Published By: Soham Halder

New Visa Scheme for Indians: 90-day Visa-free Travel in South Africa; Step-by-step Application Guide

South Africa to soon begin the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to simplify the entry process for Indian tourists.

Starting in January 2025, South Africa will initiate the TTOS to boost tourism with quicker and easier visas approval. "This scheme will allow approved tour operators to register with the department and submit group visa applications for their travellers, streamlining the process and cutting through red tape," South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs said in a press release recently.

Currently, Indian tourists contribute only 3% of South Africa’s total international tourists. South Africa is aiming to increase the number of Indian tourist from only 16,000 to 100,000 by the end of 2025. Thus, the government is keen on growing this number with a new scheme of 90-day Visa waiver. To get this visa, Indian tourists need to apply for a ‘short-term’ South African Tourist Visa. Here’s a detailed guide.

(Credit - @gotosouthafrica X handle)

Keep Required Documents Handy:

To apply for short-term tourist visa to roam around South Africa, you must have these following documents: a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages. The passport should have minimum 1 month validity beyond your stay. You must carry Visa Application Form or BI-84 with two recent passport-sized photographs. Bank statement or salary slips are required as a proof of your financial independence. You need to show confirmed return flight ticket, day-to-day travel itinerary, hotel booking or any special invitation letter as accomodation proof. As South Africa frequently suffer from Yellow Fever, you need to produce Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Application Submission at VFS Global:

The appointment should be booked with VFS Global, the only authorised visa application centre for South Africa here. The applicant need to pay the visa fee along with document submission. Usually, the processing takes around 5-7 working days. So, you must plan your travel and application date accordingly.

(Credit - @VisitSA_India X handle)

Visa Fee:

Although you are availing Visa waiver, you need to pay the application and logistics fee which is around Rs 2,300 - 3,000 only. Additionally, the tourist need to pay Convenience fees of Rs 160 in cash.

Application Tracking:  

During application, you will be provided with the reference number. Within one day of application, you must regularly check the application status via reference number on the VFS Global website.

Once your application is approved, you should collect your passport in person. Otherwise, it will be delivered to your doorstep via courier, as per your selection during application.

Entry Requirements:

As soon as you arrive in South Africa, you need  to show return flight ticket, approved 90-day Visa waiver application, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.

(Credit - @VisitSA_Africa X handle)

The South African Department of Home Affairs has collaborated with the Department of Tourism to address country's economic underperformance over a decade. Thus, the government is planning to reform the tourism industry followed by the success of Trusted Employer Scheme (TES). This initiative broadly streamlined visa processing strategies for businesses to attract critical skills.

In May, South Africa government has announced eVisa system for Indian tourist, which hasn't implemented yet.