Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
The official link goes to eta.dha.gov.za. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel. This row comes from a reputable source NUM hasn’t yet confirmed on the official page.
South Africa entry rules for Indian citizens.
| Verdict | Travel authorisation before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | South Africa ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) |
| Fee | ZAR 500 (plus any reciprocal visa fee) |
| Stay | Up to 90 days per visit; extendable once online by up to 90 days |
| Validity | Multiple entry (exact validity period not officially published) |
| When to apply | Apply before travel; outcomes promised within 24-72 hours but apply well ahead |
| Checked | From a reputable source, not yet verified on the official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an Indian passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: South Africa entry requirements.
The details for an Indian passport.
Ordinary-passport holders of China, India, Indonesia and Mexico apply on the ETA portal (opened to the public 12 Feb 2026; official launch 12 Aug 2026). ETA entry only via OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town or Lanseria airports (King Shaka/Durban announced, land ports later in 2026); arriving elsewhere needs a different visa. No ETA or visa can be obtained on arrival. Stay up to 90 days, one online extension of up to 90 days. The older eVisa runs in parallel. Fee: ZAR 500 electronic processing fee effective 17 Aug 2026 (Government Notice R.7834); a reciprocal visa fee may be added where one applies. The DHA exemption list covers only diplomatic/official/service passports for this country.
How long it must be valid.
Passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the date you intend to leave South Africa.
Recent changes in South Africa.
- 2025-10 — ETA pilot began for G20 delegations from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico (OR Tambo and Cape Town; Lanseria added Nov 2025).
- 2025-12-09 — DHA reissued its visa-exemption list (adds 2025 exemptions such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia).
- 2026-02-12 — ETA opened to ordinary-passport holders of China, India, Indonesia and Mexico entering via OR Tambo, Cape Town or Lanseria.
The short answers.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No visa, but yes to a form: Indian citizens need the South Africa ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) approved before they fly for stays of up to 90 days per visit; extendable once online by up to 90 days.
How much does it cost for Indian citizens?
ZAR 500 (plus any reciprocal visa fee). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can Indian citizens stay in South Africa?
Up to 90 days per visit; extendable once online by up to 90 days. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should Indian citizens apply?
Apply before travel; outcomes promised within 24-72 hours but apply well ahead.
Where do Indian citizens apply?
On the official site, eta.dha.gov.za. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue South Africa visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.