The ideal land of beautiful beaches, exotic food, friendly people, and the top 5 of the world’s best safaris, South Africa is arguably the most richly diverse country on the African continent. With the Atlantic on the west and the Indian Ocean on the east, South Africa has easily the perfect weather. The country’s infrastructure is laid-back, as well as luxurious, but most importantly, affordable, which makes it the destination of choice for visitors. One of the largest producers of expensive jewels, it is one of the three most successful democracies of the world and the African continent’s most advanced economy.
TYPES OF VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The visas available for South Africa vary on the basis of the purpose of the visit. Here are the main visas which are generally and frequently applied for:
1. Work Visas. These visas, as the name suggests, have to do with work-related purposes. It has four sub-categories:
• General work visas. The person must have a formal job offer, certified by the employer who has offered the job by proving that there was no other native resident to fill the vacancy.
• Critical Skills Work Visas. If the person’s occupation is in south Africa’s critical skill list, then he/she is eligible to apply for this, without a formal job offer.
• Intra-Company Transfer Work visas. For those who have been transferred from a foreign country to its south African branch.
2. Spousal and Life Partner Visas. These visas are intended for the spouses and life partners of South African citizens and permanent residents. These are for both married partners as well as relationship partners, depending on the time period of the relationship and cohabitation proof.
3. Relative visas. These are intended for the immediate family of south African citizens and members. The immediate family consists of both, the 1st kin(Parents, children, and spouse) and 2nd kin(brothers and sisters).
4. Study Visas. Study visas for south Africa are available only for a full-time course of study. These have two categories of division:
• Dependent students. Who are yet not of age and are school-going students.
• Standalone students. Who are of age and are undertaking a higher education course in south Africa from an approved institution.
5. Tourist Visa. These visas are valid for 3 months, overstaying is not available. This is a short-term visa meant only for visiting, the person is not permitted to work under this.
HOW TO GET A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA?
1. Fill out the application form.
2. Attach all the documents required.
3. Payment of the fee(varying for different countries)
4. Submit the application form either online to the Department of Home Affairs website or in person to the consulate.
It generally takes only 5-6 business days for the processing of the application, delayed only if there are some unforeseen causes.
FEE-RELATED TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN VISA
There is a reasonable fee charged with the Visa form, which depends on the nationality.
For short term visas:
NATIONALITY VISA FEE
Indian Nationals Gratis
Foreign Nationals INR 2207/-
For long term visas:
VISA CATEGORY VISA FEE IN INR
Study Visa/Permit INR2207/-
Treaty Visa / Permit INR2207/-
Medical Treatment Visa / Permit INR2207/-
Relatives Visa / Permit INR2207/-
Business Visa / Permit INR7892/-
General Work Visa / Permit INR7892 /-
Critical Skills Visa / Permit INR7892/-
Intra-company transfer work Visa / Permit INR 7892/-
Exchange Visa / Permit INR2207/-
https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/india/visa-fees-at-glance.html
DOCUMENTS ESSENTIAL TO GET THE VISA
• A valid passport, having further validity of a month after the end of the visit, with at least two blank pages.
• The application form for the visa filled out completely and precisely.
• A document proofing the purpose of the visit
• Passport photos, colored with clearly visible face.
• A return or onward ticket required only for air passengers.
• A document proofing financial means, such as bank statements, salary advances, credit card or cash availabilities, etc.
WHEN TO APPLY?
It can take 3 to 7 days for processing the visa, but delays are unavoidable due to a number of reasons.
• At the latest. No later than 3 weeks before the planned date of departure.
• Ideal time. As earliest as possible, to avoid any possible delay in the processing of the visa.
Related links:
https://www.gov.za/