Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Indian citizens need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to South Africa. (ETA required.) Verified 24 Jun 2026 against the official source.

How long can Indian passport holders stay in South Africa?

Stay length depends on the ETA or visitor permission issued by South Africa.

How much does the South Africa entry cost for Indian citizens?

The official fee varies — see the official source. This page tracks the official government fee only, not agent markup.

Visa requirement

South Africa visa for Indian citizens

Official-source answer with stay limit, cost, required documents and last verification date.

Verified answer

Indian citizens need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to South Africa.

Last verified: 24 Jun 2026 (today)

ETA required

What this means: An ETA is an electronic travel authorisation you apply for online before you fly — it is not a visa, but you cannot board without it.

Confidence: Medium Likely current — confirm details with the official source.

Max stay: Stay length depends on the ETA or visitor permission issued by South Africa.
Official cost: Varies — see notes
Before departure: Apply online before you fly
Official route: Open source (opens in a new tab)

Shareable verdict: Indian citizens need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to South Africa. Checked 24 Jun 2026.

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Cost note

South Africa ETA/eVisa fees and document requirements are shown in the official Department of Home Affairs portal.

Passport and transit notes

Passport validity: Use the passport-validity rule shown by the South African ETA/eVisa portal for the exact application.; Validity source (opens in a new tab) Validity guide
Transit: airside transit: conditional; landside transit: required; Transit treatment depends on routing and whether the traveller enters South Africa. Passing immigration requires the appropriate ETA/eVisa or visa unless an official exemption applies.; Transit source (opens in a new tab) Transit guide

What you need

valid Indian passport
South African ETA/eVisa or visitor permission before travel
trip details and accommodation
return or onward ticket
supporting documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs portal

Why this verdict

South Africa now has an official Electronic Travel Authorisation portal alongside its online eVisa services. Indian citizens should use the Department of Home Affairs portal response for the exact short-visit route, because the ETA rollout is phased and portal-driven.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Africa?: Indian citizens need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to South Africa. (ETA required.) Verified 24 Jun 2026 against the official source.
How long can Indian passport holders stay in South Africa?: Stay length depends on the ETA or visitor permission issued by South Africa.
How much does the South Africa entry cost for Indian citizens?: The official fee varies — see the official source. This page tracks the official government fee only, not agent markup.

Related countries

South Africa visa for other passports

Related guides

All Indian visa requirements

Disclaimer. Visa and entry requirements change frequently and without notice and may depend on your specific circumstances (nationality, passport type, purpose and length of stay, residence in other countries, onward route and current diplomatic situation). The information here is for general guidance only, may be out of date, and is not legal, immigration, or travel advice. All cost, duration, and popularity figures are estimates. Always confirm the exact, current requirements with the official source for the destination country — its embassy, consulate, immigration service, or official e-visa portal (linked where available) — and with your airline before booking or travelling. We do not guarantee accuracy or completeness and accept no liability for any loss, denied boarding, refused entry, or other consequences. Last-verified dates are shown for each record; a record without a recent verification date should be treated as unconfirmed.