Indian Visas In South Africa

We had our fair share of questions when it came to getting our INDIAN VISAs abroad. We'd heard so many horror stories on getting denied, from hidden fees to additional paperwork, that we wanted to make absolutely sure we did everything right - we even used a highlighter on some of our documents.

To get you started on your path to enlightenment, we put together a quick write-up on what we learned in the process on how to obtain your VISA outside the United States (for U.S. Citizens), particularly SOUTH AFRICA.

JOHANNESBURG VS. CAPE TOWN CONSULATES:
When we arrived in Cape Town, we made a beeline to the Indian consulate to ask questions about the VISA application before turning it in the next day - Indian VISAs are notoriously difficult to get. You often hear of fellow travelers being denied on their first attempt - Matt's brother, Mark, was no exception.

When we showed up at the consulate, we were surprised of how quiet the office was. We just strolled right in and asked reception where the VISA department was. She looked puzzled and replied, "Sorry, we don't do VISAs here. You have to get them through our Johannesburg office." DOH! Nevertheless, the woman was very helpful and helped answer all our A.D.D. questions over the next few days, including all the fees.

After compiling our applications (see requirements below), we used a private shipping company, DHL Express, to overnight deliver our package to the Johannesburg consulate for 276 Rand (0.5 kgs) from Cape Town.

VISA processing time takes around 5 business days - we got ours in three. You can check your application status online.

JOHANNESBURG CONSULATE ADDRESS:

• Consulate General of India
• Visa Applications
• 1 Eton Road
• Parktown
• Johannesburg 2193
• South Africa

REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS - PER APPLICANT:

• Submit application online and print-out
• Additional Referral Form - Fill-out and sign an additional form saying you are not a South African resident.
• Passport - 2 full pages available and at least 6 months old
• 2 Passport Photos - 2" x 2"
• Copy of South African birth certificate or ID - You obviously don't have this, so make a copy of your passport. To be 100% covered, you could ask the Cape Town police department to validate the copy. Do not make a copy of your driver's license - if the address does not match the state on your passport, you will be denied. Just ask Matt's brother, Mark.
• Receipt of Cash Deposit - If traveling with someone, you still must each have your own receipt, even if submitting your applications in the same envelope.
• Deposit directly through First National Bank. 
• On receipt it should say:
• BANK: FNB
• FOR: Consulate General of India Johannesburg
• ACCOUNT NUMBER: 50371108299
• ACCOUNT TYPE: Commercial Cheque Account
• REFERENCE: VISA (First Initial, Middle Initial, Last Initial) (Surname)
• EXAMPLE: VISA CLV VASALLO
• AMOUNT: 865 Rand (As of November 2012)
• U.S. Citizen Standard Indian Application Fee (VISA valid up to 6 months): 480 Rand
• South African Non-Resident Fee: 120 Rand
• U.S. Citizen Fee: 240 Rand
• ICWF Fee: 25 Rand
• Itinerary or Copy of Return Air Ticket - Print out the email you received from the airline with your flight and passenger information. You don't have to have proof of departure ticket.
• Confirmed Accommodation and Itinerary Details - Signed letter that says something like the below. Keep in mind, we did not have our accommodation or our exiting bus booked before applying. Nor did we have our route planned. We simply picked the most likely departure point and means of transport.
• Dear Consulate General of India,
  I, Matthew Vasallo, will be entering India at the Cochin International Airport on 07/12/2012 via Etihad Airways, Flight # EY2280 at 15:35. I will be exiting India from Gorakhpur via bus on 1/2/2012 to Kathmandu, Nepal.
  Upon arrival, I will be staying at the Vedanta Wake Up! at 1/506 River Road, Cochin, India 682001, beginning on 7/12/2012, telephone #: +914842216636. 
  I will be visiting the following places during my time in India: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh, Agra.
  Sincerely,
  Matt Vasallo