New visa scheme in South Africa for tourists from China and India
Starting in 2025, South Africa is set to launch a new visa program aimed at making it easier for tourists from India and China to visit.
South Africa will introduce a new visa scheme at the start of next year to facilitate travel for tourists from India and also China. The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) will simplify visa processing for Chinese and Indian tourists.
New visa scheme for tourists from India and China
In the first three months of this year, 16 000 visitors from India visited South Africa, according to Visa Guide.
Tourism South Africa aims to significantly boost this number, targeting 100 000 tourists from India by the end of this year. Tourists from India comprise 3,9% of South Africa’s international visitors.
Markedly, tourists from China account for only 1,8% of South Africa’s international visitors.
What more tourists could mean for the economy
A 10% annual increase in tourism could boost South Africa’s economic growth by 0,6%, according to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. It could also generate tens of thousands of new jobs in South Africa.
Tourism plays a key role in driving economic growth. It helps create jobs, encourages new businesses, brings in money, and has a positive impact on other industries. In 2021, tourism made up 3.2% of South Africa’s GDP, as reported by bizcommunity.
How will the TTOS work?
The TTOS will aim to improve efficiency for tourists from non-visa exempt countries like China and India. Under the TTOS, tour operators can register with the Department of Home Affairs and submit group visa applications.
A specialised team of adjudicators will manage applications through the TTOS, ensuring faster and more efficient processing. It will also eliminate the bureaucratic obstacles that have historically impacted South Africa’s tourism sector.
It is important to note that TTOS is only an interim measure to boost tourism while the Department of Home Affairs aim to move quickly to digitally transform Home Affairs. Ultimately, their vision is for a fully automated process that delivers secure tourist visa outcomes digitally and within seconds to tourists from around the world.
“It sends a powerful message that the Government of National Unity is serious about unlocking our country’s vast tourism and economic potential.”
Minister Leon Schreiber
The regulations for the TTOS will be published shortly by the Department of Home Affairs, as well as information on how tour operators can apply ahead of the scheme’s rollout in January 2025.
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