South Africa Evisa Problems And Solutions
SA Migration | 02 June 2023
Planning to go to South Africa soon? You'll have to apply for an online visa for South Africa before going to the country.
But, there are some issues that you can face with the South Africa evisa application process.
I have identified the issues and how you can solve the issues and visit South Africa in no time.
Let's get straight into it.
What Are The South Africa E-visa Problems?
Here are some of the South Africa E-visa problems 2023 you could run into:
- The South Africa Evisa portal is extremely hard to navigate
- "Date and month validation mixed up" error
- Unable to complete the online application successfully
- Awaiting adjudication outcome
- Communication errors
- Frequent system failures
- Backlog issues
- Errors when uploading documentation
- Getting stuck on the payment page
The South Africa E-visa Portal Is Extremely Hard To Navigate
The South Africa e visa official website has been unstable and it isn't easy to navigate easily through the application process. Making it hard to understand what to do while filling out your application.
"Date And Month Validation Mixed Up" Error
When you try to fill up the e-visa form. It's a very lengthy process, you'll run into errors as you fill out the form. When you fill up the date of birth, It shows that it has already been filled, and the date of birth is future, it also shows the "date and month validation mixed up".
Unable To Complete The Online Application Successfully
As the South Africa Evisa portal keeps giving errors, and the dates keep on changing when you click on a different tab. This is one of the issues that a lot of applicants are facing.
Awaiting Adjudication Outcome
When travelers log into their accounts and check the South Africa e visa status of their visa it says "Awaiting adjudication outcome", in many cases this South Africa e visa status remains for months with no update. There are some applicants who managed to apply and complete their South Africa e-visa application. But, they still haven't received their South Africa evisa for Indians in months. The awaiting adjudication outcome of South Africa e-visa is quite a common issue experienced.
Communication Errors
Some travelers have reported on Tripadvisor that they have struggled to get any communication back when they have reached out for help. Some travelers also reported waiting 4 months for their evisa South Africa with no communication from the South Africa e-visa service.
Frequent System Failures
This leads to a lot of frustration as every time you will need to restart your application process again. Sometimes you get the system failure and then are left unsure whether your application has been successfully submitted.
Backlog issues
The South Africa Evisa service is struggling to cope with the system and the applications already received. Making the South Africa e visa processing time much longer than it's supposed to take.
Errors When Uploading Documentation
Travelers have reported on Tripadvisor that they receive an error every time they try to upload their documentations on the system.
Getting Stuck On The Payment Page
If you're able to complete your application, then you get stuck in the payment stage. There is no button for "Next" to get the payment details. The whole application process is really time-consuming and frustrating as you don't know what's going on.
How To Solve The South Africa Evisa Problems
Throughout all these stressful and unending issues with the South Africa online visa, I found solutions to some of these issues that you can try.
Use a different Device
This is the most useful solution and seems to solve a lot of application problems for many people. There are people who keep getting errors when they use Mac books. The solution to this is to use a different device, such as a Windows laptop.
Apply Through The VFS Centre Or South African Mission
You can apply for your South African visa through the VFS center or the South African embassy. But, these two institutions will scan and email the application to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office, headquartered in Pretoria, then when your visa is approved, they will send it back to where you've applied.
Change Your Computer's Regional Settings To South Africa
Some people have reported that the issues such as the "date and month validation mixed up" error is sometimes solved by changing your computer's regional settings to South Africa.
Contact Your Nearest South African Embassy/Consulate
In some cases contacting your local embassy could help you get some assistance on your application. They can also assist you with how to apply in person if this is the next option for you.
It seems like South Africa has taken these struggles to heart and has implemented another company to assist them in building a better Evisa South Africa system. However, the latest news on this, Nov 2022, suggests this process might take a while.
All Done
You can check our South Africa tourist visa and South Africa evisa blogs to read up more on how to effectively apply for your visa without any issues.
Happy traveling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Africa E Visa Not Working?
The South African electronic visa system is now live and working. The eVisa for South Africa was launched in February 2022 for travelers from 14 countries. The eVisa system makes traveling to South Africa easier.
However there are many problems with the online application process at the moment.
How Long Does The South African EVisa Take?
The South Africa evisa processing time takes a few business days for a South African eVisa application from India. However, at times of high demand, it may take longer.
Are Visas Being Processed In South Africa?
Yes. However, there's a high demand and backlogs, so it may take longer.
Why Are Visas Taking So Long In South Africa?
The South Africa evisa processing time will take longer with the new system because of challenges such as staff shortages and rotational work arrangements, frequent system failures, communication issues, and existing backlogs.
How Long Does It Take For A Visa To Be Approved?
It takes a few business days to 4 weeks and even longer to process a South African eVisa application from India.
How Do I Track My South African Visa Application?
You may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application center you are visiting. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Center and your last name to access this service.
Is It Easy To Get South Africa Tourist Visa For Indians?
Yes. The process can be easy to obtain a South African Tourist Visa.
How Much Is The South African Visa Fee?
The South African online visa fee is approx. INR 2040, but you are charged a service fee either you apply through the visa service center or the South African embassy In India. Visa fees are payable online by debit or credit card.
Do Indians Need A Visa for South Africa?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. Indian tourists and other short-term visitors can now get a South Africa online visa. The new electronic application system is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a South African visa from India.
What Type Of South Africa Visa Can Indians Apply For?
There are several types of visas that Indians can apply for. It all depends on your trip purpose. Here are there South African entry visas you can apply for:
- Short-stay visa: Visits to family or friends for business purposes. The spouse is to join a spouse in South Africa on a work or study permit, and the children are to join parents in South Africa on work or study permits.
- Business Visas: Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business visa if it is their intention to be employed in the business.
- General Work Visas: General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with relevant qualifications, skills, and experience are not available for appointment. - Student Visas: Study visas are only issued for studies at selected learning institutions.
- Medical Treatment Visa: Any foreigner who needs to undergo medical treatment in the Republic must apply for a medical treatment visa, which visa may be issued for six months at a time.
The e Visa For South Africa Is Available To Which Countries?
Please note that the South African eVisa system is currently only available for citizens from the following nationalities:
Cameroon, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Uganda.
What Are The Required Documents For A South Africa Visa?
Like any other international travel, you must apply and meet the visa entry requirements for a South Africa Visa for Indians. You will need the following documents:
- A valid passport: Have at least one blank page in your passport.
- Sufficient funds: Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses in South Africa through bank statements.
- A yellow-fever certificate: Suppose your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
- Two color passport photographs.
- A return ticket if you travel by air.