eVisa for Indian Tourists
South Africa has announced plans to introduce an eVisa system for Indian travelers, but it has yet to be implemented. If launched, the eVisa would further simplify the visa application process for Indian tourists.
